AIM High

Arrow of Light

2011-10-27T12:49:00.001-07:00

Erik received his Arrow of Light Award last night. We are so very proud of him. He worked hard and has acheived a lot. Good Job, Erik!

Student of Promise

2011-04-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

On April 5 Devin was one of sixteen students in the Clovis Unified

School District who was honored at the Students of Honor banquet.

This is what the program said about it:

Each spring, the Students of Promise

Program recognizes high school juniors

who are attending school on a regular basis,

showing responsibility, and succeeding in

school in spite of very challenging situations

in their personal lives. On each high

school campus, there are students who face

extreme obstacles that could easily affect

their performance at school, but somehow

they don't let challenges get in their way.

Though they don't expect to be rewarded

for persevering through difficult times,

these students are "heroes in everyday life."

Each student selected for recognition in the

program is eligible to receive a $2000.00

scholarship for use in post-secondary

education. The Foundation of Clovis

Schools wishes to encourage, reward and

honor these Students of Promise.

Devin's high school counselor and the school district hearing specialist who

has worked with him since first grade both nominated him for this award.

Hearing the challenges that all of the sixteen kids

have overcome was quite inspirational.

Cookie Bouquet

2011-02-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is what I'm giving the Young Women

for their birthdays this year.

It is so cute and all the little kids follow

me around at church when I have one.

Tiger of the Month

2011-01-31T06:58:00.001-08:00

Alyssa was selected as the 7th grade Tiger of the Month at her school. The Principal said it was the highest award that a student could receive at their school. The school had a really nice award ceremony. They invited families to come to breakfast and they presented the award and read why the teacher who nominated Alyssa thought she deserved to be Tiger of the Month. Then, they took this picture of them. Congratulations Alyssa!

Family

2010-10-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful that I have such an amazing family and support group around me. The past few months have been tough, but I am continually lifted with knowing that I have you all by my side. I love you so much.

Kitchen Stuff

2010-09-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

We are making these aprons in Young Women.

I'm glad the girls like the fabric I got.

Isn't it so cute?!!!

This is Julia's first pie - a scrumptious Strawberry-Blueberry-Rhubarb

pie we made while she was home for two weeks in August.

Amaya is sweet 16!!

2010-05-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

Sweet 16!!! Can you believe it? Check out our blog to see more!

1 Year Old!

2010-05-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Sophia is 1 year old! We had her birthday party on Sunday at Mom's house. It was a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone who came and help celebrate her happy day.

Sophia is our little monkey, so she got her own, personal, little monkey cake. It was her first taste of Chocolate, and as you can see, she really liked it.

Life Advise from a 23 Year-old Amateur

2010-04-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am feeling particularly inspired right now. So I decided it would be best for me to write what I’m thinking down so that not only I can hopefully inspire someone else, but also I can remember what I'm feeling and can inspire myself later. So from the mouth of a 23-year old amateur at life, I will dispense my knowledge of living.

Your parents are usually right. As much as I hate saying this, its true. They have many more years on us, I think they know what their talking about for the most part. So listen to them.

Love yourself. That weird scar, your ability to love, and those fat pudges. Love yourself. All of yourself.

Life is going to be tough, but its also going to be fun. Handle each day with enthusiasm and you’ll get through it.

Don’t change for people. Be true to yourself.

Your going to break hearts and people will break yours. Just remember to love yourself without them.

Get to know your family members. Like really know them. Their likes, dislikes and their life experiences. You will learn invaluable lessons and will learn something about yourself through them.

Find that one thing about yourself that makes you different and embrace it. It is most likely is the thing others love about you also.

You will make mistakes and bad choices. Your human. However, be sure to takes these mistakes as growing experiences.

Be kind. Always say your “please” and “thank you’s”. And be that person that makes a stranger smile.

Your family is the most important thing your have. Friends come and go, but your family will always be there.

Facebook, Myspace and texting are good, but they are not a replacement to spending time with your friends and family.

Love yourself. Love your family and friends. And love life, even when its tough.

I love you guys. I am so grateful to have such amazing and inspiring family members who love me unconditionally and teach me so much. You all have helped shape me as a person. I’m truly blessed.

