Fathers Day

Today was a special day in our family. I guess it was for most people however, we took a day to really reflect on how lucky we are to have Terry as the father of our little family. Terry is a man who really believes in being honest. If you ask him anything he can not tell a lie. We love Terry because to him his family is his life. I know without a doubt he would do anything for us that he feels is best for our family. He loves to be with us.
Many men strive for a status at work or filling his bank account. Terry aches when he is without us and when he comes home he fills complete. The kids often say at bedtime that their bestest was when daddy came home. I know this is their way of saying that it just feels really good to be a complete family. Well Terry we love you and we feel blessed for each day that we have together. The kids and I all gave Terry a nice wakeboard for fathers day. Then of course we took him boating. It was a perfect day as I heard him say several times yesterday. Love you Honey. I also have to say how there are so many things that I love about Terry that I see in my own dad. Like how they both can fix anything that is broken. They both would protect their family without hesitation. My dad and I have always had a very special bond that will never be broken. Dad I love you so much and I hope you know that. Love your Krystal.There is also another special father figure in our family and that would be Terrys dad Chuck. Chuck is also an amazing person. One who is not quick to judge and full of love. I am so grateful for everything he has taught Terry over the years. I know without such a wonderful dad Terry would not be the man he is today. Thank you Chuck for being a second dad to me. Happy Fathers Day.

First Week of Summer

So I have to admit I was really excited for school to be out. The freedom that comes with summer is just a big relief after a busy 9 months of school. I love waking up and thinking HUM what fun things should I do with the kiddos today? I honestly love to have them at my disposal. So, right before school got out Bowdee made the HAST swim team and so we do have some obligations this summer. Every day Bowdee has swim workouts for 45 minutes. So we go 45 minutes before and let him play swim then he works out then we are all ready to go. It has been really good for him and his teacher has even used him as a good example of how to do a certain stroke. So with swim team and the cold weather the week seemed to just fly by, almost like we were just standing there watching it go by in fast motion. We ended our first week of summer on the shores of Strawberry Reservoir. I have to admit it is probably my fault that we got completely skunked although I wouldn't admit that to Terry. You see I was reading my friends blog and heard they got completely skunked at Jordenelle and thought to myself "How does one get completely skunked while fishing?" I just was thinking maybe they were doing it wrong. Huh, teach me a lesson of thinking like that. We fished for 3 hours and had absolutely no luck at all. I have to admit I did enjoy the drive through the Provo canyon and reading a book with Bowdee on the shore while Dash fetched flying sticks and shook water on us. So here is cheers to hopefully the coldest week of summer.

Yellowstone Vacation

Yes, I know we are so stinking predictable when it comes to Memorial Day weekend. Yes every year we miss the school field day/dance festival to head north to Yellowstone. First we can not drive past Idaho Falls without spending a moment on the lawn in front of the temple as we look across the falls and enjoy the beautiful view.
This year as we stopped there a lady from channel 8 in Idaho Falls asked if she could interview one of us about our vacation. So we all told her we had the perfect guy for the camera. Yes a guy that will just light up and say just what she needs to hear. DAD - Terry ran off to find him as she set up her camera. It was just a short interview about the gas prices and vacationing. It was fun to listen to him and watch. Then we finally made it to West Yellowstone to stay in the Days Inn Hotel (because they have the "Big Blue Slide") My kids love to swim and they really love to go down the big blue slide before we go to yellowstone. That night we ate out at Gushers the little town pizza restraunt and then we swam and then watched the first Indiana Jones movie.
Then on Saturday we head further north into the park and then we see our Grandma LaVel finally take a big sigh it is like she holds her breath all year long until we enter the park again and then it seems her soul has found "Home". So up to Mammoth Hot Springs to stay in a little old cabin. The cabin is cool but the really cool part about Mammoth is the "PotGuts". Yes, this seems to be the kids favorite part of the vacation. They love going out and feeding the PotGuts so they can take photos of them and chase them. This year it was wetter and colder then it has ever been in the 10 years we have been doing this. But it was still fun. Just not as many potguts out to play. Then we drive the same route to Hayden Valley then back to Roosevelt and then down to Tower and then we repeat. Just looking for wildlife doing their thing. Then back to the cabin and enjoy a crockpot dinner and the second Indiana Jones movie.We do love the bear and I must say that has to be our favorite but man it is fun to watch for that crazy dancing buffalo or that little sly red fox peeking from behind the sagebrush. We did see 6 bears this year which is the very little for what we are use to. But we were so thankful to see them. So this year our most memorable moments were watching the bear off in the distance take a baby elk that was just born moments before. The mother staying close by crying trying to do anything to save her baby, obvious her heart was broken. Sad, yes but something you don't see ever. Then as we were driving by the petrified tree. Dad being the cute old man that he is rolled down his window as we were passing a huge buffalo just off the road next to us, then my dad growled at the buffalo trying to get a reaction. Well we got one- the buffalo jumped all 2 thousand pounds of him toward our suburban and kicked his head at us in a motion of threat. WOW Colt and Treg who were next to the windows in the back got their hearts jumpstarted. As Terry punched on the gas to get us out of there. HOLY CROW - what a moment we won't forget as we feared for our lives and our burban.
Then Sunday we drove to Yellowstone Lake Lodge and stayed in a cute little yellow cabin. The lake was still frozen which this is the first time in 18 years it has been frozen this late in the year. It was a beautiful sight one I don't think I have ever witnessed. We enjoyed some tortilla taco soup from the crockpot and yet another Indiana Jones movie that night.Monday we woke up and knew we had a drive a head of us so we loaded up and did alittle sight seeing before we headed out of the park. We have never seen so much snow in Yellowstone it was beautiful but wow was is cold. We enjoyed our "Twilight book on audio" as we drove around and headed south for Jackson Hole. We got there just in time to watch the new Indiana Jones movie in the theater. Terry took the two little ones swimming since he has seen it already and we enjoyed a very upclose version of the movie on the front row. So that was about it our trip in a nutshell. It was so nice to have my brother Colt join us on this trip. He is such an easy going energetic guy. Simple to please and hard to annoy. We love you Spidey and hope you had as much fun with us and we had with you.

