One of the coolest things I've ever done . . .

Cameron has a cousin who works for Las Vegas Metro Police Air Support. We have tried several times to do a ride along with him and it's never worked out until a couple of weeks ago. We were going to be busy during our anniversary, so went the week before and also we able to go to the temple and do sealings the next morning. We had a total blast over two days and thank goodness for Cams' sister, Jenny for taking the kids, it was a complete getaway!! Ray and Ruth are always the most gracious people and we had some down time too to do crafts :) , get in the hot tub and BBQ. It was a fantastic time!

I had never been on a helicopter before and it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. The doors were off and with just a seat belt we went out for two hours and flew all over the valley.


He took us up by the Temple and we had an amazing view from there . . .

and then clear over to Red Rock.

It was sooo fun and a lot like a 2 hour roller coaster ride. The pilots also responded to 3 calls which was also pretty exciting (more for Cam). They took us right over the strip and we could even see the dolphins swimming at the back pool of the Mirage. (Click on the pic for a closer look)



We were eye level with the Stratosphere.


What an amazing experience! I would totally do it again!

Fourth of July

We had another fantastic Fourth of July with a picnic in the mountains. It's also Cams' Mom's birthday, so it was her choice to 4 wheel up one of the canyons behind us. All the wildflowers were in bloom, the grass was tall and it was nice and cool up there. Even Cam's grandpa, Lynn, went - and he's 92! He drove the entire way by himself - it was awesome! The kids loved the entire trip, but mostly the picnic complete with fried chicken, potato salad and cookies - yummy! Brumbie had to go and she ran most of the 10 mile trip, so sometimes we made her ride on top of the coolers in the back of the ranger - she was pretty tired by the time we got home. This has been a such a fun summer!

This is the head of Sawmill Canyon where we started.


Here's Neva, Paige and Hannah being led by Brumbie.

Our family at the picnic site.


Grandpa and Hannah had a great time, except for when Hannah tried to kick him off the rock :)

School Field Trip

I know that I'm late posting about this, but it was so crazy at the end of the school year that I didn't have time to put this up. The Elementary raised enough money to go down to Las Vegas and first go roller skating. That was a lot of fun - man, it's been awhile since I've had roller skates on. I remember how much I loved it as a kid. Hyrum wanted to try it so bad, but just couldn't get it down. Paige picked it up pretty well for her first time. Hyrum isn't in school yet, but since I was a chaparone and followed behind the bus in my own car, I snuck him in and he was really good.

After roller skating, we went to the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef and had a guided tour. The kids loved it! Hyrum really loved the giant lizards. Then they were able to pet the stingrays. Paige really loved that part.

Here is Paige's class in front of one of the aquariums. This is the Kindergarten and 1st grade (minus one).

If you can believe it - this is the entire Elementary - all six grades. They are a really great bunch of kids!

I had a great time being with my kids and doing something different from our regular routine. Thanks to Cam for keeping Hannah so I could go!

Hyrum Jay Horsley

I have felt so incredibly guilty about posting a spotlight for Paige and then never getting around to Hyrum. I don't feel right about posting anything else until this is done. I love him so much and he's so good to always be waiting on Mom.

Hyrum was my big baby. When he was born his head got stuck, then his shoulders, then the cord was wrapped around his neck, belly and then again like a sash. He had to be on oxygen for a couple of days before he could be released. The scale at the hospital at the time of his birth was broken, but when we left 3 days later, he weighed in at 8 lbs 14 oz. He's also the only baby I carried close to my due date, he was born the day before. He was born completely blond and in the pics below doesn't look very big at all - but that's not how it felt!!



He was such a mellow little guy and just sat there taking everything in. His sister immediately claimed him as her own and they have been like glue ever since. She wanted him everywhere she was and insisted on feeding him every chance she got. He looks up to her and will try things for her that he won't try for us.


He's always been the humor. Quiet, but hilarious. He's a lot like his Dad, he doesn't talk a lot and rarely in front of strangers, but it seems like his goal in life is to get us to laugh. He loves to scare people, wrestle with his Dad, ride horses, and loves being on a tractor, backhoe, etc.



Oh, and is completely obsessed with dirt. The dirtier the better. Wintertime is hard for Hyrum because he loves to be outside. His favorite thing is to push his little Tonka dumptruck all around the yard. He has tracks all over yard (he is not walking by the way - running the entire time) and is usually making some sort of machine noises for emphasis. We have 10 acres, so needless to say the kid is a little on the skinny side.



I think Hyrum' best quality is his heart. He is always coming up and giving me a sqeeze and telling me he loves me. He is mindful of his sisters and loves to cuddle with them (when he wants). As of lately, he's becoming a good helper and tries to set a good example for his sis's. He loves to help me in the kitchen and is pretty good. He loves his sisters even if he doesn't dote all over them. He is careful with Hannah and is sure to include her - if she can keep up. Look - he's even sharing his beloved tractors = big deal!!



For the most part Hyrum is happy and easy going. He doesn't have to be right in the thick of it and is sometimes just happy to hang out just outside of the action and observe.




I love my little man and am very grateful that Heavenly Father sent him to us. He makes us all smile everyday.

Lazy Days

Sometimes Paige asks me what we do all day and asks if we're having fun while she's at school. I try to make it sound boring, but every once in awhile we ditch all our chores and just enjoy the day. We've had some really great weather this last week and can't help but to enjoy it.

The kids love our lawn, I mean dandelion field.

They love to play in the mud - a little too much.

The swings are so exciting Hannah is exploding through her nose!

With everything growing so quickly, I've been tying up the horse to eat down some of the weeds. The kids can't help but to want to sit on her for awhile.