Grapefruit

2010-03-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

We have a tiny little grapefruit tree

which has produced a few

huge grapefruits.

Julia says they're bitter

and don't taste very good.

Hopefully they will be better next year!

My Refrigerator

2010-02-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the cleanest 5 1/2 year old refrigerator you have ever seen?

Now the real question is - why did I decide to clean it?

Well, I had to take everything out, so I thought I might as well clean it.

Yesterday afternoon I got a skinny cow out of the freezer to eat, but did I eat it?

No, because it was all MELTED!

Yes, just a few months after the five year warranty is up

the fridge decides to die.

It is a Kenmore. Our last fridge was a Kenmore.

It also died - but it was a good fridge and decided to die right

BEFORE the warranty was up.

It is still serving us well out in the garage,

and is now completely stuffed, especially the freezer,

as I went to Costco just the day before.

Now, my next question is: Will I ever buy a Kenmore refrigerator again?

Midnight December 23, 2009

2009-12-31T10:45:00.000-08:00

The head of security at the Fresno airport is in our ward,

and he graciously escorted Marvin and I through back doors so we

could greet Jordan at the gate as soon as he walked off the plane.

What a handsome returning missionary.

After we walked up the terminal to the rest of the family,

Jordan went over and gave Brandon a big hug saying,

"Devin, how you've grown!"

The second Jordan got in the house he went to the toilet and

gave it a hug!

We think Jordan is now part Peruvian.

Smartie Pants

2009-11-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Sierra just got her first report card for Jr High. She got the first of many, (hopefully) straight A's. She was really excited, which you can tell by her "happy eye". We are really proud of her.

What's up?

2009-10-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

To find out what's been going on in the Bingham house, click here

Also, it is okay for people other than me to leave comments. It's actually even nice so people know you are reading their posts!

The Mighty Hunter

2009-10-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

We went to Bear Lake for the Deer Hunt again this year. Steven was given strict orders, by me, not to shoot anything smaller than a 3-point. He came home at lunch time and had not seen any buck. I thought I was safe. He went out again after lunch and promised not to be too late. Well, you can tell by the pictures, he came home late and he shot another 2-point. He got so excited about seeing any buck that he shot first and asked questions later. Oh well, I guess I get to try out my new venison recipes.

Jordan's Birthday Celebration

2009-10-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, my birthday was on Tuesday, but I suppose my zone couldn´t wait that long so they egged me on Monday, I totally wasn't expecting it Monday. Monday we went to San Bartolo, which is a rocky place by the beach that is very scenic. The waves are huge right there and there are geysers when the waves get big enough. Afterwards we went to eat in a restaurant as a zone, and I got plain old arroz chaufa (fried rice). They eat a lot of fried rice here, must be because they have a lot of rice. It is kind of wierd, but I am not sick of rice yet. I just eat what I get I guess. So then Tuesday I did a visit to Villa Alejandro with Elder Van Duyn and my old pensionista made a cake for me, and I got egged again. I was expecting that one. Then in the night we went to visit the Quintanilla family, who are members, and they made me another cake, and I got egged again. I was expecting that one too. Then Wednesday when I was back in Lomas my current pensionista made a cake for me. I got egged a again as well, but this time it was different. This was the first time that they poured flour on me too. So that is my birthday story. Lots of cake, lots of eggs. 14 eggs in all. The cakes were good, but I am sure my German chocolate cake back home was even better. Save me a slice, ok.

A Mckell-a-Date

2009-09-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm dirty. I took this while I was writing this and taking a break from homework.

I haven't written on the blog for quite a while so I thought I would give an update on whats going on with me.

1. I have moved! After nearly 9 months, I finally was able to move to Downtown Salt Lake. I'm living with my best friend Cara and here two cats. Its a older apartment, but it has alot of charm. Wood floors, small closets and a kitchen that is so small that I can't even open the fridge without it hitting the stove (it doesn't open all the way). But so

far, its been great! I can ride my bike everywhere and I'm only two blocks from school!

My dirty small room. I love it though! I has two windows!

My little Kitchen with no dishwasher or garbage disposal. We've gotten good at washing dishes!

2. I am currently working on surviving my second to last semester of college. Everyone get ready to come to my commencement in May 2010!

