Our Dream Came True

Ever since we got married, we have dreamed of owning a house and land. Our dream is finally coming true.  We had been living in Austin's parent's house while they were on their mission. We starting watching for possibilities, and then Rod Olsen told us to call about this house. It wasn't even for sale. Harry and Sue Olson bought it to live in when they came from Calgary to work at the temple. Now they work at the new temple in Calgary. After weeks of fasting and praying for Harry and Sue, they decided to sell it to us. 

It is the perfect location, only about 3 miles out of town, only about 1/2 mile off the highway on a quiet road with only 2 other houses. It is surrounded by trees and it is at the base of a hill - great for living in a windy place. We have a lake and a pond on our 60 acres.

The house was built in the 50s but Olsons had renovated most of it, except the kitchen cupboards. Someday I will get new ones.

Here are pictures from the day we moved in...

There are a few projects we need to finish - like the basement ceiling.

The view of our lake from our front porch.

Plus an awesome treehouse!

Jill and Hanna needed a new ceiling installed and their room painted. We did finish that project before we moved in. Thanks to Brad Sommerfeldt for helping us with the ceiling.

Our guest house - now everyone should come to Canada and visit us.

Hanna had a back-to-school party with her friends. They played mantracker on our new land. Jill, Austin and Payden Olsen were chasing them on horses.

Carly was a biking mantracker.

We love our flag poles - one for the Canada flag, one for the American flag.

Jill took this picture of the sunrise the other morning from our front window. We have two owls that live in our trees.

Every day we wake up and are so thankful for our house and land. We know it is not coincidence. The Lord truly blessed us.

A Trip to Banff

Austin had to go to a teacher's conference in Banff National Park, so we got to come. The conference is through the teacher's union so they get a generous amount of money to cover their expenses. Some try to use as little as possible so they can keep the rest. One principal came by himself and camped in a tent to save money.  We went with the option of taking the whole family and spending the whole allowance.

We rode the sky tram to the top of the mountains. It was beautiful.

We heard about the hot springs in Banff so we went there. I thought it would be a long activity. It is just a hot tub where you are only suppose to stay in for 10 minutes. I said we were going to stay for an hour so we could get our money's worth. That ended when Carly threw up because she got too hot in the water.

So we went back to our hotel swimming pool and played. 

Banff is really a beautiful place with a TON of tourists. We ate at Spaghetti Factory and Chili's.

Cardston Heritage Days

Do you remember the days of Nibley Heritage Days? Here we are a few years later in the middle of Cardston Heritage Days.  I am the secretary for the Cardston Agricultural Society so I don't plan any events, but I am there to make sure everyone who does plan events have what they need.  Austin was the Agridome manager for the week since the paid manager was gone for the week, so Austin had to be there before, during and after every event to make sure the facility was ready.

We will start with the injuries at the end of the week.  Lucy was a brave sheep rider and ended up getting stepped on as she fell off. Her face was pretty scraped up. And even more than getting hurt, she hates getting attention from her injuries.

Back to the beginning of the week.  First event, Extreme Horse Race.
There were only two youth who entered and Hanna beat Wyatt Olsen, so she won a buckle.  Austin decided to enter at the last minute in the men's division, but Cheno just didn't quite have it in him to win.

The Pet Show

Lucy entered Grandpa's dog, Pepper. Carly entered Sparky the pony.

Driving Contest
There were only 3 teams entered in the driving contest. Hanna and Lucy were hanging out with their friends, the Passeys, and got to ride in their wagon during the contest.

Cardston Parade

Boys and Girls Basketball Teams won Provincials this year. Go Cougars!

Hanging out with the cousins at the parade!

Hanna wanted to be in the parade so she convinced our quality friend, Bailey Cahoon, to ride with her. Hanna is on Cheno. Bailey is riding Lena.

Ranch Rodeo
Austin was on a team with Brad Sommerfeldt, Rock Smith, and Tate Young. They didn't win but there were no injuries and they had fun.