Idaho

On our way to and from Montana we stopped in Idaho to see my sister who is in the process of moving to Utah from Texas. She and her kids are staying with her inlaws while she is househunting. Not a fun process and taking longer than wanted but thank goodness for family. The cousins all had a fun time playing in the fields and the dirt pile.


On the way up the girls all got to go to the oldest girl cousins's apt at BYU-Idaho and have a sleepover. Denae was a great sport to have them all and I'm sure it's a experience they won't forget. Thanks roommates for being tolerate to the intrusion

The Rexburg Idaho temple

On the way back from Mt. we stayed a couple of days in Idaho so my dad could hit the fishing holes. We took the kids up to a park in Rexburg where there was a splash pad, carousel and even shaved ice. Fun afternoon but very windy. Notice the kids shivering in the picture.

Grandma and the grandkids cooling off with shaved ice

riding the carousel

Aunt Amy took the girls out on the 4 wheeler around the fields. they loved it. I was even brave and took a turn.

Montana

The beginning of July the girls and I headed West. We flew to SLC where we joined up with my parents and two nieces Tori and Mackenzie to go to a family reunion in Montana. We stopped in Idaho Falls to see one of my sisters on the way coming and going so the cousins all got to spend some time together. The family reunion was held in Virginia City, MT. It is a small town SW of Bozeman. It was a mining town in the mid 1800's. Now it is a tourist stop with many fun shops and activities. On our way we stopped in W. Yellowstone. We didn't go all the way around the park but to Old Faithful and back. We only saw one buffalo the whole time. Very unusual.

Grandma and the girls at the community center in W. Yellowstone. this was a decorated buffalo statue the girls thought was cool. It was beautiful and sunny. Dry heat-something we love coming from hot and humid. We had a picnic lunch here at the center.

Old Faithful from a distance-the best way to watch it. We just missed the eruption and so just got to see the aftermath.

The girls and I

The girls at the entrance sign for Virginia city. This was a booming town as gold was mined in the mid 1800's. My father's family had a gold processing mill up the mountain in Alder gulch. It is now on the state historical registry. Our reunion was held mainly in the community gym where we renewed friendships, learned more about our family history and had yummy meals. We have many family members that live in Mt. so they have work parties periodically and go to the mill to do preservation work. The Bureau of Land Management has put a fence around the remains of the mill to protect it from roaming cattle. It's amazing to think that our ancestors hauled equipment up the mountain with teams of oxen to operate this mill. What a great legacy to have. Now it's up to us to keep it going.

The girls and I in front of one of the remaining walls at the mill. As we wandered around we could see where the vault for storing the gold had been. there are still some wood from where Chilean rollers were for processing the gold. There is still areas where you can see where the equipment used to be. It's exciting to have that heritage and see what was done there.

This is three generations. My grandmother who is 95, my father, myself and my girls. Shortly after the reunion my grandmother had a stroke. she is still alive and doing okay, but she has always been so proud of her posterity. She knows when all the grand and great grand kids birthdays are. There are 19 grandkids and 35+- greats.

Our branch of the family tree represented. It's more like a twig with just us, but we had a wonderful time.

All the Christenot cousins that were at the reunion. These are mostly 3rd cousins.

EFY-Especially for Youth

This year Taylor had the opportunity to attend EFY-Especially for Youth, a conference put on by the church for youth 14-18 to strengthen their testimony of the gospel, socialize with other youth with the same values and learn ways to stand for what is right in today's world. It is done with classes, games, dances and other activities. The conferences are held all over the United States and the closest one to us in in San Antonio at Trinity college. Taylor went with two other boys from our area and they had a great time.

this was waiting outside for registration to open. Just chillin' out.


Each participant is given their name badge and housing info. The theme for the year is the same no matter where they attend. Courage to Stand Strong is needed to face the challenges of today's teenager.

Taylor with all his "stuff"

Taylor, Greg and Chris with their conference t-shirts.

