The Pumpkin Patch in Marana

On Friday I had the pleasure of going to this cute pumpkin patch in Marana with my cousin Clarissa and two very excited little girls.  I love pumpkin patches because the colors of fall are everywhere you look.  This place was no exception and had not only a huge pumpkin patch, but trains, rides, jumping pillows, a petting zoo, play structures, and all kinds of food and fun for kids.

I'm not sure what was more fun for Carlee.  Petting the horses or jumping on the huge pillows.

 After we'd had enough fun playing we ventured out to find the perfect pumpkin.

We ended up carrying out 6 pumpkins (two of which were rather heavy), two apples, and several jars of homemade jam, salsa, and honey.  I'd say it was a successful outing.  

Fall Break

For Fall Break this year we went with the Billings and Shannon to Disneyland.  Joey's birthday just happened to fall the day before we were planning to leave, but he had already decided not to have a party, so we weren't trying to figure out how to do both which was nice.  He is saving up for an iPad mini and so cash was all he wanted, not to mention, going to Disneyland with his good friend George Billings all week was kind of a party anyways.   

Grandma went with us to Disney on Tuesday.  Carlee and I hung out together with Grandma while all the older kids took off with the Billings and Chad.  

After 3 days at Disneyland we all needed a break.  Becca and Shannon wanted to stay at Grandmas and sleep, but the rest of us decided that a trip to the beach sounded even better.  

 There was a strong side current, but as long as dad was willing to keep an eye on things I didn't mind letting the kids play in the water and boogie board through the waves.

What a fun escape.

Becca's Sweet 16

Rebecca has been planning her sweet 16th birthday party for a year now.  She knows that this is the last big party we will be throwing her and so she wanted to have a Masquerade Ball.  

 She convinced her cousins and a few of their friends to dress up as maids and waiters and serve her and her friends during the party.

At 6pm the guests began to arrive.  Everyone was dressed up.  Most had masks, although many of them ditched the masks early on, and the fun began.  

Dinner and drinks were served in the kitchen.  We had planned to celebrate outdoors, but some gray clouds made Rebecca nervous and so we moved everything inside.  Virginia was our Mocktail drink maker, and the kids did an excellent job of feeding and taking orders.

At the end of the meal, we had cake and ice cream, followed by presents in the front room.

 Then it was on to the dance.  Justin DJ'd the event and the kids had a blast.  Dancing was fairly constant for about an hour and then during the last hour kids floated between the dance floor and the comfy couches we had moved into our living room.

At the end of the night I asked Rebecca. . . "A year of planning.  Was it worth it?"
Her answer. . . "Yahhh."

Back to School Prior Style

This year I only have two kids in public school.  I decided, however, to keep all of my kids on the same schedule and so everyone went back to school this year on July 27th.

The boys are at GEA, Carlee is in Ms. Amy's Preschool (A to Z Learning Tree) and the girls are homeschooling with their cousin Shannon.  

I am still directing the Musical at GEA, and auditions were held the 2nd Week in August.  So, my life has been crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love spending all day with my teenagers.  I love that they are learning so much and having fun together.  I love that I get to see them at their best, instead of at the end of a long day when all they want to do is sleep.  I love the boy's K-8 charter and how fun the teachers and staff make learning.  I love that Carlee and Talia have each other and are growing and learning together.  I am so blessed to live near so many family members.  Life is good.

Going to the Temple with Anna

This is a copy of the article I wrote for our Ward History.  It's a neat story and so I wanted to include it in my blog.  

On Saturday, August 8^th 2015, Sister Anna Heald went to the Gilbert, AZ Temple to receive her 

endowment.  Sister Heald has been a member of the Sahuarita 1^st Ward for 5 years.  Anna is originally 

from Germany, but came to America with her husband who was an American Solider.  Anna has one 

son who now lives in Missouri. 

Anna had been living on her own for several years when the Sister missionaries came into her neighborhood.  She felt an immediate connection with the gospel and desired to be baptized, however, 

after Sister Heald joined the church she continued to struggle with an addiction to smoking.  About six months before her 83^rd birthday she met with Bishop Dan Bezzant to discuss receiving a patriarchal blessing.  She had to quit smoking before the blessing could be given and so she committed herself to 

the task.  With some help and encouragement from ward members, she was worthy to receive her 

blessing on her 83^rd birthday. 

