Deer Valley, Thanks for having us. Love, The Brownings.

On Tuesday I loaded the van with food, sleeping bags, swimming paraphenelia and kids and headed to Deer Valley to meet Scott and his sister Karen at the St. Regis. 


The St. Regis is not the normal kind of hotel we would stay at, but we were happy to be there and I'm sure they were pleased to have us.

After the valet took our car we rode the funicular up to the hotel.  It's nestled up in the mountains and you must drive through a gated community to get to it. This is why guests ride the funicular up to the hotel.  

First Funicular ride

This was the view from one of the balconies in our room.  It really was beautiful. The kids giggled a bit at the staff constantly referring to me as Mrs. Browning. Our butler walked us to our room and the kids gave the place the once over. They checked all the closets and cubbies, stood in the shower, played with the t.v. in the bathroom mirror, sat on the deck and then they were ready for the pool. 

We all donned our robes and Scott and I took them all to the pool. 

There was still snow on the mountainside, but the pool felt great.  

 

The hotel also had a gameroom for the kids. They played pool, air hockey, and lots of the Kinect.  

On Wednesday morning we had breakfast and had some drivers take us to the Park City Mountain Resort to play for the day.  

Karen had found this place and was sure the kids would have a fantastic time there. We stayed from 1-5:30 and ran the whole time.  There was a rock wall, a bungee trampoline, an Alpine slide and coaster, miniature golf, and a zip line. There were no lines so the kids just went round and round. 

 

Aidan was nervous while riding the lift to the top, but loved watching all the crazy ground squirrels that covered the mountain.  

He loved the Alpine slide and all the other kids loved the coaster.  I talked Cole into riding the coaster with me as I screamed the whole way down he kept saying, "Mom just calm down it's connected to the track."

When we got to the bottom he said politely, "I won't be riding with you again." 

I can't blame him. Scott waited patiently and kept tabs on us all. Joe took a long ride on the lift and nearly fell asleep.  The kids had a blast!  I think Asher rode the coaster about 25 times.  To top it all off Asher, Kooper, Chloe and I were the last of the day to ride the zip line. We all went at the same time and it was such a thrill.  What a great way to spend the afternoon.

Thanks to Aunt Karen for a fabulous time. We love you. 

That's a Wrap.

Kids August 2010

The school year has officially ended.
It always goes out with a bang.
So many programs and parties a Mother is on call constantly.
Video camera and digital camera on the ready.
Scott headed to Boise for his yearly sabbatical, so he's not pictured.

I was so proud, but not surprised when Chloe's teacher, Mrs.Cook, called to privately tell me she had picked Chloe to receive the Hope of America award of in her class. One boy and girl were chosen from each 6th grade class. The Hope of America award is one that recognizes and encourages graduating elementary and middle school students who possess outstanding leadership ability, ethical and moral character, achievement in academic studies, and show promise of future success and service to the community. That sounds about right in my book.  


Chloe's teacher wrote in her yearbook. I am not the only one who sees you as an outstanding representative of the Hope of America. Your classmates value your powerful characteristics of integrity, kindness, personal responsibility, friendship, and leadership.  You are known for creatively going the extra mile, whether making 200 chocolate bites, scenery and props for a Greek play, or turning a simple bookmark into a work of art.  Everyone and everything you touch is better because of you.  Keep your ideals high and success will follow you. --Mrs. Cook.


Behold the power of a teacher. 

The 6th Graders have been preparing for an end of the year dance.  They've learned several different dance styles and were given instructions to dress in their best and wear deodorant:) Then they had a dance card and were assigned to dance with other students.  Parents were NOT ALLOWED. I think this was to help the students feel comfortable. So no pics unfortunately, but here is her dance card.

Her class also performed Shakespeare's a Midsummer Night's Dream.  She was one of the beautiful fairies and worked tirelessly on her skirt.  I am not sure why I have no photos of this.  I know if I have video.
There is an end of school "clap out" for all the 6th grade students leaving the school as well as any faculty leaving.  I went with my camera and cried and clapped and snapped pictures as I watched some much loved teachers walk the hall and some of the best 6th graders I know.  My children are so blessed to have such great friends.

Asher had a busy year. 5th grade is a killer. There's Clear Creek Camp, Science Fair, Hope of America performance, Wax Museum, & Ellis Island. He has loved his teacher and had a year full of fun stuff. Having Mr.D for a teacher has made it a great year. They often talk about sports and Asher definitely looks up to him.

Here he is as Mr. Orville Wright.  He did a report on him and dressed like him for a Wax Museum.  We walked through and the students were all frozen in place.  I was able to go to Clear Creek with him, watch him perform in Hope of America at the Marriott Center, and be his book club Mom, so I've enjoyed spending some one on one time with Asher as he grows into a young man. I find him funny, engaging, and involved.

