On Our Trail to Fame and Glory

It's been several years since we last hiked the "Y" trail.  Now that summer is in full swing, we are anxiously working on checking things off our summer "bucket list."  Hike to the "Y" in the most perfect weather possible...check!

Getting everyone to look for this family photo at the 

trail head may have been the hardest part of the hike.

Ella had quite the accommodations for the ascent.  

She even had a bottle of bubbles to keep her entertained. 

I had some pretty stellar hiking buddies.

Every now and again we would stop to appreciate 

the amazing views of Provo and its surrounding areas.

On the last switchback, Ella insisted making the 

trek on her own, much to Jason' s relief, I'm sure. 

Here we are atop the "Y."

The children posed for this picture on the way back down.

This post authored by Amber

A House Divided

I came home from the school walk-a-thon to find that Jason had proudly displayed his game day flag.  Perhaps he forgot that BYU was playing my team, USU. I decided to make the desperately needed alterations to the flag.  I think it looks much better now:

This post authored by Amber

Freezing for Football

Jason managed to get really fantastic tickets to BYU's final home game of the 2011 season.  They were on the sixth row and came courtesy of NuSkin.  I guess the original owners didn't think it was worth it to go to a late evening game with forecasts of temperatures in the thirties, but that didn't keep Jason and the boys away (it did, however, keep Garrett, Ella, and me hunkered down in our cozy,warm home).

Greg, Rachel, and Collin came along, too, and from what I understand, it was a really great experience.  I guess getting to see your face on the jumbo screen and snapping a photo with Cosmo will make just about anything worth it!

This post authored by Amber

Rise Up

Nothing says "fall is here" quite like the start of a new football season (except, of course, the start of school, but I'll get to that in a moment).  For the past few years, we've commemorated our soon-to-be weekend commitment of hours to observing how the local institution's team (BYU) will perform by going to meet and greet the players, get a few autographs, and snap a few pictures.  This year was no exception, and so here are the goods:

 Brevin holds still for quarterback Jake Heaps to sign his jersey.

 Spencer gets an autograph from wide receiver Ross Apo.

 (I know you are all totally impressed that I knew who these people were as well as their

respective positions, but don't be.  I totally had to look up the team roster online.

Jason wasn't here to ask.)

 I guess to the boys an intimidating football face is one with your eyes shut tight.

Garrett, Ella, and I stayed home from the event this year, but we still "get up" for some of the games some of the time.  We'll even slap on our BYU paraphernalia each Friday to show our support for the team.  After all, it is football season, you know.

Now, Isn't that just the cutest receiver you've ever seen!

This post authored by Amber

Fall Sports

This year's soccer season ended much the way it began.  Spencer was part of a U-8 team who utilized a three coach system, focused on teaching the boys proper field position, and thereby annihilated every opposing team they faced.

Brevin's U-10 team was a slightly different story.  They lacked the coaching attention of Spencer's team (to say the least) and the result was a loosing season. 

Despite the differences, Jason and I enjoyed spending a month going between fields to watch the boys play with fierce determination and, most importantly, a positive, sportsmanlike attitude.

And just like that, the season was over.

So now, with Thursday evenings and Saturdays suddenly free of any soccer commitments, the boys were quick to accept an invitation from dad to attend a BYU football game.  They were able to enjoy the Cougars homecoming win over San Diego State, but I think they could care less for the outcome of the game.  They just love to spend time withe their Dad.

Boy, we are sure loving Fall!

This post authored by Amber

Sports Outings with Dad

Jason had two tickets to the BYU vs. Air Force football game and decided it was his last chance to take one of the boys. Brevin is now pretty good about following the play action of sporting events, and his attention span would allow him to take in an entire football game.  A promise of a basketball game date with Dad and a trip to Wendy's for a frosty was all that was needed to ease Spencer's disappointment in not being able to go.

Three days later, our family was offered tickets to the BYU basketball season opener.  It turned out to be a boys' night out as I stayed home with Garrett.  This wasn't Spencer's promised date with Dad since Brevin was along on this one, too, but they all had a great time together.  And just like that, Jason has further secured his spot as the favored parent!

This post authored by Amber

Friday Night Lights

I figured I'd be consigned to stay at home with the kids for every BYU football game this season, only to catch a few plays here and there in the highlight reels. I'm glad I was wrong. My friend, Karen, called me and invited me to use the season ticket that her husband had to forfeit due to his work schedule, and I got to go Friday night's game. As it turned out, the Cougars were hosting the Aggies of Utah State, my Alma Matter.

I must have been a sight with my BYU beanie and USU sweatshirt on, but a girl has to represent, you know. The nice thing about having a vested interest in the welfare of both teams is that as I watched the game, I was much more relaxed. I didn't have to get all worked up because Max Hall's ridiculously arched pass was completely readable by the defender who picked it off, or stress out when USU's punter planted two kicks beautifully within the 5 yard-line. It wasn't too heart-breaking when Diondre Borel's attempted pitch went awry, and I didn't pout about USU's inability to convert in short-yardage situations. And while, deep down, I hoped for an Aggie win (I'm a sucker for the "underdog"), I was okay with the Cougars coming out on top. (That was kind of expected, anyway.) I just had such an enjoyable evening in an atmosphere that felt like Fall to the very core and in the company of a dear friend.

This post authored by Amber