Tregs Graduation

So today was a big day at the Townsends home. Treg's preschool had their graduation and as you all know Kristi is their preschool so it was busy. I can't stop thinking of how fast the years go by. Just when I feel like I am getting into the groove with the kids it is time to start thinking of registering for next year and then graduation comes just like that. I have absolutely loved each one of the kids that came to my school this year. I will miss each and everyone of them. A special place in my heart they will hold forever. For their graduation video I put it to the song of Kenny Chesney's Don't Blink. I feel like if we blink we don't know what we will miss because time goes by so stinking fast these days. So to you darling 7 kids who are so special to me I love you and will miss you. Thanks for teaching me all you did this year. Love Miss Kristi
Treg I just have to say how proud I am of you and your accomplishments. Like you know what that is but one day you will. I love who you are becoming and who you are. I love the way you tell me everyday that you love me and I can tell you really mean it. I love you to buddy. I love the way you treat your friends and how you stand up for yourself. Thank you for being such a great part of my life. I will sure enjoy next year with you. Love Mom

Bowdee's Year

So I deam this Bowdee's year to really get better at Wakeboarding. Bowdee started wakeboarding when he was just 5 years old and he has gotten better. Yet not as good as he would like to be. So I really believe along with him that this year his muscles have gotten strong enough where he just might show himself how much talent he has. So here is to you Bowdee I know you can get as good as you want. Love you man and thanks for having a little faith in yourself. Just so you know Bowdee has gone out of the wake but has always been quick to fall and never crossed back over the wake until this year. Here is the video of him wakeboarding this year. The first time out this season. As for the rest of us Terry and I just hope we can make it through another year with our old bodies without any major injuries. Treg it begging us to let him wakeboard on mommies new wakeboard cuz it is cool and he is strong enough to do it himself. Don't worry mommy is not brave enough to let that happen. Matia is still a little weary of the cold water yet she has fun boating and trying a little surfing here and there. We also took Dash out for the second time and this time he jumped out into the water and swam to Terry. I am just glad it was when I had the boat stopped. He did great and Dash is fitting into the family great.

