Swim Lessons

Jason was asked by some friends to teach their kids how to swim. There are two 3 year olds and a 5 year old. 

It has been so fun watching him this week with these sweet little girls.  I wasn't really sure how he would do, but kids have always loved him.  This experience seems nothing less.  He laughs with them, and is so good at teaching them.  He looks genuinely happy as he works with them, which makes me even more proud of him.  I know, I'm a dork, but one of the things that makes me happiest is to see my kids laugh and smile.  So much of the time they are serious or don't show a lot of emotion.  I told Troy once that when he laughs it makes my heart smile.  They all laugh at me about that, but it's true.  It's so great to see them laugh and having fun.  And it's so cute when they leave they all wave and say, "bye, Jason!!" over and over again. 

I think Jason will remember this week fondly, and hopefully those little cuties will be on their way to being super swimmers.

Wakeboarding

This last weekend we rented a boat and David spent his weekend in heaven!!  Friday morning he went out with the "big boys" and had a blast.  Within the first hour he had tweaked his knee and was done for good.  He was supposed to have the day off, but that didn't go according to plans either, so he hobbled back to work for a few hours.   It was Hurdsman family time, and they went tubing and enjoyed the day at the lake.

Friday evening we were able to get back and try a little wakeboarding and tubing with Nate and Jason's friend Courtney.  It was so fun, but just not long enough!! 

Saturday morning it was the scout's turn.  They tubed and boarded, and had a wonderful time as well.  I love to see my husband happy, and I must say that behing the wheel of a boat, or being towed behind it, he is at his happiest.  I wish I could make you happy every week of the year, babe!! 

Havasupai 2011

This year high adventure camp was to Havasu Falls in Arizona.  It's my favorite place that the kids go to every 3-4 years.  The only boy from our ward that wanted to go was Eric, so he tagged on to Spring Valley's ward, with Lemon Grove ward going too.  The Prescott boys almost outnumbered the other group!!  Simon, Noah, Eric & Jason represented.

Jason and Troy had gone there a few years ago, so Jason went as an adult leader.  He was able to show everyone where all the cool falls were. 

They jump and dive from crazy heights - up to 50'.  This year the highest they jumped off of was 30'.  The water and falls are so beautiful!! 

It's a long drive to get there.  Then they get to hike 1 hard mile down and 10 miles out to the falls.  The hard part is getting BACK to the car.  I am so proud of one of the boys for hiking out with all his gear, then going back to get others who were struggling and carry their gear out. 

The boys all had such a great time.  The leaders loved how they all worked together and were one team throughout the week.

I asked Eric what he thought about the trip.  His response was "It was horrible and amazing".  Just the way high adventure camp should be!!

It's Official!

We just got the official word this week of when Zak will be coming home.... seems according to transfers he was due to come home December 28th - but the mission president (being the loving, kind man that he is) got special permission from "the powers that be" to send all the missionaries that went out with Zak home before Christmas! Woo hoo, to say I am excited is an understatement indeed!
I don't know if Zak even knows because we found out Monday afternoon (after his email)... I'm guessing he won't say anything to me for a while. If you happen to write to him anytime soon, please don't say anything to him about this. He does NOT want to talk about OR think about coming home until he has landed in his home town. I am thankful that he is doing all that he can not to get "trunky". I will be proud to have him return with honor.

On another note: We are so proud of our friend Marcus for the decisions he is making in his life... & so excited for him as he prepares to serve our Father in Heaven in Madagascar! Those people are so blessed to have a missionary like you coming their way!!