Oveson Family

Zach:  “Preston, you just got to learn that you just can’t trust the girls…”

We decided to go hiking up a trail by our house on Memorial Day morning before we headed down to Salt Lake to visit graves.  When we told Preston we were going hiking he said, “Um, are we all going to be together?”  Of course we explained that we always stay together when we are hiking, and he said, “No, I mean will we all be connected together?”  We were kind of confused and kept trying to figure out what he meant until he said, “No, I mean will we all be on the same rope?”  Ah-ha!  He thought we were going rock climbing instead of simple “stay-on-the-trail” hiking.  We explained the difference and then he was rather disappointed that’s all we were doing.  So while we were hiking we had to find some rocks they could “rock climb” on.  We also had to promise them that when they are a little bigger we’ll take them real rock climbing.  (Well, I actually had to tell them that when they are bigger we can ask the Medsker’s to TEACH us how to really rock climb. :> I’ve never been myself, so don’t be surprised when we hit you up for rock climbing lessons in a few years, Medskers!)

But even though it wasn’t rock climbing the boys had a great time!  They are such good little hikers!  They just march along with very little complaining (other than Kyle… he did great for quite awhile, but after about an hour he was in desperate need of a nap.   We were all glad when he fell asleep on Dad’s back!!).  The highlights of the trip: seeing lizards, the “rock climbing” and throwing rocks in the water.  

I just love holidays!  I love being able to have a “family fun day” without feeling guilty about all the yard work, house work, home work, that we could be doing instead.  Holidays are for spending time together.  I love it!  While we were out and about we stopped and got slurpees.  Those of you who have known Mike for a long time know of his former obsession with slurpees.  So I was telling the boys how Dad used to get a slurpee everyday in High School.  Everyday AFTER SCHOOL that is.  I figure if I’m telling the story I’ll tell it how I want to.  They never need to know the truth about their dad and High School… :>  Just kidding, hon! 

  So after hiking we went down to Salt Lake to visit graves.  When I told the boys it was Memorial Day Zach said, “Is that the day we visit graves?  I love that day!!”  It’s something we look forward to every year.  We take pictures of the people whose graves we are going to visit, and we talk about them, tell stories about them, and try to connect our boys to the generations that came before them.  I think one of the reasons we are so motivated to continue this tradition every year is I feel bad that my boys will never know my dad in this life.  I feel bad for that relationship that they have missed out on.  So we always try to make a big deal about ”Opa” at least on Memorial Day and on his birthday.  Hopefully they will feel some sort of connection to him and to the other family members we talk about on Memorial Day.  I guess it’s our way of helping turn the hearts of our children to their fathers.   

Friday we had a fun double graduation day.  No, not high school… not college…  I mean the REALLY important graduations… Kindergarten and Preschool!! 

Zach’s Kindergarten Graduation was in the morning and was so cute.  They had a fun video, songs, talents, and of course walking to receive diplomas.  He was so cute and so excited and did such a good job!  We’re really proud of him.  He’s had a great year and we are looking forward to first grade!

Then that evening we had Preston’s preschool graduation!  Once again, it was a super cute little program.  Song, highlights from the year, dilomas…  And then we had a barbequae afterwards.  He actually still has one more year of preschool, but when you are in preschool you get to graduate every year!  I’m so grateful for the fun mom’s we did preschool with this year, and I had so much fun with these cute kids!

And now on to summer!!  YEA!! I am so so so excited to have my kids home with me for 3 months!  It’s going to be grand!!

Just wanted to share a couple fun pictures from a farm we went and visited.  The boys were a little ornery as you can see, but what can you do?

My little brother David got married to Sinda on Friday!!  It was a beautiful perfect wedding day!  They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and then had a garden reception at her parents house.  We’re very excited for them, and just wanted to share a couple pictures from the day!

Aren’t they cute!? 

And I’m sure they’ll have cute kids with handsome nephews like these:

And here are a couple random reception pics:

Preston and Kyle cut up the dance floor all night and were so cute!

Zach on the other hand spent his night on the the trampoline.

So congrats David and Sinda!  We love you!!

For FHE last week we made a family coat of arms.  It’s still a work in progress, but here’s what we have so far:

We also let each person make their own personal coat of arms with things that they like or are good at.  It was cute to see what they put.  Preston wrote that he was good at drawing, soccer, legos, and preaching the gospel.  Zach put that he was good at legos, video games, listening, and school.  

Our next step (once we get the crest finalized) is to make our 2009 Team Oveson shirts with our crest on the back, and we are also going to make ourselves a flag!  It should be fun!  If you have any idea on how to make it even better we’d love to hear them!!