We really do try to post, but sometimes, we get so caught up in living life (everything below), that it just doesn't make it to the list of priorities, but I think anybody reading this can probably relate. Just note that everything I tell you about is not necessarily in order, but you will get the gist of it, I'm sure.
Dad, Marta, Levi, Luke and Mom got to go to the Jordan River Temple in Utah the week before Easter.
Our soon-to-be missionary in front of one of the best buildings on Earth!
Meanwhile, I stayed with some friends and became a certified Lifeguard!
Dad has mountain fever- he made it up to Angel's landing with Levi in 3 hours in Zion's National Park (above), and took a quick trip up through the Sierras with Mom yesterday (below)!
Marta and I got to go to Disneyland with the Most Awesome Band in the Universe!
Me (far left) and my roommates walking through Downtown Disney.
Marta with some of her roommates waiting for dinner to arrive.
After many attempts (and fails) at a Sections qualifying time on the 500 freestyle, I finally did it two days ago. Not only that, but I also got a personal record! :)!
At our high school, every senior must do a "project." Marta's was putting on an event for the man below, who has taught at/substituted for our high school for 50 years now. That is a lot. Not to mention that he has the respect of every student on campus because of his jokes and stories.
His last name being Lemon, Marta made the whole event lemon themed (decorations, refreshments, etc.). This resulted in lots of lemony leftovers that are still being consumed in our home on an almost daily basis.
We also had April Fools' day, which Mom prepared for with gusto! We had "dessert" first, which consisted of what appeared to be a cake, complete with piped frosting. April Fools! It was really meat loaf covered in mashed potatoes, some of which had been dyed green and piped onto the rest. Sneaky Mom! For veggies, we had Oscar the Grouch (shown above, although this wasn't ours). Then we had "dinner." Rice Krispie Treats with licorice inside and covered in Fruit by the Foot results in very yummy sushi.
Despite the ice cream shown, I was not happy when this picture was taken. That was the day that it was finalized that Marta, my roommate for 15 1/2 years (a.k.a. my whole life!), is going to leave me in August. She officially has housing now, and she not only got a new roommate, but she is replacing me as well. Her roommate is a lovely person (they've gotten to know each other), but she is the girl who must not be named in my presence. Don't get me wrong, she is a fantastic person, but she is replacing me, which isn't her fault, but I am still getting over it.
A while back, Levi was selected out of hundreds of kids from our county to go to the California State Science Fair for his project (above right). Since our grandpa provided the most assistance during the experimentation, he flew out for two days to go to the big event with Levi (above left). As I understand it, they had a wonderful time and got to see lots of cool, sciency stuff!
Yet another fantastic thing that has happened lately was our Church's General Conference, in which we hear modern revelation from our inspired prophet (below right), Thomas S. Monson. Afterwards, we decided to print out a bunch of our favorite quotes, make them look beauteous, and then put them in our guest bathroom. (below, right)
Hermana Houghton has been working hard, being trained in her mission, and has started to train others now. She is at left with her brand new trainee, her trainer, and her trainer's new trainee. The work goes on!
Meanwhile, Luke has been preparing for his mission in England. He will get back from BYU on Wednesday and leave a week from then to go straight to the British MTC. We look forward to his return home and all the excitement of his leaving for two years, although we will miss him lots.
There has been lots happening and we will sincerely try to keep this here blog updated!
Pictures by Marta, captions by Tess.
