The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I have to say I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before.

A few weeks ago I first heard about Pete Frates and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  I was watching ESPN and they did a profile on this former Boston College baseball player who was trying to raise awareness on ALS, the disease he contracted a while earlier.  If you haven't seen the original story, it's a must watch.

I was overwhelmed by the power of one man.  Still, it seemed like Pete's challenge would be like so many others.  A heart warming story that came and went with the news cycle.

But it didn't go away.

For whatever reason the challenge has truly gone viral.  Athletes, politicians, actors all jumped on board.

Then it spread.

Moms, Dads, teachers, and even kids all wanted to jump into the act.

Well, long story short.- even my family has gotten into the act.  Last night Kennedy did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  Take a look:

Dede may not fully understand the destructiveness of ALS, but I'm still proud of her for taking the challenge.  I know Tara and I will support the cause of fighting ALS, even if we don't dump buckets of water over our heads.  We both saw how this disease affects families with the death of Tara's Uncle Sterling last year.  Sterling was an amazing man and it was so hard to see him lose his battle with ALS.  The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a powerful movement and I'm glad we've become part of it.

Photo of the Day

What are they learning about in Primary?

Baptism Photo Shoot

Final preparations for Alex's baptism continued over the weekend.  His new suit arrived and it was time for a photo shoot.  Only one problem - we don't have a photographer.  Not to worry.  Give me a willing model, some good light, and a few selected areas in our yard.

Alex turns 8!

Alex has been so excited for his birthday.  He has been planning and getting ready for this day for months.  He loves opening presents and loves having parties!  So, of course we had several!  We started with a family party on the Sunday before his birthday.  We had a "How to Train a Dragon" cake, a barbecue and of course presents.  He got spoiled with lots of fun presents from the family, including lots of Legos! 

The next day was his actual birthday. Alex wanted to spend some time with his cousins, so we invited them to go to the splash pad by our house. Later that night, we went to dinner and Alex opened his presents from us. More presents!

That next weekend, Alex had his friend party. He wanted to swim, so we went to our neighbors pool with lots of boys and a few girls and had a fun swim party. After swimming, we came back to our house for cupcakes and ice cream, presents and of course a pinata.

Alex, I am so proud of you! I can't believe you are 8 years old. You are such a good kid, with a sweet personality who cares for everyone around you. I love you!

Hiking through the Wild Flowers

We spent the week down in New Harmony.  While I was teaching all week at the Rural Schools Conference in Cedar City Tara and the kids took advantage of the down time to do all kinds of fun stuff - riding the 4 wheeler, swimming at the rec center, project time at the library. It was non stop adventure.

On Saturday we packed up all the kids and headed to the hills. It was the annual Wild Flower Festival up near Cedar Breaks and we wanted to get out of the heat. It was awesome! The kids loved getting out and seeing all the amazing colors as we hiked around Alpine Pond. Take a look: