Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Moab Spring Break 2009





Our family plus cousins Jacinda, Darrell and Justin headed for Moab on Wednesday, March 18. We got there at about 4:00 pm and set up camp along the Colorado river in the Big Bend campground. We put the raft and kayak in for a trial run before dinner and camp.
The next day we hiked to the windows section in Arches National park and also the most famous Delicate Arch. On Friday we hiked to Double O arch and then took the Primitive hike to see Private arch. At that point we went off the trail and took our own primitive trail which included several places in which we had to use the ropes and squeeze through tight canyons. Justin would run ahead and scout out the best trail. It was exciting but we were out of water and finally made it back to the mail trail. We also Landscape arch and where Wall arch used to be (It collapsed this year).
Although we were physically spent, we had our lunch and then went to Sand Dune arch. We took off our shoes and played in the sand. I even did a cartwheel and somersaults down the hill just like old times when I would come with my family and ward as a kid.
We went into town and ate at Pizza Hut and I called my father and wished him a Happy Birthday. On Saturday we had to leave the campground before 8:00 am because they were having a half marathon down the canyon road. We loaded up the bikes and headed to the slick rock. We stopped for a Burger King Breakfast and waited for the sun to come out a little more and warm up. We headed up to Slick Rock Trail Park and the boys headed out for a good ride. Jacinda and I had a nap in the truck and later went on a smaller ride. We also enjoyed riding around on the city bike trails.
Well after the 4th day without a shower it is time to pack up and head home. It was a great trip! The Moab area is so beautiful and offers so much fun. We will definitely be back! The boys headed back to Provo and we headed home stopping at Costa Vida in Cedar City for dinner. Good times!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Sterling Scholar, Mountain Bike Race, Bball




Dawson and the other Sterling Scholar winners were honored at Snow Canyon High School on March 5th. He received $150. for winning the Social Science category from DHHS. He now will go on and compete at SUU in April. He had to compile a 36 page portfolio of all of his accomplishments. He has many. We are proud of him.
Andrew competed in the Red Rock Rampage Mountain Bike race today. It was his first competition but he rides bike about 3 times a week. He has legs of steel. He came in second, but would have been first if his chain had not come off! He and the boy who took first had the fastest times of all age categories. Go Andrew!! I am sure that there will be more races. Now he just needs a sponsor!
Dawson and the ward boys played in a multi stake basketball tournament today. Dawson loves church ball! He is really good and can often three pointers all over the place. He always throws in some trick plays and always has a great time. Dan helped ref and coach today.
Happy Birthday to my mom and dad this month and all of the family that have March birthdays. They are getting together on Sunday to celebrate the birthdays. Wish I was there!
See more photos at this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=danflake&target=ALBUM&id=5310628909976002449&authkey=Gv1sRgCIqzr4Tq2L3KbQ&authkey=Gv1sRgCIqzr4Tq2L3KbQ&feat=email

Sunday, March 1, 2009

A Perfect Day



Attending the Draper Temple Open House in SLC, witnessing the baptism of Tanya, daughter of Jon and Lesa Flake in Provo, celebrating at Chuck-a-rama, then attending the BYU vs U of U basketball game at the Marriott center on Friday made for a perfect Saturday!
We left St. George at 5:30 am and drove straight to Draper. We just beat the rush arriving at 10:00 a.m. and so were able to make it to each of our engagements with 10 minutes to spare at each one! The temple is beautiful as well as the homes (castles) around it. Our bus driver pointed out Andre Kerolinko's million dollar home just up the hillside. We enjoyed vising with the missionaries there at the open house after and delivered a package to Lindsey's friend Jenn Olson, who is waiting for her Visa to clear so she can go to London England on her mission. We also talked to sister missionaries who know our nephew Ryan Flake who is serving in the SLC mission. He can not come to the temple unless he brings an investigator.
The baptism was beautiful and personal, as Tanya was the only one being baptised. We always enjoy being with Jon and his family. We took Darrell and Jonathon to the game with us and loved being a part of the Cougar crowd "white out". I especially enjoyed watching the Cougarettes perform two cute numbers. It was only 25 years ago that I was out there dancing as one of them! Fun times!! I've really missed watching Lindsey dance and was glad that she was able to perform as a Utah Flash dancer so she could have a chance to be a professional dancer.
We loved the scones at Chuck-a-rama and fighting the crowds for food is always fun! :)
We moved our nephew Darrell back to Provo from living with us for a few months. We always love having him and he has been a big help to us and lots of fun for the boys to hang out with. I helped him get enrolled at UVU in the Diesel Mechanic program. He is not sure about going to college, but it is where he needs to be. His sister Jacinda, age 16 moved in with us a few weeks ago and is going to Desert Hills High where Dawson is at. So far things are working out well with her and I am glad to have another girl in the house. She and I attended the parade of homes together last Saturday. She is a lot like Lindsey and is enjoying wearing some of her clothes with STYLE as Lindsey requested! She also likes art likes Lindsey and enjoys school and is getting good grades.
Our perfect day ended as we returned home to St. George and found both Andrew and Dawson's pictures in the newspaper that day. Andrew honored as an Eagle Scout and Dawson as Student of the Month for DHHS, having been honored by the St. George Exchange club.

Andrew's Eagle Court of Honor





Andrew was honored at his Eagle Court of Honor on February 19. It was held at the Little Valley Stake Center outdoor Pavilion where he completed his project by assembling and installing the bleachers at the ball field. We invited all of the young scouts and their families as well as neighbors and friends. We has a wonderful turnout and a beautiful day. We fed everyone sloppy joes and hot dogs and all of the fixins. Many wonderful tributes were paid to Andrew and most importantly is that he is a friend to all --young and old and really a true scout! We are very proud of him. We wish that his sisters could have been there. For more pictures visit the picasso photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=danflake&target=ALBUM&id=5289433253036538625&authkey=0LIzK70_aB4&authkey=0LIzK70_aB4&feat=email