Pioneer TREK

This year Russ and I got asked to be "Ma" and "Pa" with the youth Pioneer Trek.  We were so excited when we found out that we got to go.  We knew it would be an awesome experience, but we had NO IDEA what we were in for.  Of course we got the BEST family we called ourselves the Super Sipes.  We LOVED our kids.  All of them.  They were all unique and so special in their individual ways.  Each had something special to offer our family.  The first day was the LONGEST, HARDEST day we have ever experienced.  We walked, and walked, and walked.  It was something crazy like 12 or 15 miles.  Those kids just pushed and pulled the whole way.  No complaining.  They did keep asking when they could eat which was heartbreaking because we didn't really know the answer.  Those kids inspired both of us to just keep on going.  During the first day after about 4 miles or so we did the women's pull.  This is when all the men and boys went to war and it was up to all the women to pull the carts.  Of course it was up hill a lot.  Before we started our girls gathered together and we said a pray that we could have strength to make it.  IT WAS HARD.  I remember just looking down at my feet thinking "one more step, just one more step."  If I looked up and saw how much I had in front of me I got sick.  Many girls and Ma's got sick.  Literally.  When we made it to the top there were so many tears of joy and happiness.  I heard many say they knew there were spirits helping up push those carts.  There is no other way to explain how it was possible.

The next day was a day of Pioneer fun.  Games, fry bread, taffy pulling, hair washing.  Later that night they did dancing.  It was dusty. I'm not sure how those kids could see or breath to dance at all but they did with smiles on their faces.

The last day was FHE and testimonies.  The kids presented the FHE to Ma and Pa and it was an amazing lesson.  For the testimonies I was a little nervous thinking no one would want to.  BUT ALL OF THEM DID.  They each had such a special testimony that strengthened me.  What wonderful youth we have today.  In a world where things are dark, and scary, to hear the testimonies of these awesome youth made my light and hope brighter.  THANK YOU!! I know we live in a good, strong community where parents teach and help their kids to know the gospel and to live it.  That was very apparent listening to and being with these kids.  We will forever be grateful for this experience.

NINE NINE NINE YEARS OLD

 4th Birthday

 5th Birthday

 6th Birthday

 7th Birthday

 8th Birthday

 9th Birthday invitations

 His cake that HE created.  We found lego candy and they were GOOD!!

 The spread

 More of the table

 Riley and Kalin

 Riley and Bryson

 Riley and Brennon

 Riley and Justin

 Riley and Traegan

 Riley and Logan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY--again!! We can't believe our baby boy is NINE!! SHEESH we are all getting so old.  Riley had a LEGO birthday this year.  He is so into LEGOS.  He had a great time celebrating with his friends. I sometimes feel so bad that his birthday is in the summer.  I feel like no one will come to his party--BUT all but one boy came.  It was fun for him.  We love our sweet, smart, full of fun and imagination BOY!!

Raegan's 1st grade program

Raegan and her 1st grade teacher Mrs. Taylor

Yes, Raegan looks like an orphan in this picture.  They had played at the park ALL morning and then did the program after that.  So her hair elastic broke at the park and her hair was wild.  But she is still super cute.  She LOVED Mrs. Taylor.  She didn't want to ever leave her.  She even got a little teary eyed on the last day of school knowing Mrs. Taylor wouldn't be her teacher again.  She did great this year and learned to read really quick and very good.  I'm so proud of her.

Last day of school 2012

Raegan last day of 1st grade. Mrs. Taylor's class.

 Riley last day of 3rd grade.  Last day ever at Highland Primary School.  Mrs. Bradshaw's class.

 Raegan first day of 1st grade.

Riley first day of 3rd grade.


My kids had a great year this year.  They both had great teachers and did great with their grades and school work.  This was Riley's last year at the Primary school.  He now will go to the Intermediate school.  He is excited about the library because it's so big.  Mom and dad can't believe he is going to 4th grade already.  I'm so proud of my kids and the little people they are becoming.  I love you.

Side note:  I thought there would be a big difference in the first of the year pictures and the end of the year pictures, but I don't really think there is much difference.  Raegan's hair is definitely longer now.  She looks older too.

One year older and wiser too

This is a little bit embarrassing.  This year I turned 34.  OUCH!! I only post this because the top two pictures are of me on my birthday this year and the bottom one was me LAST YEAR on my birthday.  UGH!! I wanted to see if there was much difference in my appearance.  When I see pictures of myself I always see the bad.  I always see how much MORE I have to do.  But looking at these pictures makes me realize how far I have come.  I think it's a huge difference.  Not just my appearance but how I feel about myself.  My weight loss accomplishments so far and how I KNOW I can and I KNOW I push myself everyday.  It's pretty sad really that I didn't THINK I could sooner.  Way to go Marcie and keep it up.  Next year will be even better.

Raegan's 7th Birthday

 Beautiful Rae

 silly girl

 Her favorite gift was a guitar.  I don't know why but she has been asking for one for awhile.  She thinks she is hot stuff too.

 Playing dress up and make up.  Holy moly make up.

 Blowing out her candle

Our Raegan turned 7.  It's really hard to believe that it's even possible.  She has grown so much this last year. We are realizing just how smart and creative she is.  In a way it is fun to see your kids grow and develop into new little people.  Raegan is such a wonderful girl.  She is a great sister to her brother and sister.  She is always a good helper to mom and dad.  She has a mind of her own and tries really hard to make sure things go her way.  She is a good student and a really good friend.

This year she planned to have her friends walk home with her from school.  She had 7 girls walk home with her.  Her party was a polka dot party.  I don't know where she thought of it but it ended up being pretty cute.  Her and her friends played and ate and played and ate.  Opened presents, played dress up and make up and ate some more.  They all decorated cupcakes and had a super fun time.  We love you Raegan.  Happy Birthday.