Daxon Soccer

Daxon has one more game this season. He has had such a good time with this team. The boys all get along and the coach is wonderful. They are really starting to play as a team with their passing and talking to each other on the field.

Easter

We went to Shreveport to spend Easter weekend with some of the Maranto side of the family. The kids always have a great time out at the lake with their cousins.

Water balloon fun

Judd brought a water balloon launcher he made. The big boys had lots of fun seeing how far they could shoot them.

Layla Grace Maranto

Adrian blessed baby Layla before conference started Sunday morning. We were all so excited to meet the newest addition to the Maranto clan-we are now up to 3 granddaughters in a family dominated by boys. She is so sweet and we can't wait to watch her grow.

Pioneer Trek

We participated in our stake youth pioneer trek. Ammon and Bethany did not want to go, but in the end were glad they had the experience and actually had a good time. It was a tough trek with several ravines and alot of physical labor. Rico and Elizabeth were so proud of all their "children". They all had a great work ethic and a positive attitude.

Our handcarts were loaded with tents, water, food and everyone's personal belongings. We had a couple of cars break a handle or bend a wheel along the way, but our family was blessed with a good sturdy cart. The top picture is from the women's pull. The men were all taken away to join the Mormon Battalion and the women were left by themselves. It was a moving experience for alot of us. Some of the men had a hard time watching the women struggle with carts stuck in tree roots, etc. Elizabeth had an opportunity to talk to her "daughters" about women being left to take care of everything when men leave for war, missions, etc. Hopefully, the girls came away with a sense of empowerment to realize that they can do difficult things when needed and that when working together, a group of women can accomplish much.

We made beaf stew the last night on the trail. We were all so hungry! It was by far the best stew any of us have ever eaten.

The last morning, the trail boss came thru the families and took random people from each family. They were taken away from the group to represent people who would have died along the trail. We lost two of our "sons." Ammon was one that we lost. It certainly made us think about the real dangers of crossing the plains and the reality of not making it there will all your family.

Ecobots

Caleb is on the Ecobots team at school. They program Lego robots and then compete against other schools. Here he is making some adjustments at a competition. They didn't do so well that day but will get another chance this weekend at the final meet.

Caleb's 11th Birthday

Caleb turned 11 in February. For his party, he just wanted to invite his two very best friends and have a sleepover. We took them to see the Percy Jackson movie then they stayed up most of the night playing games and eating junk.

Braces

Bethany got her braces off in March. She will have to wear a retainer for awhile, but she is so happy to be rid of the braces. What a beautiful smile!

Mardi Gras

Ma (Judy) invited us down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. The parades were amazing and the kids got lots and lots of beads and toys. We all had a great time and would love to visit New Orleans again.