Brown Family

Eagle Scout

2011-10-31T09:15:00.002-07:00

Morgan received his Eagle Scout award in a ceremony last night. We are proud of him.

Fall Break

2011-10-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

We decided to go on an Arizona trip for our fall break this year. We started at Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona and went on a hike and enjoyed the beautiful colored leaves.

Morgan is rock climbing, or posing for a magazine photoshoot, not sure which.

Rachel rock climbing near Sedona

Montezuma's Castle National Monument. This well-preserved cliff dwelling, built by Sinagua Indians in A.D. 1100, sits 100 feet above the valley. It is rather impressive.

This place is called Montezuma Well.

Walnut Canyon National Monument. This monument features dwellings sheltered by overhanging cliffs.

We are in an AD 1150 year old house!

Rachel posing in a pueblo

The trail starts at the visitor center and drops 245 steps into the canyon. Morgan ran up the stairs. (I think twice) It was quite the climb, but well worth the trip.

Labor Day Picnic

2011-09-09T11:47:00.001-07:00

We went to the cabin for Labor Day and had a wonderful time visiting, playing games, hiking, and looking at the lush grass and wildflowers. For lunch we drove to Big Lake for a picnic and also to see the Wallow Fire destruction. Once again we sere pleased to see that the devastation wasn't widespread. The grass has all grown back and with the Forest Service seeding and putting down straw, you can see from the pictures how beautiful the grass is. Some areas were disheartening though. The picture taken at our picnic lunch was right next to the Ranch's old corrals. Happy memories in a beautiful place.

Anniversary

2011-08-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Doug and I recently celebrated our 28-year anniversary. A few years ago we thought we would like to go to a different temple for our anniversary each year. Luckily Bryan got married near our anniversary date so we got to count the St. George temple as our Anniversary Temple! I wonder where we will go next year? When I was young, one of my goals was to visit every temple in the world. Like that is going to happen now. So I revised my goal and decided on one new temple each year.

Fire in June

2011-06-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Our area has another wildfire raging out of control. It started near Alpine on Sunday and the winds, dry conditions and extremely low humidity have turned our forest into an inferno.

These pictures were taken from my back porch. Ominous!

SNOW IN MAY

2011-05-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

We woke up this morning, MAY 19, to 3 inches of beautiful wet snow. Morgan had a nature walk field trip scheduled today.

Feb - Mar Happenings

2011-03-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

We have had a few busy, exciting months. Here are some random pictures of our adventures.

Baby Trey's Blessings Day-- March 20, 2011

Thai food Party!

Making blankets with Addison

Sign made by Rachel

Trey 2 days old

Zion National Park with Gina, Mom and Dad

Baking with Addison and coloring pictures for the Fridge

Blessing day

BYU Basketball

2011-01-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

We had a fun trip to Albuquerque to watch BYU play UNM in the Pit. We arrived a little early and as we were walking around looking at the newly completed renovations of the Pit, the team bus pulled up. We watched them as they walked by us and commented about each player. Morgan and David had seats on the 3rd row so we all went down and watched the team warm up. The rest of us had seats in the "Club," which were up high but comfortable leather seats. Doug and David got tickets from attorney friends that were not using them. By the way as we were walking into the Pit we saw some BYU fans, but when the game started they were mixed throughout the crowd, so we felt like the only fans there. The game was great fun. We got a 13 point lead and right then Doug mentioned, "I hate to be ahead in the Pit." Sure enough UNM started a run and the crowd went wild. It is the craziest atmosphere. It is entertaining to watch the student section with all their funny antics and cheers. I think it is so loud that the floor vibrates. We were treated nice this time though. (Last trip to the Pit they gave out free towels and the fans knotted them up and threw them at us) The man we sat next to bought us popcorn. We analyzed the game all the way home and finally decided we are excited for the rest of the season!

2011-01-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

Holiday Happenings

2011-01-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful holiday season. Here are some pictures of a few things we did:

Attended a wedding in Mesa

Christmas Dinner

Lots of Christmas Parties

Made a gingerbread house

Went Tubing

Ashley received the Lion House Pie book for Christmas and so we experimented with a different pie and style every day

Apple

Banana Cream

Coconut Cream

Chocolate Chip Walnut

Cherry

Berry

Christmas Tree

2010-12-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

We found a beautiful tree this year on the Ranch. We went tree hunting after school one day, and didn't have any major catastrophes as in years past. We brought the tree home and decorated it and slowly it started to lean, but never fear we have it tied up tight!