3. I'm still working at the law office as a Legal Assistant. I need another job, but I've been too lazy/busy to apply. Oh well, the bright side is I'm becoming my boss's favorite.

4. Utah lost. I was sad. But BYU's lost soften the blow a little bit.

5. I have become a really good knitter! In fact, my girl friends and I even have knitting nights! One day I'll knit you all sweaters. As of right now, I can only knit you dish cloths. : )

Well thats all I can think of as of right now. I love you guys!

More Pictures from Jordan

2009-09-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

A pet we found in our room one morning.

Me. I found the tree of life while hiking two weeks ago.

Me again. In space.

A look at what Jordan is doing in Peru.

2009-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Do you get it?

See, it says it right there.

Jordan and Elder Van Duyn with their latest convert

Silly Jordan

On the Beach

To save you a click...

2009-08-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

Participation fee: $45

Spandex: $15

Knee pads: $15

Sweats: $70

Shoes: $70

Equipment bag: $35

Socks: $10

Game day t-shirt: $15

Practice t-shirt: $15

Numerous camps leading to this point: $$$$$$$

The look on Amaya's face when she found out she made the Sophomore volleyball team: PRICELESS!!!!

(This was not the priceless look, it is just a tired reenactment)

CONGRATULATIONS AMAYA! We love you and are so proud of you!

Erik skied on 1

2009-07-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Erik skied on 1 ski yesterday. He has been skiing on 2 and jumping the wake for a while, so we told him that he had to try and drop. Well, he did on his second try. On his third try he dropped and skied for a good long ways. Next time we go out I will take my camera and get a picture to post.

Oldest & Youngest

2009-07-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sophia was blessed today. It was a really neat, special day. Thanks to everyone who came and supported us. Mom wanted to make sure we got a picture of her oldest grandchild with her youngest. Here it is. Cute cousins.

Aspen Grove!

2009-06-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, just letting everyone know what I'm doing for the summer. I am a counselor for the Bobcat group (5 and 6 year olds). That means every week I get a new group of kids to work with. I generally have about 20 kids in the group. We take them swimming, go to Arts and Crafts, hike, rock climb, play on playgrounds, go on treasure hunts, sing songs, and face paint. Tuesday nights is Frontier Night, when I get to dress up like a cowboy and drive families around on the train. Fun stuff. Here's some snapshots of camp life.

Just in case...

2009-06-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are too lazy to go to our blog... Here is the latest!
Get in, sit down, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life! Amaya is on the road! I can hardly believe it myself, but it is true... she is old enough and yesterday she passed the test, earning her learner's permit. She is very excited to finally be able to drive like all of her friends have been able to do for a while now. Just watch for more gray hairs to be appearing on my head soon!

Preschool Graduate

2009-06-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ashley graduated from preschool. She is sad to leave her fun preschool class, but is looking forward to kindergarten. She has already started asking "How many more days until I get to go to kindergarten?"

8 is Great!

2009-06-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Erik got baptized on June 6. He was so excited about getting baptized and becoming a member of the church. He even got up in Sacrament meeting and bore his testimony. Steven and I are proud of his decision to follow the commandments and be baptized.

2009-06-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have been home in Norway for three days now and the jet-lag is hopefully wearing off soon. I just had to write a little note here on the family blog to thank the whole entire family for being so nice to me these last 10 months. It really meant a lot.

And thanks to Melissa and Steve for naming the baby after me (I know you did, no matter what you say), because now there will always be a Sofie (well technically Sophia) in the family.

We all know I posted this post just because of this not so pretty picture of Sophia and Sofie...

oops.. Almost forgot to tell you how much I'm gonna miss all of you, well, already do!

Klem fra Sofie

Newest Ashcroft #34

2009-05-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sophia Spencer was born Friday, May 22, 2009, at 11:16 am. She weighed 9 lbs 9 oz and was 20.5 inches long.

Steven was in charge of naming her. He complained all threw this pregnancy that I named the first four kids and it was his turn to pick the name. He found that it wasn't as easy as he thought. We were thinking about Emily or Emma, but the just weren't right. So, two days after she was born he chose Sophia.

She looks a lot like Ashley did when she was a baby. Same chubby cheeks and hair style, but Sophia's hair is a little lighter than Ashley's.

