Tagg your IT!

Tagg, our dog of 12 years, left this earthly life today at about 1pm. He wasn't doing very good last night and we thought we were going to have to put him down very soon. He did have a surge of energy last night and ate and drank lots of water (a sign that his kidney's were starting to shut down). He did fair through the night, but we could tell in his eyes that his time was short. Boomer was mowing the lawn and Tagg snuck out of the side gate and ran into the front yard (which was his favorite place to be). He ran up the yard to find Boomer and pretty much collapsed, not being able to get much air. It was only a few minutes and he was gone. Boomer thinks that he knew his time was short, and that he didn't want to be alone, so he ran into the front yard to be with Boom and to be where he loved to run, from tree to tree. He is definitely in a better place, and is definitely doing the things that he loves to do. We knew that Tagg would wait for Logan to leave on his mission because he wanted to spare Log the grief and saddness he would have had, had Logan been here. We have great memories of him and we loved him and know that he loved us too.
Tagg loved it when you would throw the ball for him to fetch it back. We taught him to sit while he waited for you to throw the ball. He would play for hours, or until you had had enough of throwing the ball. When we would mow the lawn, and he wanted to play ball, he would drop the ball right where you were going to mow so that you had to stop mowing and throw the ball.

He loved running in the front yard and would run to every tree, so he could leave his mark that this was his territory. Many times he would run away and would run the neighborhood. The first time we thought that he was gone for good, and 2 days later he returned, so very exhausted. The other 2 times, we found him at the pound. So $100 later every time he was at the pound, we would bring him home. This last time, I threatened him with his life that if he ran off again and got taken to the pound, that I would leave him there. He stayed pretty close to home after that.

Tagg loved the snow. He loved playing in it with the boys. They would throw snowballs for him to fetch, and the funny thing was that he could see them throw the ball, but was so confused when he couldn't find them to bring them back.

He enjoyed watching people and dogs through the gate. The neighbor dog would always come to the gate as it was going on a walk with its owner. It was a very small Shiz Tsu, and thought it was extremely tough when the gate was between them, Tagg got bored with it after a while and would go back to the back yard before the other dog was finished.

About a year ago, Tagg's brother Nick, came to live with us. We were nervous about them being in the same back yard. So, Nick was in the kennel and Tagg roamed the back yard. After about 2-3 weeks, I was in the back yard and had opened the gate to the kennel to pick some peaches that I couldn't reach. My arms were full of peaches and I had full intentions of coming back out and closing the gate. I forgot however, and when Boomer came home from work, he noticed that both dogs were in the back yard and were very happy and very content. From then on, they were in the back together, and I even think they liked it.

Boomer loved taking Tagg with he and the kids as they went Trick or Treating in the neighborhood. Last year Jordy even bought him his own costume....a hot dog!

Tagg loved to lay in the sun! We found him out in the yard alot, laying on his back enjoying the sun's warmth. He also loved to squirm on his back, like he was scratching an itch.

We love you Tagg and are grateful for all the memories that we have of you! Thanks for your patience with us as dog owners, and hopefully on the other side you will still want to spend your eternal life with us!

A week of "Firsts" from Costa Rica

This has been a week of "Firsts" for Logan in the mission field. He is currently serving in a town of Liberia, which is in the Guanacaste area. This is a pretty primitive area. Elder Whitt told us that "I would never pick to liver here, but because I am serving the Lord and don't have a choice, I am happy about it." I try not to think too much about where he is living, or the fact that he is sharing his living arrangements with cockroaches, but think about the amazing missionary he is becoming and how much he loves serving the Lord. He had his "FIRST" baptism on Saturday August 28, 2010. Her name is Rosalidia Noguera. Logan was able to perform the baptism. He said he prayed to be able to say the prayer in Spanish, and he said "Mom, I nailed it!"

Elder Whittaker, Rosalidia Noguera, and Elder Gledhill

Elder Whittaker and Elder Gledhill with the Noguera family.

Scouting in the Jungle of Costa Rica

Logan is in an area that the missionaryies ride bikes. It's one of very few areas in Costa Rica that does use bikes. Logan thought that he would try a jump on his bike. Here is his "FIRST" wreck on a bike in the mission field. Has the wounds to prove it and a ripped shirt to boot.

This is a picture from his "FIRST" P-day in Costa Rica. They visited a beautiful beach there. Typical goofy missionaries.

This is the beach that they visited.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!!!!