Rachel had her dance recital this week.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

We had an enjoyable Halloween weekend. Doug and Morgan went to the Snowflake temple and got home just in time for our ward trunk or treat party. Rachel dressed up as a pirate. We carved pumpkins, and make pumpkin pie and roasted seeds.

Soccer

2010-10-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

We are almost at the end of the 2010 soccer season. Rachel had an exciting season. We were the coaches for her team. We played the "Yellow Team" early on in the season and lost 10-1. We played them again for our last game and beat them 2-1. They were currently undefeated and they cried after the game and were shocked by the loss. It was great fun!
Morgan's team has had 3 overtime games this season, losing each one in a PK shootout. Nevertheless it has been a good season, and we have all enjoyed watching Morgan play. Morgan is #12.

Back to School

2010-08-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Morgan went back to school today. Rachel is in a new school; 6th grade in the Middle School. Morgan is in 11th grade.

Squirrel Trap Round 2

2010-06-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

OK we are officially a crazy family from the hills that traps animals. For 2 years we have had this resident squirrel that we finally caught this year in our trap. We took it down by the river and politely let it go and it scampered off happy in its new habitat. Well a few days later I saw a squirrel on my back porch. I wondered if it was the same squirrel and a movie would be made about it finding its way back home..".Homeward Bound." So we set the trap again and last night we caught a skunk in our trap. Here are some pictures of Morgan and Tanner devising a plan to deal with the skunk. We weren't so polite this time around. So needless to say, we are still trapping our squirrel.

Happenings

2010-06-15T19:55:00.001-07:00

A few random happenings....... Arches National Park, Hogle Zoo, dance recital, science fair, Escudilla Tower hike, Doug's birthday, Parker branding on the ranch

Day Trip to Zion

2010-03-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dad, Mom and I recently spent the morning in Zion National Park. We started the morning at the camp ground and cooked a delicious breakfast. We drove through the Park and enjoyed the vibrant blue sky against the picturesque majestic mountains!

MTC

2010-03-03T10:59:00.001-07:00

Taylor reported to the MTC on February 24. It was snowing, but a beautiful day in more ways than one!

Snow Fort

2010-01-25T09:03:00.001-07:00

Add this to the Snow Day fun. Rachel and Taylor spent hours building this snow fort.

Snow Day

2010-01-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

We had an official snow day on Friday. We have had quite a storm. These pictures are snow accumulated just on Friday. We have had snow/rain/sleet for 5 days. Today the sun is finally out!

Addison at Grandma's House

2010-01-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

We are having so fun with Addison. A few times she has escaped our watchful eye!

Christmas Cruise

2010-01-03T08:17:00.004-07:00

Cruising in Mexico.......

Christmas Eve on the Norwegian star

Adam and Ashley in the 15 passenger van driving around Puerto Vallarta

View of our Ship from Lover's Beach

Doug snorkling at Lover's Beach in Cabo

Tanner and Morgan sitting on Santa's lap (or close by)

White Elephant gift exchange on Christmas Eve (beach towel wrapping)

Rachel and Addison visiting Santa

Zip line in Puerta Vallarta

Eating a "Shrimp Snack" at a restaurant on the beach in Matzalan

Parker and Doug with Addison on a swinging bridge in the jungle at Puerto Vallarta

Playing football in Matzalan

Rachel excited about her folded towel elephant

Addison with 2 girls from the Salvation Army children's home

Taylor in the "Van" with Addison

Sand sculpture nativity scene along the Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta

Cathedral of Our Lady of Gaudalupe

Rachel handing out candy at the flea market

Our favorite dessert...

Decorations

2009-12-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying this holiday season.
We cut a Christmas tree in the Wildcat pasture on the ranch. Morgan was the driver. Doug and Rachel were the look-out crew from the back of the truck.We found a beautiful tree. It is only about 6 feet tall, but is perfectly shaped and has a powerful smell!
Next, we put up some Christmas lights. We are trying to function without Taylor this year!
We went to the electric light parade.
We made a gingerbread house to top off the wonderful day!