Sophia does need a playmate so people better start having their oops!

Devin lost a friend.

2009-05-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I woke up at 11:30 and saw that Devin was upset. (Actually, I heard him crying but he doesn't want me to say that.) He told me that he saw a news report on TV that night that told of a dad and his three daughters who were killed in a plane crash Friday night. One of the girls was his friend. His friend Kaitlyn and her two younger sisters were often picked up by their father Friday evenings to spend weekends with him in Nevada. This time, only a mile away from the airport the father's twin-engine Cessna started moving erratically and crashed.

Devin is so sad. He said Kaitlyn was a really nice girl, kind of shy but friendly. He had talked to her during lunch at school on Friday and then she was killed that evening. Devin was concerned that she had never heard the gospel, so on Sunday we talked about missionary work in the spirit world and baptisms for the dead (which our youth just did a couple of weeks ago). It is very sad for us when we lose friends and family members, but we know that we will see them again. How grateful we are for the atonement and resurrection of our Savior.

EWWWWW!!!!

2009-05-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

New and interesting entertainment over at the Bingham blog, as long as you aren't eating anything right now.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

2009-04-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Julia did a fantastic job as Helena in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." She was absolutely hilarious with her expressions and acting (and ballet) as she pursued Demetrius and rejected Lysander. The production was very high quality; I was impressed.

This and that

2009-04-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Brandon's home!

Well, he was for five days.

Devin loves his brother.

He even missed the quad stake pioneer trek

to spend more time with Brandon.

We waited a week for Devin to be ordained a priest

so Brandon could participate.

Can you see Devin's new bright blue ear molds?

They are way cool.

Brandon is our punch maker,

although this time he just had to defrost

some frozen punch and add soda.

He says Grandma Ashcroft is the best punch maker ever.

Where did he get his sense of style?

Not from me!

He brought this shirt home and said he hadn't worn it for a year.

Why not? Because it had a stain on it. So why did he bring it home?

So Mom could get the stain out, of course!

Can you tell which of the following flowers are real?

One bouquet I got about 21 years ago while I was visiting my sister

Carolyn in Federal Way, Washington,

when Brandon was just a wee babe.

The other bouquet Julia got a few days ago,

after opening night of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

(Aren't the pictures of Marvin so cute?)

Easter Pics

2009-04-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

This is the most expensive dress I've ever bought.

Well, it would have been if I'd paid full price for it.

Have you ever seen Edvard Munch's "The Scream?"

Devin does a good job of imitating it even though he hasn't seen the painting.

Only two children left at home. Sigh.

Are you a boring runner?

2009-04-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

I came across a paper that Devin wrote four and a half years ago, in fifth grade. I thought it would be appropriate to share since it is track season and Devin is running a lot right now.

Running

Running is one way of exercising and lowering chances of getting heart disease. Some people, like me, like to run, other people hate to run, and some people think it's o.k. You have to have lot of calcium in your legs to keep them strong and healthy to run.

The more you run the less chance of getting heart disease. If you run, you can lose pounds and get skinnier. You could raise money for the people who have cancer by running, too. After you run you could do push ups, too. You could also do pull ups.

Some people like to run, like me, because we started running, then we started enjoying it, though it doesn't happen every time. Some people hate running because they're lazy. The people who think running is o.k. are average people. But if you hate running, you're just being a boring runner.

To keep your bones strong and healthy, is to drink milk or something that has calcium. Stretch before you run. Also, stretch after you run to loosen your muscle. If you stretch you will have less chances of pulling your muscle. Make sure to have strong and healthy legs.

If you got strong, powerful, and healthy legs, I say go out and run. Keep in shape. Lose some pounds, not gain ten pounds. If you want to lower your heart disease then run!

Fun at Grandmas... and Jayson's birthday

2009-04-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

First off, SORRY BRANDON!!!! I thought you were busy with finals and we were in a huge rush with piano lessons and all, but we should have called and worked it out someway. SORRY!!! Well, anyway, here are a few photo highlights of the night.

Happy Birthday Jayson!

2009-04-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

This day is such a special one, it's birthday time for you!
We really want to celebrate your happy day with you!
Zip-a-dee-ay and heigh-dee-ho, Here's something we can do.
We'll sing a song that we all know, Happy Birthday to you!!!

