Busy Spring 2009
In March, Dallin and Jacob were both advanced in the priesthood. Dallin was ordained a Priest and then stood in to assist in ordaining Jacob a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood.
It was a beautiful day as we relish the blessings of the priesthood in our lives. What a privilege it is to hold the priesthood and to be on the earth when the priesthood has been restored to the earth.
Dallin's 16 now!!!
Look out girls -- Dallin took Ashley to the his first High School Dance. His official dating years have started and ... he stays busy chasing lots of cute girls. The only thing that seems to take a higher priority in life is driving and he got his drivers license this spring as well. He spent most of the summer at Grandpa Baggett's working on the farm (and fishing with Grandpa as much as possible).
Jacob's
Track &
School
Jacob seems to be taking after Dallin in that he is running and fast! He seems to enjoy the long distance where he can wear out the competition. He makes his Dad very proud just like Dallin does. We all just wish we had the energy he has and could focus it in one direction!
While Jacob was running his races, Tanner was out on the other side of the field running his own races and sometimes even thought he could beat the actual runners. He also seems to have a unlimited amount of energy and likes to tease the girls. Jacob is a super example to his little brother. Jacob was in a play called "California Here We Come" and Jacob was the "American writer". 
His last big project for school year was his report on Thomas Edison. Jacob dressed up like Edison to display his masterpiece as he shows an incredible man of history's influence on the world! He was on cloud nine talking about Edison who was a man of persistence and determination.
Rachel's
Dance
2009
Rachel enjoyed dancing with a group of 3-18 year olds who put on a fun show on May 16, 2009. It was super to see Rachel so excited about the show! She worked hard to learn the moves for weeks and she was one of the first acts on the stage. While at the show, Tanner was bored sitting there waiting till Rachel came on the scene and then he sat spellbound watching his sister shine. He is her biggest fan!
Besides dance, Rachel and Jacob both took part in a fun piano recital and both did very well. They are surprising Dad and Mom with so many exciting talents. And to make it even better they practice hard to make it all possible. Tanner -- you better watch and learn!!!
Memorial Day 2009 with
Grandma and Grandpa Parris
Debi with her Mom and Gretchenat Harmony's gravesite
For Memorial Day we went to meet Deanna and Gretchen at the cemetery before heading to the cabin at Bear Lake. Our hearts were touched as we remembered several from Deanna's family and from Don's who passed on before. While at Bear Lake Don took us on some beautiful 4-wheeler rides and then to top off the weekend, Debi and Dallin golfed for the first time with Grandpa Parris. We all had such a wonderful visit and just got to enjoy lots of fun time together!
Jacob, Rachel, Tanner & Dallin at Great Grandpa Parris' grave
Tanner's Big Tube Ride
Okay, so Tanner isn't such a big fan of tubing yet. But, we're making progress. For one of our several trips to Island Park, Tanner rode the tube with Boyd and had fun until it got a little fast (almost 2 miles per hour).
Despite having to talk him into the rides on the tube, Tanner loves the water. We can hardly keep ahold of him in the swimming pool. He loves to jump in and even did a flip off the diving board despite the fact that he has to really work to get to the side. As soon as we took off his lifejacket so he could learn to swim better, he just took off -- it was almost impossible to keep up with him. To make it even harder, he goes after someone (like Jacob or Rachel) and just hangs onto them to hold himself up! Its scary because he pulls them under if they aren't expecting it or if they are just trying to stay afloat themselves.
Jacob's 1st Wakeboard Success
Meanwhile, Jacob had his first successful wakeboard trip in July at Island Park. It didn't last a long time -- only to the first attempted jump. But, Jacob did it and felt great about it. His only disappointment was that Dallin wasn't there to see it. He had to call that night to let Dallin know he got up by himself. We've had a ball this summer with several boating trips. We just love it!
