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Jordan's Graduation

I can't believe Jordan is graduating!
Time has just flown by since the day he was born.

He has been such an amazing blessing in our lives. Not a day goes by without him making us smile. We are so humbled at your goodness Jordan, and so proud of all you have accomplished. We can't wait to see what great things
you have in store :) We love you!

The weeks surrounding graduation were just one big long extended party! It was so fun watching him enjoying all the fun parties, dances, family coming to visit, seminary graduation, etc. I'm amazed at how well he did with no sleep for weeks. He had the time of his life and it was great to be a part of it. On graduation day we had a barbecue at the house with all of our family and friends. Thanks so much for all those who came to support Jordan! It just made our day complete having you all there. And thanks for all the help each one of you gave to make the day a success. It was an awesome day filled with lots of mixed emotions for me. . . I am so happy and excited for him but at the same time wishing he could stay with us forever and not grow up. :)

All the guys. . .

Senior Ball

Seminary Graduation

Sherry, Alyssa, and Grandma Shirley

Andrew and Alicia

All of Jared's family that could come: Golden, Adam, Aaron, Roger, Sherry, and his mom

It was wonderful having Grandma Shirley and Grandma and Grandpa Archibald there!

Golden, Britny, Elijah, and Tru

Congratulations Jordan!

Washington State!

For anyone who hasn't heard our big news, we are moving! Jared was hired as an assistant at Washington State University. He started his new job right away and came back for the weekend with some new Washington State gear. We have been so blessed to find a new opportunity for him. I think he is really going to love his new job and although the kids wish they could stay here with their friends they have been so good about moving again and are starting to get excited about it. We have been miserable with Jared being gone! But we have lots of visits planned for the summer and when the kids are done with all they have committed to with sports and dance we will go and join him there before school starts. We have moved enough that we know it's always tough to make a change but we also know that everywhere we have been has been a new adventure with lots of new blessings. I have been married to a basketball coach for 18 years now, I should be used to it by now huh? :) We are looking forward to what happens next!

Hawaii!

At the airport and so excited to go! Caeden was so good on the 7 hour flight but can you tell how happy he was when he realized we were finally there?




As soon as we got to the hotel we couldn't wait to get to the beach. Even though it was getting dark we loved it, the water is so warm and fun no matter when you go!

This was our awesome Presidential Suite and the view from the balcony

Day #1-Shopping at the International Marketplace on Waikiki-

And then to the beach!

Welcome luau at the hotel. We caught Jordan and Rich doing the hula!

Day #2 Waimea Bay-This beach was so beautiful! There were dolphins swimming up and down the coast and the water was so blue! All of the beaches on the North Shore were amazing.



The only bad thing about this trip to the beach was that our keys to the rental car got wet and wouldn't start the car so we were stuck there for a few extra hours! If you have to be stuck anywhere, a beach in Hawaii is not a bad place! We had hours of entertainment courtesy of Rich and Jordan's great singing and comedy act. Thanks guys! :)



Day #3-We got up early to go to the swap meet. We got awesome souveniers for great prices and the boys got air jordan tattoos and airbrush t-shirts. Then we drove to Polynesian Cultural Center and Luau-- we loved all of it!







Day 4-Surfing lessons (everyone loved surfing) and lots more time at the beach.


Caeden discovered a new favorite hobby - Chasing the birds!


Day #5 -Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. I made it official on this excursion, I hate snorkeling! I tried to convince myself that it was fun but I finally gave in to the reality that I am claustrophobic and I hate fish. Ashley was struggling to enjoy it too! But luckily the boys loved it and made good use of the snorkeling gear. I was content to hang out with Caeden on the beach:)


Every night Ashley, Caeden and I went to the beach to watch the sunset. It was amazing! A few times we were able to convince the boys to go with us, but mostly they weren't that excited about it. We would get frozen yogurt and walk along the beach--I could have done it for hours.
We are still talking about how we wish we could be on the beach eating frozen yogurt at sunset :)




Day #6-Pearl Harbor and tour of USS Missouri Battleship. This was an important stop on our trip. We learned so much about WWII and gained a deep appreciation for all those who have served our country and sacrificed so much. I looked at it through the eyes of all of the mothers and wives who have supported their loved ones as they commit to protecting our freedom. . . and the tears kept coming the whole time we were there. I am so thankful for the gift of living in this country and for the honorable men and women who willingly serve to protect it.

Then one last trip to the beach!

Day #7-Sad day, we have to go home! We wanted to stay forever! We got up early to get in one more trip to the beach before we had to check out of the hotel. We attended one of the local wards and that was a great experience. Then we drove to Laie to see Jordan's friend Annie. She was in our ward in CA and we just happened to run in to her at the Polynesian Cultural Center where she works. It was so fun to see her again! Her family invited us for dinner and it was a great afternoon getting to know them. They even gave Caeden a warrior stick which is one of the coolest souveneirs we brought home. Thanks Annie and everyone for having us! We stopped at the temple, it was beautiful. Then we headed for the airport and an all night flight home. It was such a fun week! It's been a long time since we have had so much time together and Hawaii was the perfect place to be. Everyone was so friendly. It was paradise no matter where we were. . . even the local McDonalds had a waterfall and tropical garden. WE LOVED IT! I hope we get to go back again someday soon!