River Balsa

Costa Rica is the perfect place for white water rafting, the water is warmer than rivers around here and the jungle setting is incredible.  Ben had never been white water rafting, so I convinced the team to float the River Balsa. It was quite the adventure.  

Because there were only 6 per raft, Ben and I got put with a random couple, a trainee and our guide.  The rest of the group was in a different raft.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous.  I really wanted Ben and the rest to enjoy it.  From the first rapids, I was on cloud 9, smiling ear to ear.  Not too far down the river though, the raft tilted my way, and I slid off the raft.  My foot and legs were still in the boat, but my head and chest were under water outside the boat.  I was determined not to fall in, so I dug in my feet and the two guides grabbed my life jacket and pulled me back up.  Phew, catastrophe overted.  Then it started to rain, which seemed to make the raft extra slippery, but it was absolutely beautiful!  However a few rapids later, we hit a huge rock and got dumped into the river.  I tried to lay back, relax and point my feet downstream (as instructed), but we were still in the thick of the rapids.  I hit rock after rock got flipped over, did sommersalts and finally came up and was able to grab onto the raft.  I had been told not to grab onto the raft though, so that the guides could flip it back over, so I let go and got sucked under the raft.  For a few seconds I thought it might be the end for me, but eventually, I hit another rock and the raft floated away from me.  Still floating rapidly downstream getting pummeled by rocks, another raft offered me an oar and pulled me into their raft.  It was crazy!  I lost both shoes in the chaos, one of my toenails was almost completely ripped off, there were bumps, bruises and blood all over my lower half.  Luckily, the life vest and helmet protected my torso and head, but my back was really sore.  

Ben also got pummeled a bit, but he was able to stop himself on a rock and stand up to help flip the raft back to the right side.

Although in a lot of pain, we got back on the raft and kept going.  Getting flipped was actually quite exhilarating and I smiled and laughed the rest of the way.  Memories were made.   I had hoped that the photographer had captured some of the excitement, but I found out that he wasn't nearby when it happened. 

Costa Rica

23 years ago I spent 5 amazing weeks in Costa Rica.  It was a study abroad program for my last semester of college.  I fell in love with the country and had wanted to take Ben there for the longest time.   When Ben's boss announced that they would be going there for a business trip, I was all in! 

Costa Rica was just as beautiful and amazing as the first time, but it was a much quicker trip.  We spent the whole time in the La Fortuna area at the base of Volcan Arenal.  

Pina colada, yum!

He joined us for dinner one evening.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Sloths!

Ben found a swimming hole
wiith a rope swing!

Killing It!

Our kids have been killng it the last few weeks!  Reyn made the Orem High school volleyball team and top team at club V.  Alyssa made the West Lake High School volleyball team and a nationals team at club 801.  Q made the A team for tackle football and Holly landed a job with a veterinarian.  I'm a proud momma!

FSY

This year our kids had the opportunity to attend FSY.  I was so excited, praying that our kids would have a life changing experience.  We ended up with mixed reviews and honestly, it was disappointing.  Alyssa attended at Snow College with her friend Lily.  They had a good time together and liked the social aspect, but not the rest.  Tiago and Reyn attended at BYU.  Reyn loved it and cried when she had to leave.  Tiago said it was mid.  Holly attended at the University of Utah and hated it.  She said it was the worst experience of her life and that she cried every day.  She got to meet Elder Renlund though, that's pretty cool.  I'm glad they went.  

We are trying our best to give our kids opportunities to feel the spirit, grow their relationship with their Father in Heaven and Savior and strengthen their desire to live the gospel and stay on the covenant path.  Unfortunately, our best efforts don't seem to be working.  I often have to remind myself that this is the Lord’s work and that he is in charge.  He works miracles, and we need miracles!

Goodbye For Now

We decided to sell our sweet ferrets.  They filled our home with smiles and laughter, but the girls are getting too busy to take care of them in the way they deserve.   

We feel good about the their new owners.  Kodo now has a new friend named Noodle,  Pabu and Binx are staying together and I have a feeling they will all be spoiled in their new homes.

Goodbye sweet boys, we will miss you, until we meet again!

This is a picture of Kodo and his new friend Noodle.  He looks happy!

Girl's Camp

I was sad to miss girls camp this year (I was at VIDCON).  It would have been a great opportunity to get to know the young women better.  I did go up to the cabin, a few weeks before, to help build the handrail and slats for the stairs and loft. 

I was really glad that Holly and Reyn were able to go.  They didn't love it, but they went.  Next up, FSY!

May the Force Be With You, Dez

My spunky, fun, sweet step mom passed away this week.  I'm so sad for my dad!  We had such high hopes that they would get to travel the world and serve a mission together.  Instead we are mourning her passing.  

She was a Star Trek, Star Wars nerd.  At the funeral, the pall bearers wore Star Trek lapel pins, and the music for her video was all from Star Wars.  

We love you, Dez!  You were loved in life, and will be missed. 

My dad proposed  to Dez, even though she had been diagnosed with cancer.  
July 9, would have been their anniversary.

Sibling reunion, doesn't happen very often

Love my dad so much!
He is an incredible example
of selfless love and sacrifice.