My Mackenzie turns 12!

My little, first born Mackenzie turned 12 years old last week. I can't believe how fast these past 12 years have flown. I see little babies and feel like it was just yesterday Mackenzie was that tiny. Granted, she hasn't "grown" much, she is still tiny, little and petite in size. BUT, she is a big personality in a small package. I love her confidence, spiritual strength and love of life. She is the greatest help around the house and so fun to be around. She makes us laugh a lot. She started Young Women's last week and I teared up seeing her take that big step in her life. These are going to be the best years in her life. Since getting a job with JetBlue, I told her she could choose anywhere in the U.S. to visit for her birthday. Being big Disney fans, I thought for sure she would choose Disneyland. BUT, my little "Diva", all "Girlie Girl" chose New York for the shopping and of course, WICKED. How could I say no to that?? We had a great couple of days together. Girls Weekend, just her and I. The best was hearing her say, "Mom, this is the best trip ever!!"

Ground Zero (Humbling to be there days before the anniversary of 9/11)

This was between the 2 towers until they moved it to Battery Park in 2002. You can see the destruction at the bottom.

She was most excited about seeing the Statue of Liberty!!






Lunch at Chelsea Market.....YUM!

Shopping.



She was excited to see the Empire State Building too!!

Times Square




Must have a CRUMBS cupcake while in NYC.....to die for...

Wicked


She did not like the dirty subways...especially the Rats!

The family picked us up at the airport with this surprise for Mackenzie!

Football has taken over our lives!

Jacob absolutely LOVES football. He played 2 years ago and then we skipped last year to see if he really missed it or not. Well, he definitely missed it last year and is so excited to be back. He has practice EVERYDAY of the week and then a game EVERY Saturday. Needless to say, this is all we do now. He has really improved this year. He is a team captain and they even have a play called the "Turner Special".

First Day of School

First Day of School....
Mackenzie is in 6th grade
Jacob is in 4th grade
Kelsey is in 1st grade
Kayley is in 1st grade
JP and I are enjoying being "empty nesters" during the day, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays when neither of us work. We plan on golfing, attending the temple and sleeping more!!!!

End of Summer

The last week of Summer, before school and football season start, we head up to Bear Lake with our bestest friends, the Wirths and the Grovers. This has become a fun tradition. AND, the closest thing to a beach for me. The kids really look forward to this trip.

Final Chapter of the GREATEST Trip!!

So the real reason we took this amazing trip was to get the WHOLE family together (even Aunts, Uncles and Cousins) to Finally do the Temple Work for my Grandpa Bell (my mom's dad) and my Grandad Germany (my dad's dad) at the Newport Temple. What an amazing blessing it is to have so many temples on the earth so we can do this work for our family members who have passed on. Here are my final pictures of all of my family....extended family included and one last day on the beach (of course). I am truly blessed!!!