{5.24.21 - 5.30.21}

I honestly never thought I'd be someone who just takes her kids to the lake to hang out for the day, but I love that this has become a new favorite summer activity. 

I am so glad we have this little spot so close to us and that it's just so easy to load up our beach toys (never thought I'd have a tote of "beach toys" in my garage either) and the kids and run to the lake for the day. 

The girls had their May Day program at school this week. It was really hot and the boys were pretty restless, but it was so fun to watch the girls do their little performance! And now that that's over...WELCOME SUMMER! 

We had to find a laundromat in Utah County that had enough machines for us to wash many sleeping bags at once. At said laundromat, there was a little coin machine that I let the kids pick a prize out of. Eli picked this...awesome?...tattoo! Haha! // Gardening season is upon us! Snotty noses and dirt do not mix well! 

I caught Lyla just lounging on the side of the garden box like this. She is such a glamorous gardener! // Alya caught a fish at Yuba!!She's so proud of herself! 

I love nights like these!!! // He is such a ham!!!

So is she! // Like father like son. My heart could explode! 

I mean!!!!

We went over to the Scandinavian Days festival. The kids got to sift for some gemstones/rocks/fossils/whatever was in the cup they dumped into the makeshift river! 

Admiring their collections! (Lyla//Alya)

Happy birthday Matthew! This guy is truly amazing! He has been through some really hard things and puts up with a lot from me. He works so hard for us and even though I give him a hard time about how often he goes hunting without us, I know that he loves to spend time with me and the kids and tries hard to give us opportunities to do things as a family. I hope he had a good birthday. (Also...that looks like too many candles on that dessert, doesn't it?! We can't be getting that old!)

 

{5.17.21 - 5.23.21}

I love Eli's morning hair! // Today he is Spiderman, a superhero and a triceratops! 

Some friends of mine invited me to go on a hike down in Capital Reef this week. We hiked about 7 miles and then rode bikes back to the truck. 

The hike was beautiful, but the bike ride kicked my butt! 

(Lisa, Ashley, Erica, and me!)

It was such a good day though! The sun felt amazing, it was so good to talk with friends and it was a good distraction for me. 

Being in nature truly is the best therapy, in my opinion! 

These kids can be pretty good therapy, too! // The sky looked like our moods this week. But it sure is beautiful. 

The boys looked so handsome for Crystal's funeral. // Leave it to Axel to have everyone laughing! 

Grandma and Grandpa will be serving a mission up at a scout camp this summer so we took a drive up to the property to take a look around. Everything is so green and pretty! The sky still seemed to reflect how we were all feeling this week. 

Feeding Mr. T with Grandpa!

This week has been a rough one. I'm so grateful for my family and the knowledge that I have that we can be together forever. We will sure miss Crystal but that knowledge brings me comfort. I love my kids so much and only hope that I am doing a good job for them. I hope that they too, will always have a knowledge and testimony of the gospel.  

May 15, 2021

Crystal Lee Sorenson
1979-2021 

Crystal Lee Sorenson, age 41, died unexpectedly May 15, 2021, in West Jordan, Utah. She was born on June 29, 1979 in Downey, Idaho, to Robert and Julie Sorenson.

Growing up she lived in Idaho, Arizona, and Utah. She graduated from Copper Hills High School, obtained an associates degree from Snow College, a bachelors degree in family and consumer studies from the University of Utah, and a bachelors degree in elementary education from Utah Valley University. 

She was about to begin a masters program in instructional design to expand her knowledge and enhance her teaching skills. She taught 1st through 4th grades at Butterfield Canyon Elementary, Silver Crest Elementary, and Elk Meadows Elementary in the Jordan School District. She was loved by her students and fellow teachers. 

She had a way with children that combined love and discipline and inspired them to learn. 

Her greatest joy was being an aunt and playing with her nieces and nephews. Crystal had a beautiful, joyful spirit. She made many friends and influenced many lives. 

She will be remembered for her laugh and enjoyment of life. Crystal enjoyed cooking, crafting, quilting, traveling, Disneyland, reading, music and especially movies.

She is survived by her parents, Robert and Julie, her sisters, Jessica, Sarah, and Jenilee, her brother Matthew, her sister-in-law Alli, and her nieces and nephews, Lyla, Alya, Axel and Eli.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Wendell and Marie Sorenson and Carl and Anavoe Barnes.

We love you Crystal. You were taken from us too soon. 

{5.10.21 - 5.16.21}