Top Tens

We're headed back to school in a few days so I was thinking last night about what I'd remember most from our summer. Here are my top ten lists for my family members, at least the ones I currently live with. :)

Troy-

1. Our DC trip, but especially Gettysburg, the Lincoln Memorial, riding the Metro, and Potbellys Sandwiches.
2. Early morning walks to get in shape for our trip.
3. Sniffing the tobacco at Jamestown Settlement.
4. Reading the Great Brain book series with Kelson.
5. Teaching Maddie to mow the lawn.
6. Helping clean at the home of our friend who passed away, even though you were the only guy there.
7. Monk DVDs.
8. Participating with me in the library's summer reading program- hey, you get a free book at the end!
9. Camping up American Fork Canyon.
10. Being (mostly) patient with the kids while I was at work and being the best husband ever. I love you!

Eric-

1. "Name something else that's orange." "Um, I don't know. Cheez-Its?"
2. Walking through the National Zoo in Washington DC and having a girl run past us and yell "Hi Eric!" Even on the other side of the country it didn't take long for the women to learn your name.
3. Swimming with the little kids in the hotel pool so Dad and I could have a break from them.
4. Finding a sleeping bat in a cannon at Manassas.
5. Video commentary of the DC trip.
6. Working at the Snowie and for Uncle Jon and Aunt Tiffy.
7. Walks with Tanner to McDonald's and Arctic Circle.
8. Scout Camp, Youth Conference, and CrueFest.
9. "Are you going all French on me?"
10. Being patient, loving, and setting a good example for all your siblings. You're a great kid and I love you a lot.

Maddie-

1. Mowing the lawn (and starting the lawn mower) all by yourself for most of the summer.
2. Saving up for THE MOTOR SCOOTER.
3. Getting hooked on "Monk" and watching seasons 1 through 5 several times.
4. Miley Cyrus. Need I say more?
5. Camping in American Fork Canyon and hearing you say, "This is a lot more fun than I thought it would be."
6. Playing with Sarah, Annecy, and Shianne.
7. Memorizing several of the Articles of Faith and working on your Faith in God projects.
8. Going off first the low dive and then bravely trying the high dive (and loving it.)
9. Trying out all the "big rides" with Eric at Six Flags in Baltimore and loving them.
10. Just generally being a fun and happy girl- I'm so glad you're my daughter and I love you.


Kelson-

1. Collecting pins on the DC trip, then having to take them off of your hat to get through security at Dulles on the way home.
2. Picking the National Zoo as the place to visit on your birthday.
3. Trying (and liking) calamari at dinner on your birthday.
4. Monopoly, RISK, and Pirates' Cove.
5. Reading the Great Brain books with Dad.
6. How It's Made
7. The club at the big tree with Nate, Bryce, Kyle, and other assorted boys.
8. Watching Maddie go off both diving boards and deciding you needed to do it, too.
9. Multiplying fractions in your head- "A triple quarter-pounder at Wendy's is 3/4 of a pound of meat, Mom."
10. Always entertaing me with the things that come out of your mouth and being a sweet boy. I love you, buddy.


Lara-

1. Squirrels on the DC trip. They were definitely the highlight for you.
2. Collecting dolls on the DC trip.
3. Sunburned shoulders and cheeks, the stinky metallic smell of a little kid who's been out in the sun all day, and the blackened soles of your bare feet.
4. Playing big sister with Isaac and Sarah.
5. The witness tree at Burnside's Bridge at Antietam.
6. Being a flower girl in Krissy's wedding.
7. Going on the upside down ride over and over and over with Kelson at Six Flags.
8. Snuggling and reading Curious George to Dad and I.
9. Learning that being a friend means apologizing sometimes and working hard to include others.
10. Growing up so much over the summer- I can't believe you are ready for 1st grade. I love you lots!

Me-

1. A sister's wedding and a friend's passing.
2. Learning that I actually enjoy running.
3. Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch, which pretty much negates the effects of the running.
4. Our trip, especially seeing the temple from the freeway, getting lost in Maryland, holding hands with my husband while walking A LOT, and feeling a renewed sense of hope and love for our country.
5. Working for a company I love, with people I like, in a profession that's challenging and exciting.
6. Mineral makeup? Not for me.
7. Swimming with my kids in DC and at the Lehi pool.
8. Fruit smoothies-the best breakfast ever.
9. Finding things I never noticed before in the book of Alma. There's some good stuff in there.
10. Being more grateful for the blessings in my life, especially the Gospel and my family. That's what it's all about.