Crazy Last Few Weeks

We went to Bible Conference and had a wonderful time, being refreshed by God's Word and some seriously powerful sermons. We are so thankful for conference. It refreshes us and renews our vision and calling.

At the end of Conference it was announced that Markell and Brandie are going to pioneer a new church here in the Salt Lake Valley! VERY exciting news and we are so proud of them!!

At the end of conference Marcus got run down, sun burned and broke out with a skin virus/blister. When we got home it was getting very bad and causing his eye to swell. Monday morning we went into the Pediatrician's office and he sent us to the children's hospital. Marcus stayed there until Thursday morning!!! 

He has had this virus before, but it was NEVER this bad. He was on IV meds the entire time. He had a lot of fun ordering whatever he wanted from the menu-at any time he wanted! We were all so thankful for everyone's prayers, even his cousin Josiah fasted and prayed for him on Wednesday. God moved! He looked so much better on Thursday morning that he was discharged from the hospital. Thank you everyone for your fasting and prayers! 

During this week we had revival at our church with the pastor in Africa that our church supports. Danny text me his awesome notes that he took and they spoke to me as I sat in the hospital with Marcus. 

Also, Rob had his first week of golf camp-which he absolutely loved! He learned some stuff that he didn't know before. He really enjoyed it and Josh can't wait to take him on a course to see how he plays now. Watch out Daddy!

Also, Allie was a trooper riding along in the car a lot. She got a few naps in the car. She also finished up gymnastics until August. 

Grandma Debbie came to town on Thursday. Perfect Timing! She arrived at the time Marcus was being released from the hospital! Very cool! We got Starbucks to celebrate :)

Had a lot of fun with Grandma while she was here for the weekend. Time went so fast. Starbucks, shopping, making meals, playing games...

And this morning at church Markell and Brandie had a baby dedication for Aliyah! She is so cute! She slept through the whole thing. What a little princess :)

Baseball Closing Ceremonies

Today was baseball closing ceremonies for Marcus.

He had a great season and a really fun time playing. 

We all love his coach and are thankful 

that he was on his team. 

It so exciting that Marcus' team won first place in the league!

But, we think it's even more exciting that Marcus was the only 

one chosen from his team to win the Sportsmanship Award!!

We are very, very proud of you, Marcus!

That's the best award you could receive!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Father's Day was celebrated early in our house. We are all going to Bible Conference this weekend so we wouldn't have been able to have our traditional meal and celebration on Sunday afternoon. 

The older kids (Markell & Brandie, Zack, Danny and Marcus) pitched in and bought Josh a brand new barbecue!!! They surprised him with it right before dinner. 

He loves to grill and desperately needed a new one.

He LOVES it and is so happy.

We had such a fun time eating, laughing, and simply just hanging out together. 

So glad Danny's family could join us!

I think Josh is absolutely the most amazing man. He bought each person a card and wrote a note in it (to all of his kids and me). He gave them to us before dinner simply thanking us, because he says without us he would not be a father. Everyone was so blessed! He even stuck a little gift/gift card in each card :)

And, he also took the time to write a tribute to honor Danny for graduating high school and presented it to him. Danny was surprised!

Markell was blessed as he celebrated his first Father's Day!

new golf shoes, socks & shirt for dad

The most amazing part of the night was watching and listening to each of the kids present a tribute to their dad. It was so powerful and moving. There was not a dry eye in the house. We started with the youngest...

Then it was so awesome to hear all of them cover Josh in prayer. 

We stood in a circle and laid hands on him and prayed for him. 

The night continued with ice cream, re telling of family stories and deep conversation around the kitchen table. It was a perfect night. 

We love you Daddy! Happy Father's Day!

Happy Hiking

On Friday, the kids and I were able to go hiking 
in the mountains with some friends. 

It was such a gorgeous day!

The kids had fun exploring and the boys had fun throwing snowballs at each other. Yes-there is still snow on the ground up there on the mountain! We actually couldn't reach our destination because of too much snow. But, we had a good hour hike up to that point. Everyone had a snack and we headed back down. We saw squirrels, chipmunks, and ducks. 

Heard from the park ranger that the best time to go hiking is in July! 

Until then...

It was so cute. While we were hiking Marcus all of a 
sudden started quoting from this book that I've read to 
him SO many times! We all love this book...

I captured this moment of the boys sitting on a 
bench together at the end of the hike.

Celebrating Zack's Birthday

We had two celebration days in a row. 
First, Danny's high school graduation. 
Then, we got to celebrate Zack's birthday!

Yummy funfetti cake and ice cream for everyone.

And of course we all were enjoying little, sweet Aliyah!

Danny the High School Graduate!

We are so incredibly proud of you, Danny!
YOU DID IT!

(there he is in the first row on the right-3rd from aisle)

(Danny with his beautiful mom, Rocio)