Mother's Day

So wow how did I ever deserve to have such a wonderful family. Terry stayed home with the kids so I could go flower shopping with my mom on Saturday. This is always a treat for me because she is so good with flowers I am trying to learn all that she knows but I don't think I can. So then we mom and dad over for dinner and enjoyed their company with a delicous Pork omlet with green chili sauce - very good if you ever come over for dinner request this from Terry it is to die for.
Then the next morning I was awoke to breakfast in bed accompanied by my Sunday morning paper untouched! Bowdee made me some wonderful blueberry waffles and O.J. After I was left alone to enjoy my breakfast and paper then I got to open all my presents. I just love my family did I ever tell you that?
Then we took the boat out for the first time this year to make sure it still floated. The wind held off for us until we got off the water. Bowdee was the only one to jump in. The rest of us just chilled and soaked in the warmth of the sun for once - it felt really good. Then we came home just intime to watch the Jazz / Lakers game and oh what a game that was... Overtime and everything. WOW! If you don't know I just love watching the Jazz play.
After the Jazz was over Terry loaded the 4-wheelers and off we went to Isearal Canyon for a nice ride up to the top of the mountain. To be with my family out in the great out-doors is also one of my favorite things. So yes I was spoiled beyond belief today. And I am not really sure I deserve it. However I will take it and enjoy every minute of it. I love you guys so much.
I do have to say that Terry's mother is such an amazing person. She has been like a second mother to me. I know she geniunly cares what is going on in our lives and only wants the best for us. So thank you Kaye for taking so much time in the years gone by with your children and making them the loving caring family that you are. Love you.

Twilight

So most of you know that in all my spare time I love to sit down with a good book and take a little time out to read. Well I have not found a book I like as much as the Twilight Series in a very long time. During Christmas is when I began to read them and they were all read within 5 Days. I am considering reading them again, however my friend has me on another Vampire series right now and I am beginning to like them. So yes I am very excited about the fourth book coming out in August and the movie in December. I enjoy reading fiction books because it takes less brain power and when I read I read to relax. I love the mystery with a little love story mixed in with it. Another book I really loved reading was White Out. I can't remember the author but it was a great book if you are looking for one. Oh here is another trailer to the Twilight movie for you. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=33429669

Matia's Fieldtrip

So Matia also got a chance to go to the Bean Museum on a field trip as well. I was not lucky enough to go on this one however, a very good friend of mine was able to go and sent me some of the photos she took on the field trip. Matia is also a good example of what a Kindergartner student should be. She is always listening with her cute ears. And she tries so hard to be a good friend to everyone. I love your spunky darling personality Matia. I love the way you always want to make me happy. With your surprises and paper crafts all over my house. Love you babe Thanks for being you.

Horse Riding with my Daddy

So I thought I would expand on myself for a moment for those that don't know this about me. Ever since I was very little I have had a few things that I can't explain why but I could never get enough of them and when I was really hurting during different times in my life I would cling to these things. One is the love of horses. I remember my first horse Princess I loved her so much she was a auburn Quarter Horse that was a perfect ride for us small children. I loved horses but there was nothing like a horseback ride along with my dad. I can't explain the freedom I feel from all the day to day pains in life. I have a sense of completness when I am riding next to my dad on the horse. I feel safe next to my dad, I feel like he would never let anything happen to me. My dad also gives me a sense of determination. That yes, I Kristi can do anything I set my mind to. He has always had more faith in myself then I ever did. And when I am around him it rubs off on me and I feel that I can do anything. Well almost you see we went riding on a bright Sunday morning just the two of us. However it was a very windy day and our horses have not been ridden much in the wind so they were spookey and there was only one hill I would not follow him up because of the mood Ruby my horse had been in. I loved every minute of it and I cherish those moments more then my dad will ever know.

The other love of my life is water. I love to swim, I would also follow my dad into any lake he jumped in. And my dad would jump in alot of lakes. So every year for my birthday if I wasn't going on a horseback ride with my dad we were borrowing my Grandpa Bennions boat and we were boating. I have always loved the feeling I get when I am surrounded by water on a boat. Wether it is a kayak, raft, ski boat, cruise ship. I love them all but I especially love the time I spend on our boat as a family. Thank you dad for everything you do for me and have taught me to be. I love you.

Bowdee's Fieldtrip

So I truely feel so privelaged to go on a fieldtrip with Bowdee and his whole 2nd grade to the Bean Museum. Wow it really opened my eyes to how great of a child Bowdee is. I am always being complimented by Bowdee's teachers of how great a boy he is and I say "Ya I really lucked out". However after this fieldtrip I will never take him for granted again. Bowdee if you ever read this I want you to know from the deepest of my heart I love you and I love the person you are. I am so lucky to have you in my life. What would I ever do without you as my son. Thank you for all you do!

