Nick's Mission Call Opening

Nick's Mission Call

We have anxiously been awaiting Nick's Mission Call and after several of his friends received theirs on the two previous weeks that we thought he may, we were beginning to worry (okay.... well, I was beginning to worry).  So, February 15th was the day and I received a courtesy phone call from our local post office.  I knew it was here and my mind was completely focused on only one thing.  After a very long day, we gathered together as family and very close friends that evening around 8:00 for the opening.

The Guesses of Family and Friends

And the winner is....... Micronesia Guam
Entering the MTC on June 13th

And.... Six Months Later......

It has been SIX MONTHS since I posted ANYTHING.  I can't believe how time flies.  I have since gone back to work after fifteen years of being home full time.  I am working limited part time teaching preschool and while I love it (most days), it keeps me busier than I thought it would.  The nice part is that I am only gone while the kids are gone and I get home a few hours before them to catch up on the house and grocery shopping etc.   I am grateful for a job that I can do and still be a full-time mom.

In other big news, Nick moved out to go to his first year of college at UVU.  He has an apartment with some roommates, whom he didn't know ahead of time and he has a job at Finish Line at the mall.  Marissa has been surviving her sophomore year and loving it.... and I mean every minute of it, including the early morning cheer practices.  (Is she nuts or what?  hahaha)  Jack is happy in Jr. High.  He is on the Student Council and loves being among friends at all times.  He has had to adjust to 7 classes with 7 teachers and finally, now in the third term, has caught on to the concept that every teacher wants to be the priority.   Shay is happy in 4th grade and loves her Intern Teacher Ms. Wayman.  She likes going a few minutes early with Mom to do prep work in my preschool class.  All is well with everyone as we plug along in our very busy lives.  I will post a few pictures (or maybe a lot of pictures) to show you some highlights, vowing to do better on updating the blog in the near future.  :)

First Day of Seventh Grade

First Day of Fourth Grade

 

 

Fun at Cornbelly's

  

Halloween with American Idol Judge, Simon Cowell

Halloween with Cruella Deville

Marissa is always out in Left Field (ha)

Just couldn't resist this sweet picture of two cute sisters.

Shay played Soccer again this year.  She just gets better and better.

Jack's First Year of Tackle Football.  He did great!!!

 

Our Favorite SHHS Cheerleader!!!

  

Only One Big Snowfall this Year so far, but Jack and Shay made the most of it.

The Grinch visited us this year for our extended Obray Family Party. 

Retirement Week with the Youngs and O'Donnell's

During July, my Dad retired from Tesoro Oil Refinery.  We had a party for him and everyone came to celebrate.  While they were here, I managed to get a few photos of the cousins hanging out together, playing Chinese Human Ring Toss, shooting the bow, eating and just having a great time.  We love it when the whole family comes together.  And Congratulations again Dad... and best wishes for a happy retired life.  We love you.

Fourth and Twenty Fourth of July

We have had an extremely eventful summer and one of our favorite parts is always the Fourth and Twenty Fourth of July.  Marissa danced in the Stadium of Fire for the third year in a row.  It was a wonderful experience with over 800 dancers involved.  We saw the amazing fireworks that BYU presents.  We also went to the Murray Parade with my parents.  We went to the Spanish Fork Parade and the Rodeo, where we got rained out. And we went to the Spanish Fork parade, where the cheerleaders participated.  Loved seeing their new uniforms.  It was a really great July.

Priesthood Ordinations

A few weeks ago, Nick and Jack were both ordained 

into a different office of the Priesthood: 

Nick, an Elder and Jack, a Deacon.  

It was very special and memorable that they had their 

ordinations on the same day.  

I love these boys.  They are amazing sons and brothers.  

Nick's Graduation!!!

With all of our happenings of this past spring, the biggest and most monumental occurrence was Nick's Graduation from High School.  This is one of the fondest memories of a person's life and Nick celebrated big time in every way.  While, it was difficult to put those wonderful days behind him, I know he is looking forward to a bright and amazing future too.  We are very proud of Nick and all that he accomplished while in school.  He is a fabulous athlete, good student, great friend and the best oldest son and brother in our family.  We love him very much.

CONGRATULATIONS ON A WONDERFUL ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!

  

Celebrating afterward with family.  Both sets of Grandparents came, as well as Aunt Cindy.  

(Sorry we didn't get pictures of you all in the rush.)

This is one of his Graduation gifts: a quilt that I made out of some of his t-shirts and jerseys.  I hope it will help him to remember some of the fun times he had playing sports and participating in activities at Salem Hills.

Nick has the greatest friends.  We like them as much as he does and we will miss having them hang out here all the time as they all leave for college and missions.

Zach is the first friend that Nick met when we moved to Payson.  He has always been very close to Nick.  We just love him.

More cute friends that mean a lot to him.

And Cassie, another great friend.  They met in the 4th grade also.  It's so nice that they've remained close through the years.

CONGRATS AGAIN NICK!!!