Boating on Lake Mead

Today we went out on Lake mead with some friends of ours. They rented a wave runner and we had our boat. After getting everyone on the water, we headed over to a local beach on Lake Mead. It was nice and relaxing, and the kids had a really fun time playing in the sand and throwing it at each other. The rest of us just laid out in the sun and sat in the water. Our friend, Mr. P, went to get some gas for his wave runner while we waited around on the beach. When he came back we were ready to roll out and pull the kids on the tube, but Mr. P was complaining that his wave runner was really slow to get up and go. We decided to take the kids out on the tube, then meet up with Mr. P where we left him. 1 hour later, a stranger in a boat came flying up near our boat yelling " IS YOUR NAME CHRIS?" we answered yes, and they told us that Mr. P was marooned on the a beach and that his wave runner had almost sunk. We hurried over to where Mr. P was with his daughter. Apparently, they wave runner had taken on so much water that it started to sink out in the middle of Lake Mead. Luckily, a near by boater saw Mr. P frantically waving his orange flag and they barely dragged the wave runner back to shore before it sank. So when we arrived, we felt pretty bad leaving them there. We were able to tow the wave runner back to the marina and load it on the trailer without any other problems. Everything turned out fine and we all had a great time, with a little stress thrown in to keep things exciting. Today was a good example of how being a boat owner really can be stressful and worrisome at times. Here are a few pictures.

Our 11th Anniversary

Today we celebrated our 11 year anniversary. It doesn't seem like it has been that long, but I guess it has. Looking back on it all, I feel very blessed to be where I am today, and to have such a devoted and loving wife and family. Here are a few pictures of our wedding day.

Bingham Family Reunion

Last weekend we had the pleasure of heading up to Northern Utah for a family reunion. This time of the year, it is always nice to get out of the desert heat here in Las Vegas, and cool down in the Utah mountains. This year the family reunion was being held at the LDS Girls Camp just North East of Heber, UT. Before getting up to Heber, we stopped off at Vivian Park up Provo Canyon for a little lunch.

This kids were having a lot of fun playing at the park, but Brooklyn was a little grumpy from just waking up.

The Girls camp is so beautiful. June was a very wet month in the area, so everything was green and vibrant.

The administrative staff there had activities planned for our group, including some water activities.

And of course, Papa Roger was having a lot of fun, until they told him he couldn't fish in the lake. That really upset him.

Even worse than that, we took a hike up to a secluded beaver pond and the fish were jumping like crazy. The mosquitoes were bad, but that didn't stop me from taking a few pictures.

Chris loves to camp, but not when there is snoring involved, so we... er he opted to wuss out and stay in a hotel in Heber- The Holiday Inn. So comfy...2 bedroom studio with a king bed and jacuzzi as well as a kitchen. They had FREE breakfast that was yum yum, and then we took the kids swimming.

We all had a lot of fun, and look forward to our next trip up there.

Connor's Baptism

On July 4, 2009 at approximately 11:30 AM Connor Christopher Ross was baptized a member of the Church. It was such a perfect day, and all of his family and some of his friends were there for the big occasion. I doubt he will forget this day. Connor was so excited to get baptized and I think that he really understood what it meant to do so. He was trying really hard to be on his best behavior weeks before and even after, he constantly reminds us of the things he needs to do right, because he is baptized now. We are proud of him and know that he will be strong in the Gospel. Here are a few pictures of the day.

Thanks to everyone for making the trip down here.

After the baptism, being that it was the 4th of July holiday, we took the boat out onto Lake Mead and had some fun in the sun. Uncle Mat was cool enough to take Connor out on the wakeboard.

It seems like every time we turn around the kids are getting a few years older. But it also makes us grateful that they are turning out to be great kids.

Connor and Sydney's Birthday 2009

Connor and Sydney had their 8th and 6th birthday on June 28th, 2009. This also happens to be their Uncle Aaron's birthday as well (Chris's younger brother). So Connor and Sydney were so excited for their big day, and Naquel was on the ball. She had a big birthday bash planned for the day. The day started out with the big inflatable water slide delivery. We had a company called A1 come set up their inflatable slide, but when then unrolled the huge apparatus, it had a huge tear in the side and would not blow up. Naquel was frantic and upset, and was trying to call other companies to see about same day rentals. I was on the phone with Jim, the company owner, demanding an explanation for for their crummy and unprofessional equipment and business! And the poor kids were looking out the window with sad faces while the incompetent employee packed up their junk slide. Dino Jumpers saved the day, and was able to deliver an even larger inflatable jumper water-slide. This one was 36-ft high, and dominated our large back yard. This minor setback only cost us 30 min of planned party time, so everything was good. The slide was set up in no time, and during that time the kids opened presents and had birthday cake.

Naquel, being the thoughtful and wonderful mom that she is, realized that Brooklyn might feel left out of all the fun, so she bought her a present too, even though it wasn't her birthday. We hope that as the kids get older, Brooklyn doesn't feel left out because her siblings have the same birthday day.

After the cake and presents were dealt with, the kids went outside into the blistering 105F weather, and frolicked in the sun. Here are a few pics of the kids enjoying themselves.

The above picture is kinda funny- the water slide seems bigger than our house.

Connor and Sydney had a lot of fun, and they really liked having all of their friends there.

So thank you to all of the parents for having their kids over and making Connor and Sydney's birthday so special for them.

Another year, another birthday. But it still makes us sad to see our kids grow up so fast. We feel it is so important to take the time to make as many good memories as we can, while we can. We are thankful for such great kids, and wonderful friends.

Sydney's Dance Recital

Every year Sydney has a dance recital with her dance company Kids in Motion, showing off all of the wonderful skills she has learned. Sydney has been doing very well and really loves to dance. This year was extra fun for her because she was able to be in the same class with a few of her friends from church. She danced to the Lionel Richie Song "Ballerina Girl". She was so cute. Here are a few pictures of her in all of her glory!

Here she is getting ready for the recital.

Before the show, Dad was able to sneak back and get a few photos of her group.

Sydney has a very focused set of skills that she has developed over a long period of time ; )

And at the very end of the recital, they all came out to bow to the audience. To see the joy on Sydney's face was worth all the running around and preparation for her big day. We are so proud of Sydney, and continue to encourage her to develop her talents and interests.