Temple

2009-11-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Taylor was able to go to the Mt. Timpanogos temple on Friday after Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful experience.

Christmas Tree and a Roadrunner

2009-11-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is quite a goofy combination. (I got the word "Goofy" from the Mtn commentator on Saturday's BYU/Wyoming football game. Did you notice how many times he said "goofy.") Anyway Saturday as I was doing the dishes, I noticed a roadrunner outside walking across our basketball court. At first I thought it was Morgan because he is so fast on the BB court..... Funny. Seriously, we all looked and sure enough it was a roadrunner. We have never seen one in our yard before.
As for the Christmas Tree. Saturday afternoon we attended a "Capitol Christmas Tree Celebration." Arizona has the honor of providing the 2009 Capitol Christmas Tree for the US Capitol. The tree is an 85' blue spruce harvested from the Apache Sitgreaves Forest south of Eagar. This is the first time a tree has been selected from an Arizona forest. Rachel's school choir sang in the program. The tree is packaged up and goes on tour across the US until it arrives in DC November 30. It was fun to see.

Halloween

2009-11-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

We had a "frightful" Halloween weekend. Rachel had a party for her friends where she planned 3 crafts, 14 games and for dinner-- mummy pizza, witches brew, and booger sticks. We had a ward trunk-or-treat party on Saturday.

Fall Leaves

2009-10-11T17:28:00.001-07:00

This afternoon we went on a Sunday drive to the mountains. The aspen trees are vibrant, colorful and breathtaking at times.

Morgan's Soccer Season

2009-10-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Morgan has had a fun soccer season. They have 3 more weeks of games. Here are some pictures of his game against Snowflake. RV won 3-1.

Rachel the Soccer Star

2009-09-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Rachel finished her soccer season today. She scored a goal today to top off her season. It was a fun season, especially the two games her dad coached. (The only 2 games they won.) He is quite proud of his record! Doug is a really good soccer coach and had the kids playing positions so well.

Flowers and a smart squirrel

2009-09-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

All the education combined in this household is not enough to catch our resident squirrel. In the spring we planted a lot of flowers hoping for another abundant crop. We noticed that the flowers were not growing, so using our detective skills we realized that a squirrel was eating them. We purchased a trap and set it using peanut butter and crackers. The next morning the crackers and peanut butter were gone, but the trap was still set. A few days later we caught the squirrel, but before we could empty the trap, the squirrel moved around so much that the trap fell off the bricks and sprang open, and away ran the squirrel. One morning we were so excited because the trap was full. We thought we had finally outsmarted the squirrel, but upon checking, it was a bird! Anyway I noticed this morning that our flowers are finally growing a little. Take that SQUIRREL!

Full House Pictures

2009-08-29T08:35:00.001-07:00

What a "break."

We got out all the toys and had so fun with Addison She was really good while visiting. We would sit around and watch her every move. She likes us all!

Morgan had to attend school and soccer practice during much of the break.

Taylor's 19th birthday party at the Homestead.

Parker taking a turn on the swing

Parker and Morgan wrestling with Doug. Parker claims he can finally beat his Dad. (with a little help from Mo)

Sweet Baby.

Full House

2009-08-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Parker and Taylor had a break from BYU for 2 weeks. Ashley and Addison decided to join the "break" party. We had a full house. We enjoyed each day being together. We went to the cabin for Taylor's 19th birthday. We also had a picnic at Big Lake, went shopping in Show Low, planned class schedules for next semester, 4-wheeling at Davis Ranch (pounding in posts), cooked gourmet meals each night, spoke in church for a last-minute cancellation, worked at the office, tore a wall down at a new rental house and the highlight of the break was being together as a family as Taylor received the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Back To School

2009-08-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

We started school today.

Rachel is in 5th grade and excited about the new school year.

Morgan is in 10th grade and not so excited about all his geometry homework!

Tucson Trip

2009-08-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

This week we attended the AZ Cattle Growers Convention in Tucson. It was held at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. The resort is located in an absolutely beatuiful location. What I loved about the resort is how it is built to fit right into the natural beauty of the landscape, at the base of Mt. Lemmon in the Catalina Foothills. We enjoyed the walking trails around the resort, with informational signs and pathways going in all directions. There is a waterfall at the top of the resort. We especially enjoyed the swimming pool where we spent most of our time. Well Rachel, Morgan and I did, not Doug. He spent most of his time at the convention. He was a presenter at one of the sessions. One night we went to a steak dinner held at U of A farm where 99% of the guests wore cowboy hats and danced to "Boot Scootin' Boogie." The dinner was cooked in dutchovens. Fun few days!

