Middle School, here she comes...

Sara has begun the next phase of life...middle school!  I can only pray her 7th grade year is as great as I remember mine (and I'm not kidding)! 
She now has a locker (that is decorated) and 7 classes.  Her teachers seemed awesome; I think she'll learn some great things!
This morning was full of nerves since it was soooo early.  She ended up running to catch the bus...I think it arrived WAY early!  That was my biggest fear - we lived through it!
Sara is home now and survived her first 1/2 day!!!!  YEAH!!!!  The school didn't have proper air conditioning and she complained about melting during some of her classes.
Spread some sunshine little miss, it's always best to be SWEET!  : ) 

Braces are secured...

When EVERYone and their dog has braces you kind of yearn for them (at least when you're 12)!!!!
Sara's wish came true and she got braces 2 days before school started!
She picked PINK and TEAL for her bands. 
We're all excited for her to have a beautifully straight smile. 
A pedicure and haircut helped ease the pain Sara's mouth was feeling!
She's looking very ready for school!

As summertime winds down...WE don't!!!

Here are a few highlights from the end of our FREE days of summertime bliss...
Sara made a zebra valence to enhance her fun tween room!
Garrett had a turn with the orthodontist and got spacers (which he really DISLIKES) to get him ready for an expander.
The kids have kept up their everyday reading tradition and find it fun to do together in mom & dad's bed with BUSTER baby!
James brought home his old bb gun and Garrett has had great fun with target practice!
We spiced up Sara's boring t-shirt so she'll enjoy wearing it to her orthodontist apts. 
Garrett got to try out some "Spider Venom" at Pack Night for earning his rank this summer.
Swimming time is ALWAYS a treat in the summertime heat!
Some days we were trapped at home with all the road construction crews right in our driveway  :(  BOO!!!
President Monson turned 85 this month and we were able to attend his birthday celebration at the Conference Center.  Great broadway music was shared and Steve Young was an MC.  It was a beautiful night, except for the walk to and from the parking tower in high heeled sandals!
Forts are always included in lazy day activities, right!?!  Garrett and Sara liked theirs so much that they camped out overnight!
Many rich experiences have helped us have one of the best summers ever!  We're thankful for good vehicles that allowed to see so many wonders and visit so many loved ones! 
Bye-bye summer...we'll be missing you until next year!!!!!!!

BRITISH Soccer Camp

Coaches from Great Britain came to mentor these little soccer enthusiasts!  The weather was over 100 degrees each day and there was NO shade.  These boys played from 9-3 in those conditions and left with smiles!  I'd say they must have been having fun!  Garrett is developing lots of skills and loves every moment of soccer!

Off to AZ!

Sara was able to visit the town we moved from a year ago (she was James' traveling companion)!  It was so nice of Justin and Jocelyn's family to welcome her in and make her feel at home!  She made many precious memories and was grateful for her time there!

Isaac's Visit

Cousin Isaac traveled MANY miles with us so he could spend some quality time with Sara and Garrett!  They all had a great time together.  7 Peaks, Trafalga, and Lego/bike/Wii fun were some of the favorites!  We're lucky the kids have such good friendships and even though they don't get to see each other very often...their love remains strong!

Turning 12!!!!!

Getting older is WAY more fun with friends around!
Sara took some 12 year old friends to the temple to do a special service!
Then we headed to Tucanos, Sara's favorite restaurant!  We love Brazilian feasts!
She wanted a sun hat cake this year...she thought my attempt looked more like a sombrero. 
I tried to make the cake look zebra print INside (which is why the brim is so thick) but, it was an epic fail...next time, I'll use Duncan Hines!

Sara makes good choices, tries to uplift others, and does her best in everything she tries! 
Thanks, Sara, for making the last 12 years some of happiest we'll ever know!
It's scary to think that high school is right around the corner (our years are slipping away)...let's treasure ALL the great times ahead together!
You'll ALWAYS be our baby!

Extended Allred Reunion in Beautiful Suncadia, WA!

What a beautiful place for a family gathering - Allred Olympics 2012! It was great to get reacquainted with everyone...enjoying good food, fun activities and games! Wylie and Maria's family were excellent hosts and made everything FUN! Their first grandbaby/nephew was born in the middle of all the reunion festivities and they still kept things humming for the multitudes!

 The Lowell and Colleen family stayed in one home and celebrated Christmas in July since we were (mostly) all together!

 Swimming was a highlight, especially since there were 2 waterslides!

Sara and I celebrated our birthdays up there - you don't age if you're up in the fresh, mountain air : )
The whole clan vied for gold in many sports, I'm not sure our team ever made it to the podium except for the stellar placings in the "Fun Run."
Time in Ephrata was great! A major water fight erupted against Grandpa! He knew how to retaliate...with the hose! Making a "tree" house kept the kids busy one entire morning.
Our family enjoyed time in Boise with Kayleen and her in-laws on our way home. Isaac got to come home with us to spend some quality time with cousins in Draper! 

I have had the hardest time getting these pictures to attach so some are out of order!
To see photos larger, click on one and then you have the option to see them all larger!