Don't know why I picked that song, but anyway, Happy Birthday Jayson!!
He's 11 years old and still as cute as the day he was born! Aaahhh...
We love you Jayson!

2009-03-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening we went to the wedding reception of someone in our ward, Emilio Hernandez (brother of Eva, Jordan's girlfriend). At the end of the receiving line was a photo booth. People went in as couples or groups, got their four pictures taken, which were immediately printed out and pasted in a book which you were then supposed to sign. We also got a copy of the pictures. Is this a new trend? Has anyone ever heard of this before? I kind of liked it, but I'm sure it's not cheap.

Just Three More Weeks. . .

2009-03-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

So Brandon is currently extremely anxious for the semester to be over. He's almost there. . . hopefully he can make it. He feels like he's been getting lazier. He struggles to make time to do homework on the weekend. The last two weekends he has done none, which means a lot of long days and late nights Monday and Tuesday. It's so hard to do homework on a Saturday after working in the mornings, and then coming home to beautiful warm weather. So instead he spent yesterday playing flag football, ultimate frisbee, and catching snips of basketball games in between.

Yesterday Brandon got to go up to Aspen Grove for an orientation meeting. This summer he will be working up there as a bobcat counselor, which means that he will get to play with six year olds all summer. He's pretty excited about that. His friend Mike claimed he saw Brandon's future wife at the orientation yesterday, because on her name tag, her favorite hobby was listed as running. That probably doesn't mean anything. However, late last night, a girl named Alice, whom Brandon had previously taken on several dates last semster, decided to give Brandon something like his fifth chance and invited him to go out and get a frosty with her, which he consented to. To bad that she smelled of nice perfume after just having been to see a play, while Brandon smelled like b.o. after having been playing sports all afternoon. Maybe Brandon should take a hint and take this girl on some more dates. We'll see. . . later more likely than sooner. . .

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2009-03-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Clovis High ended their two week run of the play on Saturday. There were a few kids from our ward and our neighboring ward who were in it. Julia had a small part in it and she was fantastic! She did a ballet piece as the "star" in Joseph's dream, and in another scene when Joseph is in prison she and another girl, who was the "corn" in Joseph's dream, did a dance number together. I had never seen "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" before and I really enjoyed it. The teacher who played the Elvis character was great.

Julia has had a busy time going from ballet class and rehearsals to play rehearsals and performances. Her ballet performance of "A Midsummer's Night Dream" will be the last weekend of April and first weekend in May. She has the part of "Helena" in one cast and three or four other parts in the other cast. Next week she also starts rehearsals for her Dance PE class which will have it's performance the end of May. She will be in four dances for that event. We would love to have visitors to go to any of these performances. Sign up now!

Sunday Fun For Amaya and Lauren!!!

2009-03-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Well we were at G-ma's on this fine, lovely Sunday, and we decided to have some great fun taking pictures on her computer. So look and enjoy!!

We're SUPER HEROES!!!!
We know we're the models of the family!!
Lauren decided the only person good enough for her was herself!! And Amaya knew it was true!
Lauren got her daddy's eyes and Amaya got her dad's nose!
EW! Amaya's NASTAY! Lick'in Lauren's face...thats gross, just cause it tastes like pineapple....looks like a pineapple too!

Well I hope you have been entertained by these lovely photos and comments, and before we close Amaya would especially like to say that she thinks that Lauren in the ultimate cousin, just the best; Lauren concurs to this statement....

Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday time, however you spend it, you all know how we spend ours...

Much love!

Amaya and Lauren

Here's Amaya!

