Weekend Getaway at the Cabin

I looked at our schedule and noticed that we had a free weekend before softball games start for Tony and Megan and before soccer starts for Josh, who refs the games, so we decided to go up to the cabin Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon.

We took turns going on many four-wheel rides.  We then had a super yummy dinner of steak, potatoes, and corn on the cob.  

After dinner and another ride, we then watched "Fiddler on the Roof" together as a family. Turns out that is a super long movie, like two movies in one.  So, we watched the first half of the movie before going to bed.  

The next morning, we enjoyed some breakfast and relaxation.  While hanging out I noticed a moose and her baby were walking down by the pond.  We called everyone out to the deck to watch them before they walked out of view.  I love seeing wildlife up at the cabin.

We went on other ride before making some lunch and watching the rest of "Fiddler on the Roof."  After it was over we cleaned up the cabin and then headed back home.  It was nice to get away and enjoy nature and each other's company.

First Day of School 2025-2026

The kids started the new school year. Josh is now a sophomore; Megan is in 8th grade and Allie started Jr. High this year as a 6th grader.  

They all said that they had a great first day of school and are all excited for a new school year.  We are so lucky that our kids love school.  

New School Year Father Blessings

Another school year means another round of Father Blessings.

This is one of my favorite traditions and I hope that they kids enjoy it as much as Tony and I do.  It should be a great new school year!

Primary Family Birthday Pool Party

Our primary had a pool party at the Jones's house for all the families of the primary kids.  
We all brought a potluck item to go with hot dogs and root beer.  The kids had a great time in the pool and Tony, and I got to chat with our friends in the ward.  We even got to hold baby Lucas.  

It was pretty sad that this will be our last one because Allie will be in Young Women's next year. 

End of Summer Softball Tournament

Megan was asked to play in a tournament that Taylorsville was hosting the weekend after summer softball ended. 

Tony helped coach the team and they ended up playing four games.  They won one but lost the others.  They played pretty good for a team that only had one practice together.  Megan hit pretty good but was put in outfield for most the games.  I thought that was super lame since she is an infielder or pitcher, but that coach did some weird things.  It was like she wasn't playing to win games.  Oh well, the girls had fun, and it gave her more at bats, so that is good practice.  I am not sure why she never let her pitch even when other girls were really struggling, but whatever.  Fall ball will start soon and Tony is going to be the head coach, so that should be good.

No Oregon, but we did get DQ

We were feeling left out of not being able to go to Oregon, so Tony took us to DQ to get us some ice cream.  This is especially nice because Tony chooses not to eat sugar.  It wasn't exactly the same, but it was nice to eat our treat and think about how much we love Oregon and our family that was there.

And Just Like That...Elder Steenblik is Off!

This morning, we all woke up bright and early to be out the door by 4:15 am to get to the airport.  We loaded the car with Tyler's luggage and then got to the airport without any problems.  Tony found a good parking spot in short term parking and then we all went into the airport.  Allie was very excited to go in an airport for the first time.

We had to go up the escalators to go to the Delta counter. We decided to just wait in line and have them check him in and check his two suitcases.  After he was all checked in, we went back down to the main floor where we would see him off at security.

We saw many other missionaries with their families checking in and getting ready to say their good-byes.  We had plenty of time, so we decided to hang out and chat while he waited for other missionaries from his district to come.  He found his companion and we were able to meet him and his family.  His name is Elder Best from Kearns.  

We took some pictures and then decided to give our hugs and say our good-byes.  Tyler squeezed Josh really hard, then Josh squeezed Tyler back really hard.  Boys are so funny.  I took a picture of them side by side so that in two years we can compare.  Tyler has not wanted to admit that Josh is now taller than him.  He would always say, not until after I leave can Josh be taller. I guess Josh can officially be taller than Tyler now.  

Not many tears, just some wet eyes.  Right before he left, his high school Seminary principal came and said hello to Tyler.  He was there with his daughter, who was also going to the Mexico MTC this morning.  

It was a very happy and sad for us morning.  Sad just because we will miss him and happy for all the amazing experiences he is going to have.  This is where he is supposed to be, and I have been blessed with confirmation from the spirit that Tyler will be safe.  It won't be easy, but he'll be good...great even.  

We have already seen the blessings of Tyler serving a mission and we look forward to seeing what adventures he has in store.  He will be missed by us all. 

After we watched him go with his companion into the security line, we then left the airport.  Tony drove us all home and then got in his car and went to work.  It was pretty sad looking at the office all empty when just last week the desk was covered in all his home MTC study materials, the computer, snacks, and tissues.  It was nice having him home for those extra days.  Mexico and Paraguay are lucky to have him.

Brotherly Blessings and a Father's Blessing

Last night we thought it was a good idea to have Tyler give his siblings a blessing.  Good practice for Tyler and a nice thing to do for his siblings.   

Tyler did a really good job.  Allie was first.  Tyler was thoughtful and took his time.  Both him and Allie were crying by the end.  I didn't grab my phone quick enough after to snap and picture of them hugging and crying together.  

After Allie it was Megan's turn.  Megan loves to tease Tyler and say mean things jokingly.  She has been pretty "whatever" about Tyle leaving but him giving her a blessing really got to her.  He told her, through the spirit, that this year wasn't going to be easy and that she would have some challenges, but that she would overcome them.  It was a sweet thing just for Megan.

Then it was Josh's turn.  He was pretty confident that he wasn't going to cry, and he didn't.  Tyler gave him a nice blessing about the upcoming year.

Tony then gave Tyler a blessing.  It was beautiful and long and just what he needed to hear.  I wish that I would have recorded these blessings, but I never think of it until it's too late.  He said some amazing things about what kind of missionary he will be.  Tony got very emotional, and they both cried in each other's arms after the blessing.  Allie said she had never seen Tony cry before.  Tony isn't much for big displays of emotion.  

I am so glad that we did this and thought it was the perfect way to end Tyler's last night at home with us.  Tyler then said his last family prayer for two years.  We had one last complete family hug and then sent the kids to bed.  Tyler then showered and then finished writing his thank you cards to family and friends who had help contribute to his mission and or graduation.  Then it was off to bed for him and for me.

Other August Happenings

 

Tony's work had a summer lunch BBQ for their employees and missionaries and their families at our stake center.  It was fun to get together with everyone and have a nice lunch.  Megan loved playing with the little girls and asked me to take her picture with the little girl on her shoulders.  Josh played with a cute little baby, and he did so good with him.  Allie mostly just played by herself while I chatted with people.  Tyler had class, so we took him food after we were done.  

Megan finished her summer softball league.  She had a fun season and played really well.  Her pitching has gotten a lot better, and she hit the ball or got walked in almost every game.  She was asked to play in a tournament this weekend that she is very excited about.

Josh Young Men's Camp

Josh got to go to Young Men's camp for a few days and had a great time.

They started by doing baptisms for the dead at the Provo City Center Temple.  They then got to go to a few museums at BYU.

After they drove to Payson Lake and that is where they camped for a couple nights.  They fished, hiked, and did whatever else boys do when the camp...eat.  Josh said it was fun and was glad that he went.