It's Official...

I didn't want to post this news on facebook or instagram, but this blog is our family journal. It is a record of the good and the bad that goes on in our family and I feel like this is a pretty big life change. Instead of a scrapbook, I make this blog print into a book; so this post is more for our family than anyone else. On Sunday, Sept. 6, Ryan was made the Bishop of our ward. There has been a LOT of things going on in our heads over the last few weeks, as you can imagine. Over the last 3 weeks my feelings have turned from overwhelming fear the first few days to a sense of peace and affirmation when he was sustained three days ago.

The last time Ryan was in the bishopric, we had a really discouraging and difficult 4 years. It was hard for me especially, to let go of that experience and look forward to the next 5 years. After a lot of prayer, fasting, and a visit to the temple, I was able to let go of the fear and find comfort that we'll be ok. And after Ryan was sustained, I felt so encircled with love from our ward. It meant so much me. I feel so weak and overwhelmed at times but on Sunday, I really felt buoyed up with the faith of our ward.

It never occurred to us to say no to this calling. We are all in. I know Ryan will do a great job. But as my dear friend told me this phrase, I knew it applied to me all too well: "No one said you have to do it gracefully; you just have to do it!" So here we start on our new adventure!

We got in a quick picture after church with Ryan's parents and my mom who came in town for the weekend. We were grateful they were able to come.

Finishing Up August

Sadie started at a new school on August 10. So far I am LOVING it! She seems to like it too.

Boston started preschool at Mrs. Cynthia's on the 11th. He was under the impression that he would go to one day of preschool and then he would start Kindergarten. He was so confused and disappointed that he has to wait. People keep telling him that he will go to Kindergarten when he turns 5, but that is in November. So I am trying to prepare him to wait another 9 months after he turns 5.

Boston saw this at Cafe Rio and said, "Look Mom! Santa is a cowboy!"

We celebrated out 11 year anniversary at the Phoenix Temple. We've definitely had our ups and downs through the years, but luckily there have been a lot more "ups" than "downs". We went to dinner and made some goals for our upcoming year. I seriously love this man of mine. He is amazing. He gets more done in one day than most can in two. He is a hard worker that never seems to tire. He is genuinely concerned about our family and is a very engaged father and husband. I need this man in my life! I love you!

Alkema Family Reunion

The Alkema side of the family has not had a family reunion in 14 years. I have been a part of it for 11 years, and I still had not met a few of Ryan's cousins and one of his Uncles. (Ryan's father is the oldest of 13 kids.) Needless to say, we were VERY excited to have this reunion. We went to Pine View, Utah. Boston became fast friends with the dog.

We had a horse shoe pit, volley ball, pool table, ping pong table, and a croquet set for amusement.

Every night had several games of volleyball.

The best (and most coveted seat in the house) was on Grandpa's lap.

Brooklyn and Sadie were taking care of their baby cousin, Kylie.

Bryce and Brittney eager to get in on the volleyball game

Spectators about to rotate in the game: Richard, Doug, Stacey, Chris, Denise, and Jared.

Grandpa brought all sorts of fun trinkets for the kids. Here are some light up glasses.

We tried our best to "unplug" during the reunion. It helped that there was very little cell service. So we played A LOT of games!

Bryce and Kylie

Brooklyn

Grandpa Rich became "Grandpa" to all the kids even if he was actually their uncle. :)

The location was just perfect for such a large group. There was a huge main lodge with a huge kitchen and industrial sized freezers and fridges. It also had extra rooms on the second floor. Then there were additional small cabins for families with double bunk beds.

We needed this type of vacation so badly! It was so good to get away from the "busy" life and reconnect with nature.

One of the highlights of the reunion was our family Jeopardy game. It was all questions and answers about our family members. We learned a lot of things about our extended family. There was so much laughter and so much bonding it was AMAZING! We played well into the night and enjoyed every second!

Adorableness

Steve was a big factor in getting the reunion together. We are so grateful to all those who planned it!

More adorable...

We wanted to go on a hike, so we loaded up in the back of Nate's truck and drove to this beautiful lake nearby.

We were singing camp songs on the way up. The kids were in heaven. Sadie also had a sweet bond with her Great Aunt Kimberly. I was a little sharp with her one day and she told me, "FINE! Then I'm running away. And I'm going to Aunt Kimberly's house. And I am NEVER going to skype with you or come to any family reunions EVER AGAIN!" Haha

It was GORGEOUS! And perfect for little hikers.

Exploring

Grandpa was constantly playing with the kids. He's just awesome!

Nate

Games...games...and more games!

We had SUCH a great time! We all vowed we would have another reunion within the next 3 years. 14 years was WAY too long.

Just Stuff...

Fun

We got together with the Garcias for fun at the splash pad. My kids have really missed Owen and Emma.

I think my kid is cool.

Raeanna and I got together on my birthday. The kids tagged along too.

Raeanna made me this RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING cake. I loved it almost as much as I love her!

Flowers from my honey! Turning 32 wasn't so bad.

This is a picture of a giant stomach. We went to the Arizona Science Museum with Becca Gage and her kids. It was so fund to catch up with her, but we didn't get a picture together. Boo! The kids loved this particular exhibit because it would make a farting sound when you exited.

Boston and Sammy having a good time learning about wheel chairs.

Brooklyn sitting in the air flow table.

Jackson trying to pull his own weight.

Sammy and Sadie spent about 40 minutes playing with these tubes.

Science is so fun!