Townsends Easter Party

After the hunt we loved counting our 6 Blue Eggs and 9 any other color eggs. We are kept thinking and using our brains by the great guidelines given before each hunt. And of course always looking for the wild green egg and the black jelly bean.
Troy and his girls. What a delight to have them around. How lucky is Troy to have 3 special ladies in his life?
Talesha surounded by her sweet family. We are so excited to have a new one around next year. Congrats Talesha we hope this pregnancy goes well for you.
Glen I don't think we told you thank you for coming and being a part of the family even though Cindy couldn't make it. You are the man. Not very many people would have displayed this kind of courage and dedication as you did today. We missed you Cindy I hate it when the work life interfers with real life!
Tomas and Isabela fending for themselves while their mom was rushing about taking photos of the whole ordeal. Not that I can talk but hey it feels good not to be alone. We love you and your darling family Tara and we will pray your family grows to 4 soon. Good luck this week let us know if we can help you.

So a little late it always better then never. Things were so crazy around Easter that we put our annual easter egg hunt until now. It is always hard to find a time that everyone can get together in a family this size. But wow is it ever worth it. The memories we create and the moments that won't be forgotten. The time we have to just talk with one another just is something we can't replace. I am so thankful for family. To have people in this world who are connected to you through something stronger. I cherish the time I have with both of our families to get to know each other even better. We are always changing and we will never know each other truly unless we keep those bonds strong and renew them often. Thank you Kaye and Chuck for allowing us to gather together and strengthen these bonds. And I must say the $5.00 I made in the Easter Egg hunt is always nice as well. The kids loved getting together with their cousins and just having fun.

Gateway Childrens Museum

So this week the kids and I have been creative to find cheap fun activities to do since we couldn't go away like everyone else for Spring Break.

So we have been swimming and playing raquetball and gaming at home and other things. But yesterday we splurged and went to the childrens museum at the Gateway Mall in SLC.

I have heard over and over it is worth the money definately take your kids. Well I finally did and yep it was worth the money we spent a little more to get a 6 month pass.

We learned all about the body and how it works on Sesame Street. Then we got to board a Life Flight Helicopter and decided that was the last time we ever wanted to be in one.
But we are thankful they are here to help those that really need them, like Aunt Tonia. It was simply amazing the grocery shopping was wonderful and all the kids loved the imaginative room upstairs where they had all sorts of things to create with. It was one fun day and if you haven't been you should go. It was $8.50 a person heck like Troys says thats as much as a movie these days.

West Canyon

So this weekend our whole family felt the urge to go away and be together for a little healing time. So we went way out in the West Desert toward Dugway.
Kyle and some of his friends also decided to go to the same place so we went with them and shared mom and dads trailer. Which makes this a little less stressful on me being the mom and making sure the kids are warm and clean.
So it was a good weekend. We went back to the Geode Beds next to Topaz Mountain and found some really cool Geodes. Anyway it was some great fun and good memories.

Dash

So we finally did it! We added on to our family. We have a new member he is a boy we adopted him on April 5th. Dash is a Labradoddle, which is a mix between a lab and a poodle. He is a very sweet boy, although we are working through some obedience issues. However he is great with the kids and we feel he is teaching them alot. We took Dash camping with us this weekend and he was a real trooper. So here is to our first indoor pet since our chipmunks. Wish us a little luck! Yes Tonia, Terry's sister who just passed away inspired us to add on to our family. She was such a dog lover it just seemed like the perfect time, the time we have been waiting for.

Tonia's Accident

So wow where do I start I guess if you don't know already you can check out all the details on Tonia Blogspot at http://toniaeccles.blogspot.com. Here you will find that Terrys sister Tonia, just 2 years older than him was involved in a bad jeep accident. She pulled over to throw up and hit the curb and it flipped her jeep 2-3 times. She was life flighted to IHC in SLC and there she was in the ICU Shock and Trauma unit for over a week. Tonia ended up getting an infection called MRSA, which can be deadly to healthy people. She didn't make it, however she did make her dream come true by saving 3 peoples lives by donating when hers ended. Tonia was an amazing person, I truely feel blessed to have known her as well as I did. I felt like Tonia was my own sister. She had a way of showing how much she cared for everyone. What an amazing person. I wanted to thank everyone that helped me the week she was in the hospital. So many people babysat or carpooled or brought dinners all so that I could spend as much time possible with my very dear friend and sister. I will never forget the thoughtfulness each of you demonstrated to me and my family. I know Tonia is now in a better place and we will miss her much. But Tonia will forever be in my heart as we continue through this life. Thanks Tonia for your perfect example of what I should be.