A year later, Sister Heald began to enquire as to, “what was next,” in the church.  I, Diana Prior, told 

her that if she wanted to attend the temple, that would be her next step.  She said, “Yes.” And so the 

bishop recommended she receive the temple preparation lessons.

Anna experiences a great deal of pain and is not able to stand after sitting for long periods of time, so 

she began temple preparation lessons on Fridays at our home.  On July 8^th 2015 she went in to meet 

with the Bishop and Stake President for a temple recommend.  Before going inside she whispered to 

me, “I’m going to pass this with flying colors,” and she did.  She had never before prayed vocally in 

public and was asked to do so by both the Bishop and Stake President.  Anna was uncertain that she 

would do it right, but all anyone heard were the beautiful, sincere thoughts of a pure heart. 

With the help of a wheelchair, and many wonderful temple workers, Anna was able to receive her endowment on Saturday, August 8^th.  I was her escort, and that experience was a true delight.  She 

was probably the cutest and most excited sister to ever receive her endowment.  In the temple, 

everyone loved her.  Several missionaries that have impacted Anna’s life were in attendance as well 

as, Chad and Diana Prior, Ryan and Karen Huber and Jim and Lara Smith from the Sahuarita 1^st Ward.

  Anna’s ability to hear and retain information is fading and so I am grateful that she was able to have 

this experience at this time in her life. Anna is a truly remarkable lady.  

Summer Playtime

Summer comes and I fail to stay on top of our family history.  So here are a few of the highlights.

Girl's Camp at Mt. Lemon.

 I wasn't there this year, but the girls had a blast.  Chad surprised them when he showed up on Friday night as the Bishopric member joining the girls for dinner and testimonies.

Madera Springs Hike

 Carlee was the only one excited about this particular hike.  Chad woke everyone up before six so that we could go hiking, unfortunately, the spring we were hiking to ended up consisting of this box we are standing in front of and so the kids felt a little jipped.

4th of July

For the first time ever, our town had a fourth of July fireworks show.  However, because it was on the third of July, we kept with tradition and had friends and family over for a BBQ and fireworks on the fourth.

Prior Family Reunion in St. George

 After the 4th of July, we packed our bags and drove up to Utah for a family reunion.  The weekend was spent at Zion's national park, playing games, participating in service projects and putting on a talent show.  Most of us stayed in a historic home right next to Brigham Young's winter mansion.  The house we stayed in had 8 bedrooms and bathrooms so it ended up being a perfect place to visit rest and relax in between all of the outdoor fun.

Young Ambassador Singing Entertainer's Workshop or (YASE)

 The girls flew up to Utah a week before our family reunion to attend YASE.  On Day two of our family reunion I drove from St. George to Provo to watch the girls perform and bring them back to the reunion.  The performances were incredible and the girls had a blast.  I think we have a new favorite summer program.

 The Final Day of our Family Reunion

 All three girls sang the Fiona song from "Shrek the Musical" for our family talent show.  They were super cute.  Carlee is in love with Shrek the Musical and so we listened to the soundtrack most of the drive up to Utah.  The good news is, by the time Carlee had to sing, she knew all the words.

Be the Best You / And Time with Grandma and Grandpa

After the reunion, we drove from St. George to Sandy and stayed with Chad's parents while the girls attended Be the Best You.  Cathy and her kids stayed with us for a few days and so we went up to the mountains for a dutch oven cookout.  We also attended the Pioneer Day concert at the Conference Center, and spent time bowling and having fun with Chad's parents.

Back Home!

After a crazy summer there is nothing quite like enjoying an evening at home with family. Since Talia was gone the entire time we were gone, these two cuties were happy to see each other again.  

Saying Goodbye

 Summers in our area are often filled with young families moving in or out as they start or complete schooling, dental programs, or medical residencies.  This year I lost two of my favorite people, but not because they had graduated from a university program.  Robin and Susan have been more than just friends to me and my family, they have been family.  I miss them both tremendously and can only think the Lord has big plans for them, since they both moved to Utah.  I hope someday our paths will cross again, but until then. . . thank you for blessing my life and making me better then I ever could have been without you.