another school girl

Kendall was so excited for her first day of preschool this week!  She is so excited to get to go to school with one of her best buddies.

That Max is a looker...isn't he?

Krissy B. Jones

Last year in school Krissy got to dress up like a character from one of her favorite books. She chose to dress up like Junie B. Jones from Junie B. Jones: Captain Field Day. I think these have to be some of my most favorite pictures ever! Doesn't she make a cute little nerd?

Moyle Park

One of the biggest highlights of our summer was visiting Moyle Park. This year we tagged along with our friends, The Prices. The kids love to participate in pioneer activities and I love the history that is there. The story of John Rowe Moyle is one of my most favorite Church history stories. You can read it below...

"This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Rowe Moyle. John was a convert to the Church who left his home in England and traveled to the Salt Lake Valley as part of a handcart company. He built a home for his family in a small town a valley away from Salt Lake City. John was an accomplished stonecutter and, because of this skill, was asked to work on the Salt Lake Temple.

Every Monday John left home at two o’clock in the morning and walked six hours in order to be at his post on time. On Friday he would leave his work at five o’clock in the evening and walk almost until midnight before arriving home. He did this year after year.

One day, while he was doing his chores at home, a cow kicked him in the leg, causing a compound fracture. With limited medical resources, the only option was to amputate the broken leg. So John’s family and friends strapped him onto a door and, with a bucksaw, cut off his leg a few inches from the knee.

In spite of the crude surgery, the leg started to heal. Once John could sit up in bed, he began carving a wooden leg with an ingenious joint that served as an ankle to an artificial foot. Walking on this device was extremely painful, but John did not give up, building up his endurance until he could make the 22-mile (35-km) journey to the Salt Lake Temple each week, where he continued his work.

His hands carved the words “Holiness to the Lord” that stand today as a golden marker to all who visit the Salt Lake Temple.⁵

John did not do this for the praise of man. Neither did he shirk his duty, even though he had every reason to do so. He knew what the Lord expected him to do.

Years later, John’s grandson Henry D. Moyle was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and, eventually, served in the First Presidency of the Church. President Moyle’s service in these callings was honorable, but his grandfather John’s service, though somewhat less public, is just as pleasing to the Lord. John’s character, his legacy of sacrifice, serves as a banner of faithfulness and an ensign of duty to his family and to the Church. John Rowe Moyle understood the meaning of “lift where you stand.”

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

first day of second grade

Krissy's first day of second grade! This year we made the big switch to our neighborhood school. Krissy is adapting very well. We are busy missing our cousins, grandma and old school friends though. She cried about that in her bed the other night...and I wanted to cry too because I miss 'em just as much. But, she is making new friends and is so resilient. I am so proud of her!

A new school (without the luxury of having grandma around 24/7) meant a new cellphone. Can you see how delighted this little girl is? And can I tell you how delighted I am everyday at lunch when she calls me on it? Diabetes has it perks ;).

She is one special, confident young lady. I can't believe how fast she is growing up.

The proud momma!

The teachers cheering on the kids...welcoming them to the first day of school!

A few of our neighborhood buddies that showed up at the same time.

Look at those teeth :).

And so, our new adventure begins!

lazy days of summer!

We enjoyed every minute of this summer! I can't believe that it flew by so fast. Here we are at the park enjoying one last carefree summer day.

Emma & Gracie

These little ladies are the perfect blend

of Shane and Kristy...it really is amazing

how that all works, isn't it?

We sure do love 'em!

Katie + Tyler: Engagements

I am so excited to get to take pictures for Katie and Tyler's wedding! As far as photography goes, a temple wedding is my favorite thing to do...so I am in heaven! Feelin' a little pressure, but that is good for me, right??? Katie has been a friend of the family for years. (Our dads work together too.) The wedding is in October and we will do bridals in the next few weeks. Here are a few of my favorites from our engagement shoot last night...

Click here if you want to see a few more.