Card House

2009-08-02T12:50:00.001-07:00

This is what Taylor did his last week at home, before he left for BYU. Taylor and Rachel built this house out of cards. Time to move on Taylor! It was a neat house though!

Utah Trip

2009-07-03T20:46:00.001-07:00

Rachel and Chloe at "Jump On It"

Rachel, Natasha, Chloe at Jump On It"

Taylor starting BYU

Ashley's graduation pictures from UVU

Pictures in Grandma's basement--BEFORE

AFTER - picture in basement with Gina relaxing

Chloe, Rachel, Natasha, Hayden, Jackson

Openhouse at Oquirrh MountainTemple

Dad helping fix Father's Day dinner in

Pleasant Grove

Rachel and I recently spent 2 weeks in Utah. We dropped Taylor off at BYU to start the summer term. We first spent a few days at Ashley's house. We loved spending time with Addison. She is such a cute happy baby. Ashley left for Phoenix for a few days and so we moved over to the Pleasant Grove house. While there Gina and I cleaned out Grandma's basement. We moved back to Ashley's house for a few more days of fun. Finally we drove to Hurricane and stayed there a few more days. It was such a fun trip.

Graduating Class of 2009

2009-05-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Taylor's graduation was a nice event. He has a large class, with a lot of kids graduating that we've never even heard of. Taylor received awards for exceeding AIMS standards and 4.0 GPA.

Season Jar Change

2009-05-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

I put away my Easter Eggs/Spring jar decorations and got out my summer decor!

Ktchen Window

2009-04-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

I just looked out my kitchen window and was startled to see an elk in our yard.
It is eating our weeds!

Taylor recently attended the Arizona Future Business Leaders conference. It was held in Tucson. He won first place in computer applications.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

We went to our cabin Friday night. It was extremely windy. Nevertheless we built a fire and cooked tinfoil dinners. Saturday morning we woke up----ready to have an Easter egg hunt. We looked out the window and found 4 inches of snow to go with the wind! We gave up on our hunt and went to St. Johns instead and spent the day with family there.

Spring Break Trip

2009-03-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Spring Break Trip going to Niagara Falls, Toronto and Palmyra. We were able to meet a lot of people from Parker's mission. It was a special time for our family.

Rocky Mountain Round-up

2009-03-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Ashley created a restaurant. Rachel loves being the waitress and loves to take orders with her notebook and pencil. The restaurant had a delicious menu and we all enjoyed the evening. It was Parker's first dinner at home, and he ordered a hamburger with grilled mushrooms, onions, peppers, with chile, and avocado.

Parker's Home

2009-03-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Parker arrived home on Friday, February 27. We picked him up at the airport in Phoenix. He looks good (although very thin) Ashley, Adam and Addison were able to be there also. We all went out to eat at Macayos in Tempe. We had to walk through a bar/campus happy hour to get to the restaurant. Parker noticed that people were not wearing a lot of clothes! We also heard 4 swear words as we walked through the party! Welcome Home Parker. He drove on home that night. Saturday morning he got released. Today he dug out his old ranch working clothes, made his lunch, and is out digging for a new pipeline. He starts back at BYU in April. We are so happy to have him home.

Parker Count-Down

2009-02-13T16:13:00.001-07:00

Rachel made a sign that is posted in our kitchen window. She made it on her whiteboard and has been counting down the days until Parker gets home.

He arrives in Phoenix Friday, February 27 at 3:37.

Cardinal Confetti

2009-02-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed watching the Super Bowl. The Cardinals almost pulled it off! Rachel threw confetti from the catwalk all over the living room.

2009-02-02T09:46:00.001-07:00

I got some new curtains. They match my pillows (usually not on the couch, but on the ground) I am excited about my curtains!

2009-02-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

Morgan is on the freshman basketball team this year. His team hasn't won too many games, but Morgan has enjoyed playing.

2009-01-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Family Fun

2009-01-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary, December 29, 2008. We had such a fun week of parties and activities. Times to remember! There are 45 people in the Wayne and Margene Edwards family. 44 of us were there---we were missing Parker.