Second grade has been a bit of a challenge for Aidan.  He is a creative boy who thinks outside the box, and I think he sometimes feels stuffed back in the box.  This makes him anxious and unhappy.  All in all it was a fine year, but I'm hoping next year will be even better. He excelled at art and spelling. He is a very creative story teller.  Mrs. Schmidt helped him improve his hand writing and vocabulary.  This boy has a big tender heart and a love of learning.

Here's Aidan in his God of Nature mask.  It is covered with animals (note the black widows on each cheek).  I joined Aidan for a donut date this year and we read animal facts from a large book together and shared a donut.  This boy is looking forward to a summer full of friends, nature, and sleep.

Here's Aidan giving hugs to his siblings on the last day of school.


Cole is dying to begin Kindergarten next year.  When we registered him he would ask day after day if it was time to get his backpack and head out.  He is so ready  now.  I only hope they are ready for him.  He is a spit fire of a kid with a personality as big as the sky.  He exudes coolness and cries in my lap when his feelings are hurt.
He's been the leader of my 3-ringed circus while the big kids are at school.  "How long until Tylo's out of school," is on his personal speed dial.  He learned to do chores, practice piano, and loved to have an afternoon cuddle up while the babies were napping.












With the school year over Grace is looking forward to running with the big kids, and giving me a run for my money.  We've begun the potty training, and it's been mostly good. However last Sunday while she did perfectly during church (she even stayed the entire time in Nursery without a tear) she came home and wreaked havoc.  She wet on a chair, then hopped in my flour bucket while the children and I were busy making dinner.  Later she emptied dirt from my flower planter onto the front porch and I still can't talk about the glitter incident.  I was sure Cole was to be my loudest child, but alas she has proved me wrong.  Oh I love her, but she requires much correction and patience. She has grown so much this past school year and talks up a storm.

Happy End of the School Year.

Kids May 2011

34 Feels Good

Weekend birthdays are the best. They can go on and on.
And mine did.  Scott had scheduled me for a massage on Thursday.
My kids had been working out my sore leg muscles with a rolling pin, so this was a high class treat.
It was a bit painful, but for a good cause.

Then on Friday I went "hiking" with Ging.  I had wanted to hike part of Timp or
possibly Stewart Falls.  Unfortunately both trails were snowy and so we hiked the foothills
by Ginger's house.  It was a beautiful walk with great company. We had smoothies afterwards.

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Friday afternoon Scott took me to the new Pirates movie. I'm not a big movie buff, but I find the Pirate movies entertaining and it was just that. It was nice to get away together in the middle of the afternoon and eat a large popcorn for lunch.

Saturday was the actual day of my birth. (Thanks Mom.)
I got up early and met Terri for breakfast at Communal.
We had my birthday lunch there last year and I've been eyeing their breakfast menu for months.
Terri arrived with a pink polka-dotted balloon in hand dressed for the temple.
We shared a delicious breakfast of lemon crepes with creme fraiche, drinking chocolate, a giant biscuit with raspberry and strawberry jam, and the house omlette with home fries.

Oh mama.  You just savored each bite.  It was wonderful.
When we finished we drove around and found Britney's apartment and tracked her down at work.
We pulled into the MTC on her lunch break and chatted for a bit.

At home Binh and Joe had come to visit with their friend Bachel.  They brought a giant Costco chocolate cake, and the children all sang.  That evening Scotty and I went out with 3 neighbor couples.  I laughed so much my cheeks were sore.  It was such a great time.

On top of all that I got cards in the mail, well-wishes online, and phone calls with singing and promises of slobbery kisses.

What a fantastic 34th Birthday.  I wish each year was like this. I loved having time to connect with people individually doing things I loved.

My Mom has a journal entry from the day I was born.  I was not an easy delivery ( little did she know that was a sign of things to come).  Mom has heart problems and things were not going well with her heart during my delivery.  In a panic I was delivered with forceps and still have those scars on my face.  Mom was  not able to hold me as they were carefully watching her heart.  She continued to ask for her baby knowing this would make her feel better.  They finally obliged.  Having had children of my own I am so thankful to my own Mother for her sacrifice in getting me to this earth.

Music to my ears.

It hasn't gone well. At all.
Good thing I bought plenty of panties.
The first day she wet 3 pair in less than an hour.

"I'm peeing," she announced standing in the corner by the t.v.
I'm not a real patient potty-trainer, BUT I am not giving up.
I offered a sucker.
She stole one when I wasn't looking.
I offered cookies.
She passed.
I make her go sit on the toilet several times.
Nothing.

Today was the same news. No news.
Chloe had her ukulele out and Grace wanted to play it.
"If you use the potty you can play my ukulele," Chloe bribed.
She ran in and hopped up on the padded Tinkerbell seat.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything.
Then she yelled. "I did it! I did it!"

By golly she did. She did it.
For a ukulele.
Time to rethink my rewards system.

Burley

I've wanted to make a trip to Burley for some time.
I needed to go.
On Friday the stars aligned and I was able to go.
Scotty kept the oldest three and wrangled soccer games, Saturday chores, and a late Friday night party.
I left Cole and Grace and Grandma and Grandpa's house.

