Ben graduates + senior trip

On May 28, Ben graduated from high school. I started this blog when he was a baby and now I can't slow down time. We are so proud of him and all he accomplished. Straight As, honors and AP classes, multi-sports, seminary, activities and friendships.... he is amazing.

We caught a picture of him on the big screen.

He got a selfie with some of his friends in line.

A friend's mom invited a bunch of seniors to the high school football field one evening before graduation for some pictures.

 

And they also tried to get a lot of those with mission calls to take a photo together at Temple Square.

Then, Saturday May 30-June 4, Ben went to San Diego for a senior trip with these group of good guys. All those who went to Escalante and some others as well. I'm grateful for the other parents who found the housing and stayed as chaperones.

Here they are at church that Sunday they were there.

They did some sightseeing.

Played at the beach nonstop...

And did some kayaking.

Ben said some of his favorite moments were playing games. He's had such a good group of friends all through high school and has loved hanging out with them, shooting hoops, playing soccer or football, playing board games, etc.

May end of school, seminary graduation, Escalante trip

 Andrew passed his driver's permit test on the first try. 

Mother's Day picture after church on May 10.

James had his end of year orchestra concert on May 12

Before graduation, the high school held an awards ceremony on May 13 where Ben was honored for his grades and earning the Ram Medallion, which comes from a combination of grades, activities, sports, leadership, etc.

James earned an award at the end of 7th grade called the Human Heart Award. I think it was for kindness and being a good person to others.

James participated in music in the parks at Lagoon on Saturday, May 16. His teacher sent this photo.

We also went to Lagoon that day and looked all over for him but never found him.

Ben graduated from seminary on Sunday, May 17, and was also ordained an elder and given the melchezidek priesthood.

Max and Elsa were there for the graduation.

Also in our stake are these two good friends of Ben's, Luke and Caleb.

JB took Ben and his good friends to the Richards cabin in Escalante in May. 

Here, he turned around and saw that the boys had all climbed to the top of the Scenic Byway sign. He said other tourists also took their picture.

Anytime they stopped they played with the hacky sack that I crocheted.

They made pizza at the cabin.

(L-R Ben, Mason Wallis, Braydon, Mason Lear, Tommy, Andrew and Caleb)

They played down by the creek and made a fort.

And made s'mores.

More hacky sack outside.

Hikes included Willis Creek

And Lower Calf Creek Falls.

JB said someone else there at the falls remarked at how impressed he was by the boys. All of them have mission calls, all are polite and respectful and support each other and also know how to laugh and have fun together.

Biggest hike was Broken Bow Arch.

On Memorial Day, we helped Suzanne and Seth's family pack up their house! 

And had yummy Chick-Fil-A afterward.

Field day at the elementary school on May 27! Here is Millie with Sylvie and Hannah, her two great friends. Goodbye to fourth grade!

Then, after the last day of school, Ben and James and Andrew buzzed their hair for the summer.