2009-03-04T21:34:00.001-08:00

Twenty five interesting things about Amaya, written by Amaya:

1. I love American Idol. It is the best show EVER!!
2. I love playing with all my cousins! We have so much fun together! (I see that airplane Julia! :P )
3. I love playing any sport. But my all time favorites are softball and volleyball
4. I was actually intensely watching the Superbowl this year. You should be proud!
5. Since Amaya didn't have a #5 on her list, I will add: She just won the district science fair and will be moving on to regionals at BYU.
6. Taking pictures is one of my all time favorite things to do!
7. I miss playing four-square and dodgeball with all my buddies! Too bad there is no more recess!
8. I really wish my hair was naturally curly. Mine won't curl AT ALL!
9. I write in my journal when I'm bored
10. I really want a job. Weird, I know. I just need to stay busy
11. I'm really OCD about the stupidest things. Like, the table not being set right, or when a strip of grass on our lawn wasn't mowed...
12. My favorite restaurant is Zupas
13. I only enjoy the first snow of the year- after that, it's just annoying.
14. I hate it when I'm lazy. I need to be active!!!
15. I am really aggressive- even in church ball! :)
16. Sometimes I'm really quiet, other times I'm really loud. I don't know why!
17. I really want a puppy!
18. I am a read-aholic. If I can get my hands on a good book, I can't put it down.
19. I love my buddies and hanging out with them is the best!
20. I LOVE making absolutely pointless, and completely cheesy movies.
21. Mickey and Minnie Mouse are my all time favorites
20. Watching movies in Spanish that also have like another language in them drives me nuts. Like Beauty and the Beast for example.... I love that movie, but I couldn't stand watching it in Spanish!
21. I love going to the temple and plan on getting married there someday
22. This entry was outdated, so... she is beautiful inside and out!
23. Coming up with all this stuff is harder than it looks!
24. I look up to each and every one of my friends and family members-I want to be like all of them!
25. I can't wait to go to high school next year! I'll be reunited with all my friends from elementary! YAY!!

All About Whiny Mckell....

2009-03-04T03:28:00.001-08:00

ALL ABOUT WHINY MCKELL

1. She is a Senior at the University of Utah

2. She is broke.

3. She works at a law office as a Legal Assistant, but needs more hours.

4. She is a broke college student at the U.

5. She is desperately thinking of ways she can get money.

6. She wants school to be done and to graduate.

7. She doesn't like all the budget cuts the U is making, its causing her not to be able to get her minor she has been working on.

8. She is still broke.

9. She lives with crazy roommates who don't know how to pay bills on time or take out the trash.

10. She has been driving an unregistered car for eight months.

11. She is still a broke college student.

12. She is sore from boot camp classes and Zumba.

13. She obviously can't stop thinking about paying bills, that is why she is writing a post at 4:33 in the morning.

14. She has a lot of midterms and class tomorrow.

15. She will attempt to go to bed.....now.

Love you all!

Goodnight!

Getting to know Jayson!

2009-02-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

Fifteen amazing, interesting facts about Jayson:

1. Just won the school science fair.
2. Likes participating in sports - basketball, football & baseball.
3. Loves BYU - GO COUGARS!! Writes his name with the BYU "Y" in the middle.
4. Favorite food is "anything mom makes."
5. Likes to boat: tube, ski and kneeboard!
6. Likes to read.
7. Has earned his Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts.
8. Likes to watch football, basketball & AFV.
9. Enjoys playing video games when his mom will let him.
10. Mows lawns for money (in the summer,of course).
11. Once when he was 2, he stripped off all his clothes and ran outside to stand in the weeds.
12. Was born 2 weeks early and still weighed 10 lbs. 3 oz.!
13. Likes to play with friends.
14. Most favorite trip... DISNEY WORLD!
15. Can walk his glasses up his nose... Ask for a free demonstration!

The winners are...

2009-02-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

The Bingham science fair winning streak continues! Amaya and Jayson both won at the school level and will continue on to the district science fair on March 3rd. Click here for more details.

Watch

2009-02-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

Check out my watch. It tells time and dates. You can also put appointments on it and check up what appointments you have coming up. Bet your Jealous.

Devin

Getting to Know Bryce!

2009-02-15T19:36:00.001-08:00

Today is Bryce's 13th birthday. Happy Birthday Bryce! Here are 15 things about Bryce:

1. Excellent piano player, whether he likes to admit it or not.
2. Has earned the rank of LIFE in scouting.
3. Loves to read, was reading by the age of 3.
4. Plays the wii guitar on "expert" and scores high.
5. Likes to play all kinds of games... Killer Bunnies, Settlers, Ticket to Ride, etc.
6. Enjoys playing most sports.
7. Prefers contacts over glasses.
8. Oldest son, 2nd child.
9. He likes cheese.
10. He is a handsome teenager (says his cousin and his mom).
11. Has a secret admirer.
12. He hates flip flops.
13. He got straight A's last semester (all A's and one A- the term before).
14. Recently ran his ipod shuffle through the wash (he was doing his own wash, however!).
15. One foggy day about a week ago he had the following conversation:
Bryce: Look how bright the moon is today!
Dad: That's because it is the sun!

