The Strayer Family

Claire Raymond, Aubrey Lambdin, Uncle Chuck, Aunt Edee, Caleb.

The whole family still lives in or near Kingston, TN.

Ray is a boat mechanic, Caleb works as a police Captain, Aubrey works as a respiratory therapist.

Aunt Edee and Uncle Chuck are retired and babysit grandkids while their parents work.

Grandma Betty Louise Yandell's Funeral

Grandma's passed away on Monday, August 18, 2014. Here are all her kids, Jerry Yandell, Bonnie Skoffic, Karen Smith, Edith Strayer, and Gene Yandell.

I went out to the funeral, Dad, mom, Ella, Roman and Ethan and I drove the whole way to TN in the Toyota Sienna mini van. It took us 36 hours of travel time, including stops to get there (lots of rain, road construction and one accident), and
31 hours to get home- much faster, no delays.

It was wonderful to see the relatives.

Distant cousin Denali Lambdin

Her is Ella and Roman with second cousin Denali, Amy's cousin's (Aubrey Strayer's) daughter.

The girls had so much fun playing together. They played swings and water games, we could separate the two.

Roman's playing in the girls room...

Roman was playing in the girls closet a little too long, and he as every pair of underwear on his little body.

Guess how many?

Happy Anniversary!

For my 17 anniversary, Ella, Roman, Ethan, my mom, dad and I were in Kingston, TN taking care of Grandma Betty Yandell's estate. Happy anniversary!

The High Roller, Las Vegas, NV

For a fun Family Home Evening Activity we went to the High Roller. (A friend gave us tickets.)

We tries to go the previous week but very few of the children were cooperating And several were in bad moods. This Monday night, everyone was happy and helpful and had a good time! Ella even wants to go again!

Niko in the Clark County Children's choir

Niko has really enjoyed being in the Clark County Children's Choir the last three years. His best friend in the choir is Joshua Steed. He has performed with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, at the Wranglers Hockey Games and at the container Park in Dowtown Las Vegas. It has been really enjoyable going to his concerts. Some of his favorite songs to sing are 'If I could write a Song' and 'All I want for Christmas'.

Niko and the pine wood Derby

Niko worked really hard on his pine wood derby car all by himself. He actually placed second! And of course the car which placed first was mostly made by a dad.

We laughed that Kaya cuddled right up to Niko ready to pose for a picture. Looks like the professional racers with a cute girl in the picture.

Washington DC this summer!

We visited Monticello, Thomas Jefferson'a home. Really great tour with a big focus on 'enslaved' individuals. 

A few places we visited in DC.

Stanley Fielding Olson Sr. is memorialized  with a head stone in the Arlington Cemetery.

Visiting Mount Vernon, Washington's home.

A hike to Knarraville slot canyon

A fun family hike to this slot canyon. The kids got wet early and we're freezing before the end even though it was freezing. 

Fourth of July

Provo Freed Festival hosts fabulous colonial activities over the Fourth of July. Games for the kids, carding wool and making a bracelet, mustering the troops, exploding canons, chores for the kids, school, and even reenacting there ting at the north church before the Boston tea party.

Look at me!

This summer Roman (age 3) learned how to ride his bike. On one of his early rides, he saw our neighbor Vicky, and called out to her, "Hey, look at me. Hey, hey, look at me ride my bike."

Not a humble bone in his body.

Fast Lap Las Vegas

Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower were both amazing. The actors were top notch and were so knowledgable about what their lives would be like in that day and age. 

This Captain Jones knew that he was a great 'fowler' because he understands the winds and can predict which way a bird will fly, thus shooting ahead of the bird and killing it. Who knew fowling was such an art!

It was enlightening to learn about the Puritan beliefs and the perceptions of the time period.

Future Missionaries

Aren't these young men handsome. Xander Olson, Stephen Parker, and Sterling Jacobsen went to the St. George, Utah temple at the end of July. 4-6 years and they can be serving the Lord full-time.

Anna's Baptism Day

Anna was super excited to be baptized! Lots of cousins and family came. Grandma Karen Olson and Grandma Karen Smith have the talks on Baptism and the Holy Ghost.