 Grandma was busy baking tons of pies for the ward Scout auction. Mind you it was only 9 am, and she was wrapping up the last few here. 

Here's Grandpa with 2 new knees only a few weeks old. 

His therapist told him she'd never seen anyone with Dad's range of motion in such a short time.

Turns out he needs no outpatient therapy because he's done it all himself. 

No surprise there, Dad's a machine. 

77 this year- psh! He's got the knees of a 14 year old.

 I grew up in Burley, but my parents moved to Utah shortly after I was married.

I lived in one house until about 5 and then the other until I left for college. 

It holds all my childhood memories. Just driving through that little town

brings back floods of memories. 

Parades, early morning Mayfair sales, fancy jeans at Ropers, sidewalk sale days, waitressing at Perkins, making sandwiches at Subway, cleaning hotel rooms at the Best Western, and working at McD's with Jen, going to DQ after my baptism with the family, tree forts, weed forts, burning our own trash, walking the ditch banks with Mom, picking wild asparagus, running in the borrow pit to Shannon's house, sleepovers on the huge deck that Dad built, running through the sprinklers and sleeping on the trampoline, running across the street to Tonya's house, making Dad late for work when we missed the bus, walking home from elementary school, making a chalk city for our bikes, teen dances, taking our garden produce to enter it in the fair early in the morning. 

I guess for many people who know of Burley they wrinkle their nose up at the little town, but I grew up there. It holds so many fantastic memories with wonderful people.  

My real purpose for going to Burley was to visit my friend Shannon. 

We've been friends since we were 5.  

She recently had a Birthday and she has a lot going on in her life.
Her sweet baby Mallory has many medical challenges.
She is as sweet as they come and I think she particularly likes me.
I can get a smile out of her with ease. Shannon is a vigilant, valiant, sacrificing, loving Mother. 

She is also one of those friends that you get together with and pick right up where you left off. 

We had lunch at Spinners and chatted about life and High School and friends.
Then we stopped by our favorite Young Women's leader's house.
We visited and made plans to get back together later that night.

Shannon took her kids for haircuts and I picked up Wendy and went to see an old family friend,

 Mae Mabey (Jones) at the Care Center. 

This use to be the hospital and was the hospital I and several of my siblings were born in. 

Mae has suffered a stroke, and I was unsure of what to expect, but 

she was as spunky as ever. She cracked jokes and reminisced with us. I felt her sorrow for the loss of some of her physical abilities, but she told us all the ways she keeps her mind working- puzzles, sudoku, cards. Mom use to go to Mae's and clean house or help take care of Grandma, and oh the VHS collection Mae had. We checked out some great flicks from Mae. She was the Netflix of the 90's.

She was so happy to see us, and it was a stop I was so glad I made. 

Of course I had to drive down Sandy Glen and see the old lane. 

This is our house. Look at those bushes! Mom would be out there trimming those down yesterday!

My parents kept a beautiful yard and it was an acre of landscaping, garden, raspberry patch, and an orchard.

I felt a bit like a stalker here, but i had to show everyone that they took down the 

front room wall! You can see right out the back door. 

Shannon, Livy and I went out to Kiwi Loco to visit G.J. at work. 

I tried my best to embarass her and all I got was an eye roll. 

Ah well. 

These are Shannon's 3 oldest kids enjoying a pizza night with Daddy while we went out for dinner. 

After dinner Shannon and I visited with Janet until 2 in the  morning. We talked and cried and laughed until our stomachs hurt. Janet has lost two children. Her oldest was 5 years old and I was his babysitter.  She lost her baby after only 2 months because of the physical challenges she was born with.  I cannot understand the pain Janet has endured. She is a tremendous woman and a dear friend. 

Each of us has been through heavy trials, and it was uniting to talk about those and to share insight. 

Saturday morning Wendy made me breakfast with this rancid butter. 

Okay, maybe not rancid, but she keeps it in her cupboard like Grandma did. 

It's salted butter, so I'll forgive, but I had to tease her a bit. 

To wrap up the visit Wendy and the girls and I went to Kiwi Loco for breakfast yogurt. 

I stopped by Shannon's and said goodbye on the way out of town. 

This is what greeted me as I pulled into my parents. Looks like the kids had a good time.

And this is what we came home with. 

A cherry pie bought at auction by Cole and some of Grandma's chicken's eggs.

Grandpa told me Cole came in early Saturday morning from the coop with a grin on his face. 

"Guess what I have Grandpa?"

And then he pulled a warm chicken egg out of each pocket. 

Early this morning (Tuesday May 3rd) Shannon called. 

Mallory had returned home to her Heavenly Father. 

My heart is heavy.  I am so glad that I made this trip to be with Shannon. 

My testimony of the Lord's hand in our lives is strengthened.

He knows each of us. He knows our pain. He will succor us.