Welding Project

Laiklie is not in welding this trimester, but since she has an online class 6th hour, she’s able to go into the welding shop during that hour to work on welding. She decided she wanted to make a metal rose out of washers. It turned out incredible! She did an amazing job on it! There is so much detail that a picture doesn’t do it justice. Such a neat talent to have! 

Laiklie’s New Room

Laiklie recently wanted to redo her room. We were able to find some bedding she loved with kind of a western vibe on Facebook marketplace. We matched the paints to that and spent half a day this week painting and making her macramé wall hanging. Everything looks so good! We still need to get her pictures hung on the wall, but this is a great start.

 

Grandma’s Birthday

We finally had a day where the sun was shining, so Rhett, Laiklie and I ran out to the cemetery to see my mom for her birthday. She would have been 71 this year. We miss her so much! Everyday! Hard to believe it’s almost been two years since we lost her. Happy Heavenly Birthday Mama. 

Senior Cheer Banquet

It’s hard to believe this is our final cheer banquet. Cheer is so much of who Rhett is that it has become such a large part of our lives. Each year at the cheer banquet the seniors leave one of their “talents” to a younger, fellow cheerleader. This year Rhett left his ability to flip through the air and learn quickly to his friend Brooklyn Larson. Also, each year, the coaches give the cheerleaders awards. This year their theme was animals. Rhett was given the final award of the night and it was so fitting. They gave him the Eagle award. 

It reads…Eagles symbolize spirit, freedom, and self expression. Eagles also have a solid connection to the element of air. Despite the birds large size, it flies higher than any other bird and takes daring dives. Its power comes from its long wings. But their power extends far beyond physical size; they also have a lot of spirit. Eagles have spirit and confidence in who they are. They reflect our souls, spirit, and the fire we have within. 

I had to choke back the tears as they read it, knowing before they announced who it went to that it was for Rhett. He does fly high and have an incredible fire within. He’s given all that he has to his team. We are going to miss this!!

Last Volleyball Tournament

Laiklie‘s last club volleyball tournament this year was April 15. She had to finish the season a little early due to her cousins wedding falling on the final tournament at the end of April. This was definitely a good tournament to finish on though. We didn’t lose a single game that day until the championship game in the gold bracket. Beating out five other teams for second place isn’t too bad! We were sure excited for her team.

Snuggle Buddy

This little baby is by far our favorite snuggle buddy. He has just recently started singing like his daddy and dancing like his mama. It’s so fun to watch him learn and grow through all the different stages.

Easter 2023

For Easter this year, we decided to make a quick trip down to see Oakley and Logan. Dallin, Rhett and Laiklie got their Easter baskets Saturday morning before we left. Rhett and Laiklie rode down with Ryan and I. Dallin rode down with his girlfriend Sarah that was moving back home to Utah from college. We got to visit at Oakley‘s for a while and then went over to the hotel to swim. On Sunday, we went to Oakley and Logan‘s ward for their Easter program and back to her home for Easter dinner. It was a quick trip, but we loved being together!

Dying Easter Eggs

I can’t get a real picture out of these two to save my life! Such knuckleheads! I’m just glad they are still willing to color Easter eggs with me.

Augers + Snow

We woke up to sunshine and a gorgeous day so Ryan decided to pull a 63 foot auger over to Twin Falls. This was the weather we ended up driving in. We definitely wouldn't have gone that day if we'd have known we were driving into worse weather. I even wore my flip flops knowing that Twin is usually warmer than us.  So I was no help to Ryan unhooking when we got there. This has been the longest winter of our lives! We are definitely over it! 

 

Spokane Volleyball Trip

Laiklie‘s volleyball team got to play in Spokane Washington this year, so us girls got to take a road trip. I had never been to northern Idaho. It’s gorgeous! We took one of Laiklie‘s teammates, Kaycie, with us. We were able to stay with my niece, Ali and her husband, Adrian that live in Spokane. They were our tour guides on a very cold day at Coeur d’Alene as well. Laiklie‘s team played well and we had a great trip. Jax was a trooper and sat through SEVERAL hours of driving and volleyball. 

St. Patrick’s Day

This was the day after his surgery so you can see his eyes are a little red and puffy. His great-grandma Linn bought him his St. Patrick’s Day outfit. 

Jax’s Eye Surgery

On March 15th Jax was finally able to have his eye surgery to open his clogged tear ducts. IT WORKED!! His little eyes are SO MUCH better! They were so bad. The doctor said there was lots of swelling and infection.We are so glad to finally have that behind him.  

Kyson Quinn Shumway

My nephew Kaden and his wife Abby had their precious little Kyson on March 9th. He’s the answer to lots and lots of prayers over the years for them to be able to start their family. We’re thrilled that he’s finally here! He’s healed their broken hearts. So happy for them. 

 

Idaho State Clogging Comp

On March 11th Laiklie had her Idaho State dance comp in Pocatello. She did great! She did 2 long duets, solos, an acapella and her team dances. Her and Ellie got high golds on both of their long duets and a PERFECT SCORE and one of them!!! So exciting! That doesn’t happen very often! They also got judges choice and a trophy for their Star Wars team dance. Such a great day of dancing!