Fall Break 2010

For Fall Break we didn't go out of town this year. We just took the kids to Temple Square for a day, & we ended up having such a great time! It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day. There was a hint of coldness in the air, yet the sun was shining.

This was taken in front of the big waterfall off of the Conference Center.

By a fountain in front of the Church Office building.

Meggie, Mitch, Kenna, and Claire Bear! Sure love these kiddos!

In front of the Christus at the North Visitor's Center.

The kids loved this fountain. Claire kept trying to jump in! We had to restrain her!

This is a cool shot in front of the Temple.

Mitch and McKenna doing a a little Geneology at the Family History Center.

Meggie with a little spring in her step.

In the church office building the kids were excited to see the directory that listed where the 1st Presidency and the 12 apostles had their offices. So...we snapped a picture of it.

We took a tour of the Church Office Building and were able to go out on the roof (it's enclosed in glass) where we got these great shots of the State Capitol building.

August adventures 2010

We took the kids on a hike up part of Mt. Timpanogos to Scout Falls.

This picture was taken right before the hike.

During the hike, taking a rest on the trail.

The triumphant victors! What an accomplishment!

Hans' sister, Julie and family live in Guatemala, but they were here in Utah for a month visiting. This was a little celebration we had with them for Dallin's birthday at Grandma and Grandpa's rental house before they headed back home.

Summer Fun! 2010

Claire enjoying our water slide in the back yard. She had recently turned 2 when these were taken.

I love the look of pure joy on her face-- priceless!

The kids after swim lessons.

Isn't summertime grand?

To swim, or not to swim that is the question.

Deep thoughts, by Meghan Hendershot...

We get terrible wind storms here in the summer. This was a particularly bad one, and it practically took down our Aspen tree. Hans and I tried to save it during the storm. We tried holding it up. I was determined not to give in. I had my feet braced against the big rock and was pushing the trunk up with all of my might while the wind blew on. A neighbor saw what was happening and came over to offer some advice. His advice was, "Melissa, you're crazy, get in the house until the storm's over!" Hans had been telling me the same thing, but I didn't want to give up. I was almost in tears. But finally reason took over and I caved. We went inside to wait it out. This was the result the next morning.

We did save the tree though! Now it's upright and staked better. I should put a before and after picture. That would give you a better idea of the difference. That'll be a future blog project.

On to more important things....

One morning I found Claire in our master bathroom on her potty chair doing a little light reading.

For spiritual enlightenment, "The Ensign" and...

She's got to stay on top of what's going on in the business world, so

"Entrepreneur" was her final choice. :)

Hendershot Reunion Preston Idaho July 2010

Grandma Dina and Hans

Hans' Grandma, Dina Beltran, has three children, Hans' mother, Cynthia, and two other daughters, Aunt Felicia Lange and Aunt Gloria Stullich. This was a reunion for them, their children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. It was held at a cabin in Preston, ID. All of Hans siblings were there with their children. (Bob and Jennifer Hendershot and kids from Highland, UT. Julie and Brown Robertson were even there with their gang all the way from Guatemala. Dawneen and Mike Baker and kids from Pleasant View, UT. Tara and Mike Beck & kids from Houston, TX.

Gloria's children were not able to make it this time, but Felicia's children were there with their families. Dennis and Cindy Lange and kids from Los Gatos, CA. Lisa Lange, (Dean's wife) and their kids from Modesto, CA. Donny and Monica Lange and kids from Tehachapi, CA. Debbie Trette and kids from Concord/Walnut Creek, CA area.

Hans and Kenna on game night. Mike Baker and Aunt Gloria in background.

Lonnie, Lisa's daughter, Dawneen, Mike Beck, Brown Robertson, David Robertson, in front, Hanna Baker, Dennis and Cindy's daughter, and Debbie's daughter. Game night fun!

I was up against Hans on this Minute to Win It challenge. We had to knock down stacked cans by shooting them with rubberbands! Hanna Baker, Mike Beck, Meghan, Adam Baker, Brown, David, and Casey Robertson watching.

My turn at the mic for yet another game night of fun!

Me, Dawneen, her son, Ryan, Jennifer (showing off her new Mac) Tara, and Dennis

Grandma Dina and Me

Me and Julie Robertson

Moi on kitchen duty!

No, Claire did NOT take a bit out of this chair! Despite what it may look like! She actually had scrambled eggs all over her face!

The cabin's air conditioner didn't work well, and it was scorching hot while we were there. Claire quickly found her favorite spot in the house, right smack in front of the wall mounted ac unit. She always lifted up her shirt for better exposure to the breeze! It was hillarious!

Salmon Trip 4th of July Week 2010

It was fun to be in Salmon for "Salmon River Days" and to see so many old friends. It morphed into a Furness family reunion of sorts. Amber and her kids were out west visiting from Georgia, (Uel was still deployed to Afganistan at the time) and she was in Salmon to attend her 15 year reunion. Grammie Sherri came out as well to visit old friends. Brandon and Celia and kids came too, from Washington. That meant at least 1/2 of the Furness family was there. That was a miracle in and of itself! It is no easy task to get the Furness's all together, between babies being born, hectic family schedules and military deployments! But that was seriously the best part of the trip--seeing family.

Here we are at my dad's grave site. Seeing the kids crawl all over his tombstone made me happy and imagine what it would be like if he were still here and what a great Grandpa he would be. I'm sure he'd adore his grandchildren and wouldn't mind them crawling all over him.

My 20 year high school reunion in Salmon!

Isn't that insane--20 years?! It's funny, I don't feel that old. But I must admit 20 years is a long time!

It was a lot of fun to see everyone and get caught up. Stacie was as crazy as ever! She came dressed as Madonna- big surprise! You gotta love her! :) It was 80's night, hence all the crazy outfits.

Me, Stacie Taylor Lawler, Suzette Stenerson, Krista Smith Nebekker, Jill Goodman, McKinley, Kelly Fraser Rhodes, and Nate's Taylor's wife :)

We had it out at the city park. It was really cold and windy!

Cindy Morgan, Kim Trogden, Me, Suzette, Stacie, Kellie, Morton Howe is behind Stacie. He was the foreign exchange student our Senior year from Germany. He lived with the Taylor's that year. He's a lot of fun. I think he won the "traveled the farthest award". He came all the way from Europe for the reunion.

William's Lake with the Arfmann Clan

Hans and Claire on Ryan Arfmann's boat at William's Lake. Hans had just tried wake surfing for the first time, and he was a natural. He got right up and stayed up for a loooong time.

Mitchell and Lexi with one of Jamba Juices employees from I.F.

The Ry Guy threatening to throw Cade off the boat! Amber, Hailey, Claire, Kenna and Meggie look on.

Claire Bear at the city park for the highschool reunion family picnic.