Finished

 

 

 

The finished lawn!

Ryker and Grandma "ma"

 

I love Ryker. He and I love to go see the "Baa" (sheep down the road). He also loves to go to the park down the street and play on the jungle gym. I just have to say park or Baa and he is ready to go!

Putting in a lawn

 

Rich and I came down to Cedar to help Ben and Mandi put in a lawn. When we got there we saw piles of sand and dirt. But after lots of hard work from everyone we got it finished! It looks great! So glad we were here to help.

Kolob Canyon

 

 

 

 

We took a drive down to Kolob Canyon with Mandi, Ben, and Ryker, on Sunday. We had a picnic and took a mile long hike to see some awesome scenery.
On the way home we took a back road home and crossed about 5 streams. One of them was really deep and Ben went airborn going thru one crossing. Mandi and I jumped out of the truck because we were freaked out, but we left Ryker in the truck in our haste to get out. After we got going again Ryker covered his eyes with his hat. Think we freaked him out!

Alaska Military Academy

 

We were able to go and spend 3 hours with Kevin today! It was wonderful. I was so worried that he would be begging to come home, or wanting to quit, but that was NOT the case! He seemed very happy to be there and full of hope for the future.

They had them all march into the gym with everyone clapping. They were very prescise in their movement. Military style. Kevin is the spitting image of Adam! I couldn't believe how much they look alike. They stood at attention while Mr. Jones, the deputy director (I had his son in 4th grade), did introductions and opened with prayer. He gave a speech. There was another speech by a guy who looked pretty important. Then the woman who did the leading of the plattons gave a speech. Mr. Jones gave the closing prayer, and then we were able to go and meet with our Cadet.

I had been worrying for such a long time that it would be hard, but Kevin has already grown so much. He looks so good. Told us all about it.
The strip searches, the marching and pushups, the group showers, lack of food, sleeping in a tent on the ground. They don't even get any mayo or catsup or salt. They have to earn it. I had brought some chocolate chip cookies, but they were not allowed to have them. I asked Kevin if he wanted one and he said no way, I want my bed. There aren't enough beds and I don't want to lose mine.

He is looking forward to the next few weeks and told us of the things that are planned for them. This week they get to go to the jump tower. They will also go rappelling, and ride in a Black Hawk.

We had to say good bye and I got in lots of hugs. But I feel so much better now that I know he is doing so well.
I am so proud of him.