Christmas Season

2008-12-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying the Christmas season. We are loving our tree and it hasn't fallen over yet. We are excited to add a new stocking to the mantle. Rachel is happy that she is not the littlest reindeer anymore.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-12-16T19:35:00.001-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving at Ashley's house in Lehi. She has a new house and it was perfect for the celebration. We had a delicious dinner and spent the day playing games, visiting, and eating and eating and eating.

Addison's Blessing

2008-12-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

Addison was blessed by her father Adam on Sunday, November 30. Her Grandfather Brown and Grandfather Poston helped bless her also. Her Grandma Poston made her a beautiful dress. It was a wonderful day.

Christmas Lights

2008-12-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

We visited Temple Square and looked at the Christmas lights. It was busier than Disneyland any day of the week, but it was beautiful and peaceful. It was a balmy evening.

Baby Addison

2008-11-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Adam had a baby on Thursday, November 13. They named her Addison Gene Poston. She weighed 7 lbs 12 ozs. I drove up to Utah on Monday and have been here as the new Grandma. It is a wonderful new role.

Parker's Mission

2008-11-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

We recently received these pictures of Parker and his companion Elder Wong. Elder Wong just got home from his mission and lives in Hong Kong. He posted these pictures on to people he knew. J's wife Christy knew Elder Wong when she lived in Hong Kong and she forwarded them on to us. Small World!

Halloween

2008-11-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

We made Rachel a mummy costume this year for Halloween. She entered the town costume contest and won most original. She won a gift certificate to Western Drug and China Garden. When Parker was little, he was a mummy one year. But, his costume consisted of toilet paper. He left a trail behind at each house. We have improved our mummy making skills somewhat. Rachel was a pirate for her school party. What a fun holiday.

2008-10-23T19:31:00.001-07:00

Taylor's Physics Class

Taylor made a boat using only cardboard and glue. He and his partner won the race and stayed afloat for 25 minutes

High School Soccer

2008-10-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting year. Our team started the season with high ambition, talented players and a lot of enthusiasm. Problems plagued the team anywhere from injuries to drug suspensions. But, the season has been successful for Morgan and Taylor. They have enjoyed it!

Round Valley vs Holbrook October 11, 2008. Taylor #11, Morgan #15

Soccer

2008-10-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Rachel finished AYSO soccer this season. She had a lot of fun. In one game she scored 3 goals. She ran off the field with her hands high in the air, as if she just won the World Cup!

Madison Nicoll and Rachel

Fall Colors

2008-10-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

We recently went to Greens Peak to see the beautiful fall colors. It has been a tradition in our family to go to Greens Peak around Parker's birthday. We climb the fire tower and get a glimpse of the whole world. This year there was snow on the ground, amidst the colorful changing leaves.

Fall Flowers

2008-10-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Birthday Present
I had a nice birthday. We all went out to eat in Greer at Molly Butler's. I got a new camera for my birthday. I am learning how to use it....(with Taylor's help) My first few pictures are of our beautiful flowers in our front yard. It is October and they haven't frozen yet.

First Day of School

2008-08-18T20:53:00.001-07:00

We started school on August 13. Rachel started 4th grade, Morgan 9th grade and Taylor 12 grade.

Whiting Reunion at the Homestead

2008-08-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Whiting Reunion was a grand affair. There were over 1,000 people there. There were a lot of activities over 4 days. We especially liked the "Whiting Village" where there were 30 different activities going on, such as: rope making, laundry skills, cookie making, and cow milking. We all helped run the cow milking and roping station. We learned a lot about our ancestors and felt great appreciation for their sacrifices.

Summer Vacation in California

2008-08-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

We went on a family vacation to California. We spent the first 3 days at the beach. The first day we spent 12 hours at the beach. We had a BBQ at Huntington Beach and watched the sunset settle over the pier. We spent our time boogie boarding, jumping waves, making sand castles, walking the boardwalk, eating junk food and relaxing. After the beach we went to Disneyland for 2 days. We had a wonderful time.

California Trip

2008-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Fun in Utah

2008-07-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

I took all of the kids to Lagoon for a day. We were there for 10 hours and had a lot of fun.

We had a birthday party for Hayden at Chuckie Cheese.