Taylor at his dorm room. The counselor had left notes for each person to welcome to the conference.

3rd of July

It's been a very eventful summer so I am trying to go back and put in many of the activities we had this summer. Of course, since it's been so long since I did a blog entry I have the pictures in backwards, but please bear with me, I'll get back into the swing of things.

Since the 4th of July was on Sunday we did our big celebration on Sat. the 3rd. Our neighbors, the Boyers had a pool party, lots of great company and food as well as the swimming to cool off. Then Taylor got to his favorite part, the fireworks. He and fellow pyromaniac Mike went to LA for their fireworks fix and got the goods for a awesome show. We had over 80 people lining the sidewalk by our house and I think I can safely say it was a awesome show!!!! Blowing up fireworks is always a great way to celebrate our country's birthday!!!

Taylor and Mike enjoying the show



The two pyromaniacs before the show began. They are armed and ready!!!

The spectators

Taylor thrilled with the fun he was anticipating

Ken, helping lay out the fireworks so make the show move along. No long delays and boring stuff here.

Earlier in the afternoon at the pool party. Lexi with a squirt gun.

Paige and friends enjoying the BBQ.

Great friends sharing time together

Loving the yummy food everyone brought.

swim team

Both girls swam on a neighborhood swim team as they have done for the past 5 yrs. It was a tough year as they were both the youngest in their age category, but they did well. The hardest part as parents were the Sat. am meets. It was hot and we are not allowed a quick jump in the pool to cool off.

Paige in the breaststroke event.

Lexi ready for her event.

At the end of the season each swimmer gets a trophy and award. Lexi with hers.

Paige and hers.

The girls and their awesome coaches, Coach Matt and Coach Jessi. They are both great and very patient with the kids. They do put together killer workouts though.

Visit from family

With all the graduation festivities was visits from family far and wide. Ken's mom came the week before graduation. Maria's parents and sisters came the weekend of graduation and stayed afterwards for a few days. We enjoyed just hanging out and visiting as well as seeing different things around Houston.

We went to Brazos Bend park because our cousin wanted to see "real" alligators. This is about as real as it gets.

Hanging out at home.

The Curnutt clan with grandma and Papa

Lovin on cousin Benjamin

The "kids" at play at the children't museum

Papa and Paige racing their Lego cars. Papa's had some structural problems.

On the ferry to Bolivar. We hadn't been since before Ike and the little ones thought it was cool to drive on the boat and get out and check out the water

Grandma and Papa on the ferry

Dinner at the original mexican restaurant after a full day at Galveston. Yummy!!!

The great Lego creation from Sara, Paige and Anthony. This was very tricked out!!!

Thanks so much for coming and visiting. We love to have visitors, and it doesn't even have to be a special event.

Taylor's high school graduation

Taylor with his graduation cake. The balloons behind him give the appearance of him wearing the mortar board.

Taylor's graduation was the very last graduation of the school district. Sunday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m. -yes, a horrible time. Since we had all afternoon to wait we did our graduation dinner then with family and friends. We appreciate everyone that was able to be there and support Taylor in this special time in his life.

I know it's hard to read because of the brightness of the lights but it says Welcome to 2010 Mayde Creek Commencement.

The 2010 senior class of Mayde Creek High School

Taylor lined up to receive his diploma. Notice the big grin, he was ready!!!

Our family tradition is when you come out of commencement you are attacked by family members with silly string. I think Taylor got it good!!!! The lighting is so bad because it was dark. It was about 9:00 p.m. by the time we were done.

Everyone there to congratulate Taylor. thanks for being there. It was nasty and muggy out after getting a brief rain shower. I had gotten the lei for Taylor with green and white orchids. It was beautiful.

Taylor with just a few remnants of the silly string

The Torbit family-one, so proud of Taylor. Way to go and remember this is really the beginning not just the end.

Our proud senior.