I can't believe that it is football season already and that the summer is over. I didn't say I wasn't excited for football, but just sad that summer is gone. Easton had his first football game of the season and he was "In Fuego!" (on fire). He LOVES this game, and I hate to say it, but I think he loves it as much as his Dad. Boom had "Perma-grin" today after the game. The Cavemen beat Westlake Thunder 14-0 today to start off the new season. GO CAVEMEN!!
This was Easton's first carry of the game. He doesn't get to carry the ball very often because he is their best Blocker on Offense.

He is also their best tackler! It's hilarious to hear him growl at the players of the opposing team!

Hi! Mom!!

He was a captain today. He is one of only 4 returning 2nd graders, to this 1-2 grade Cavemen team

NOTHING gets passed E!

He plays Defensive End and Running Back

This guy got passed Easton, but only because he was held on the play. He shed some tears of FRUSTRATION when the play was over. I said to him after, "E don't you know that there is NO crying in Football?" He smiled at me and said "I know MOM!"

Easton got some good sideline coaching today. He really listens to Boom and tries to do what he tells him he needs to.

He is very fun to watch....sometimes a bit intense though! Too bad it's in his genes!

He ran this for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a penalty.

He almost looks like he is doing the Haka! He is just clapping after a great play by one of his teammates.

We look forward to a great year of watching Easton and the Cavemen playing hard and scoring points! Go Cavemen!!

The End of the Exploder as we know it!

This is the vehicle that we have nicknamed the "Exploder"! It has been our friend, our protector, our transportation, our dependable "Fun mobile", our rocking dancing machine, our ski lifter, and our Bus! All 3 of the kids, Shea, Jordyn, and Logan drove the "Exploder" to High School. The exploder made it so the kids never had to ride the bus to school. They were to cool for the bus. Hahaha! We have been grateful for the Exploder for her diligent service to our kids! We sold the "Exploder" to another grateful owner tonight and know that she will serve her new owner well. Thanks for the memories and for your service. We will miss you!

First Day of school....August 25, 2010

Today is the first day of the new school year. Its hard to believe that the summer is over and that it's time to get back in the groove and into a schedule. Jensen starts the 9th grade and starts Seminary. He is also going to begin swim team, which he's nervous for and excited at the same time. Easton starts the 2nd grade and is toothless to boot. His teacher is Mrs. Chipman. He too is excited for the new year.
This has been the Whittaker traditional "First Day of School Picture taking spot, since Shea started Kindergarten. The kids just know now that before school, they have to have a picture. Someday, I will get the pictures all together in a book. I think I said someday didn't I?

Jensen's buddy Treyson McMurtrey joined the photo group.

Easton and his best bud, Jake Taylor, before heading off to school on their bikes.

The Taylor clan and Easton as they were heading off to school on their bikes. Court doesn't start preschool for 2 weeks, but wanted to be in the picture too.

Court, Mallorie, Kassi, Jake, and Easton

Easton and his cousin Jaxon at Legacy Elementary. Jaxon starts the 4th grade this year.

Our Ninth Grader.

Our 2nd grader.

We hope that the school year is a great one for everyone and that we are blessed with good grades, great health and much happiness!

It's great to be 8, and be able to be baptized!

Easton John Whittaker became the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on August 7, 2010 at 1pm. It was a great day for Easton and he was so excited to be baptized and confirmed by his Dad. Jordyn played the piano, and realized that playing for prelude and intermission, her repertoire of songs was limited. She did a great job and we are so grateful that she can play the piano for us. Shea said the closing prayer and everyone else in attendance gave lots of love and support. Jordyn asked Easton how he was feeling after his baptism and he said, "I feel SO clean!" We are so proud of E for making this decision to be baptized and following our Savior's example. Boom and I were a bit sad as we sat there with Easton in his white clothes, that E is the last of our 5 amazing children to be baptized and that we are extremely proud of them all.

Easton in his whites waiting to be baptized!

Easton with his Dad prior to the dunking!

Mom, Dad, and E. Mom was wearing white too. However, her skirt was black, haha!

Our eternal family after E's baptism, minus a special Elder who's in Costa Rica

All of Easton's supporters, outside of the Tabernacle.

Jax's friend, Jaxon and Easton

Easton and Tessa...best buds!

Tayla and E

Jordyn reaches adulthood!

My baby girl turns 21! Jordyn Ann has reached adulthood. It is hard to believe that I am old enough to have a child this age, let alone 2! We are so proud of all that Jordyn has become! She has grown into an amazing woman with drive, heart, ambition, and one that enjoys life so much. We as parents couldn't be prouder of our baby girl! Happy 21st birthday, we look forward to watching you grow and progress in life. You amaze us and bring us so much joy in our lives! Thanks for 21 years of happiness! Jordy on her birthday bike! Of course it had to be pink! Boom looked at it and knew that it was a "Jordy bike!"