Life Among the Ruins

Our trip to Mexico was one of the most interesting and educational trips I have ever taken! I love to learn new things and see new places, and this trip provided plenty of both! Here are some of the highlights:

We hiked under a waterfall called Misol-Ha and into a cave where we saw bats, other creepy crawlies, and another waterfall. It was cool, except for the bats! Yay! We made it to the top!!

A view from the top of one of the ruins of Palenque, a possible site of the city of Zarahemla.

We took longboats up the river that separates Mexico and Guatamala to a place called Yaxchilan, an ancient Mayan city. There were alligators in the river, and we saw a baby one sleeping on the river bank. Keep arms and legs in the boat at all times!!

Life Among the Ruins

We took a trip to Mexico to see the ruins. It was a fascinating and exciting trip. Here we are at the waterfalls of Agua Azul. My favorite part of the trip, we visited a village and took school supplies to the children. The people in this village are very poor, and the conditions in which they live were saddening. Still, the children were so happy to see us, and delighted to get their paper, pencils, clothing and treats we brought them. What a humbling experience.

Hiking through the jungle at one of the archeological sites.

One of the many ruins we climbed to the top of. Yes, our legs were very sore!

Welcome Home Elder Barney!

Michael's plane landed at 3:45 p.m on Wednesday. I tried to act reserved, but then I lost it and just ran to the escalator screaming, "My boy is home!!!" I think I kinda embarrassed him, but I couldn't help myself! I was the only crazy mother in the airport that day, but it's all good! I was so excited to see my boy!

My boy is home!

My three sons together again!

Michael really missed his guitar.

A New Year's Party with the whole family!

The moral of this story....always wear your helmet!

Devin got a cool old fashioned bike for Christmas. He didn't get a chance to ride it much before we left for Grandma's house, so when we got home Saturday night he decided to take it for a spin. A few minutes later he was back in the house, saying he crashed on his bike and hit his head. He kept repeating himself, asking the same questions over and over again, and saying, "What happened to me? Do I have amnesia?" We took him to the emergency room and after 4 hours and one CT scan, he was diagnosed with a concussion. We were just thankful because it could have been much worse! Not the best way to break in your new Christmas present!

Jaron is happy with his ipod.

The first annual family talent show debuted this year on Christmas day. The Barney family sang a jazzed up version of Jingle Bells.

The Hirschi family sang an interrupting Christmas song.

Left to right: Danny, Nikki, Jaron, Devin, Bryce and Jessica.

Only Two More Days! Yay!

We are jumping for joy because Elder Barney is coming home this week! This pic was taken in Hayden, UT. My dad was born in the cabin we are in front of. Now the only thing that lives in there is a skunk, which is why we left and went to take pictures somewhere else! It was also freakin' freezin' there, about 8 degrees! Welcome to the Uintah Basin!

The Christmas Sweater

This is Devin's Christmas tree in his room. Notice how he put his Utes hat on as a star! He is too funny! Anyway, this post is not about that, I just thought I needed a Christmas picture to go with it. My friend Ruth tagged anyone who reads to open the nearest book, turn to page 123 and type the 5th sentence. Well, since I just finished reading it, I grabbed "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck. The 5th sentence reads:God obviously had it out for me, and now I had nothing but time to wonder why." This is an awesome little book that I highly recommend to anyone. You can get through it in an afternoon, and it will warm your heart with the Christmas spirit. Happy reading! Oh, and I also tag anyone who reads this to share as well!