Waz Up!!!

2009-02-15T18:39:00.002-08:00

Hey, this is Devin here. This is my first time on here. Bryce, you definitely need to do Track for sure. You need to do the 3200 or the 1600 like me. Last friday was my first meet for track. Not an actual meet, just for distance runner, a time trial. I did the 3200, or the two mile, I ran a 12:26. Its not a very good time for me. Well, I'm involved in Church ball. We had a playoff last Thursday. Of course my team won. We are playing again Thursday. Root for my team. Hey, I'm just wondering, what is a kip??? I'm totally lost on what it is. Peace out.

Devin

Here's Kyla!

2009-02-11T15:27:00.000-08:00

15 wonderful things about Kyla!

1. She likes to do gymnastics!

2. She just learned how to do her kip on the uneven bars about a month ago.

3. She likes art... painting and drawing.

4. Her favorite color is hot pink.

5. Her favorite treat is cinnamon rolls.

6. Her favorite food is her mom's "Cafe Bingham" salad (like Cafe Rio's pork salad).

7. She loves going to family reunions.

8. She likes to cook.

9. She likes to sew.

10. She likes to play with her friends... especially Amber and Jennie.

11. She likes playing machine pitch softball.

12. She likes swimming.

13. She likes boating.

14. Her favorite place she has been is... DISNEYWORLD!

15. She has cute dimples!

Updation!

2009-02-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

So here goes me writing my very first blog entry! I'll try to keep you entertained!

Well, life around the Bingham house has been pretty busy lately! Instead of all of us kids sitting on our butts all day long, we actually have been getting active!!!

I have been worried about my physical fitness lately, because in March (on the second to be specific) I am trying out for the Salem Hills softball team!!! AHHH! I have also been playing church basketball, which is really aggressive! It's a good way to get some anger out! :) Mom and I are also intensely watching American Idol every week! We love that show!!!

Bryce has been busy working on merit badges and whatnot, and is also playing church basketball! We are also trying to convince him that he needs to play a summer sport: either baseball, track, or swim team. None of which he wants to do. Oh yeah, for once I think I might have been more into the Superbowl than him! He did love the commercials though!

Jayson has been playing city basketball, and is doing quite well! He has been busy doing his science fair project, which he won't need to test anyone for this time! :) He is testing to see how accurate eyewitnesses are or something like that! He is also busy working on scouting, and just barely sculpted a lovely sculpture!

Kyla has been doing gymnastics, and is getting better all the time! She got her kip, which she has been working on for a long time. Good Job Kyla!!! She also helped Mom make chicken enchiladas last night for her Faith In God! They were quite delicious!

Well, thats about all for now!

Beautiful Music

2009-01-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

The kids had a piano recital yesterday. They played very well, even if they don't think so. Yes, mistakes were made, but aren't they always. It's part of life, we learn from them. Sorry that we didn't tell you about it mom, but we got the details last minute and figured you would still be at the temple. They will gladly play them for you the next time you come over. Everyone is probably getting tired of looking at our blog,

but... more info here!

Sunday Night Update

2009-01-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

I am sad to report, but Mckell is not wholly truthful. I do not agree with all of Mckell's pompous statements. Unfortunately, our disagreements quickly escalated into a vicious ninja fight. We were instantaneously reincarnated into our childhood favorite Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and took our feelings out on each other with style. Now, it's no question which one of us would win a battle of strength and finesse. I'll just let these quality photographs taken by the neutral observer Peter Parker reveal the rest of the story.

The oldest cousin (the only true statement I can honestly make),

Brandon

Mckell first gets entranced by my psychic powers

Then. . . the fake

The Ultimate Kick

The Knockout Punch

Crazy Sunday's with the Cuz!

2009-01-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

"THE SUPERIOR COUSINS"

Well first off, I guess we can begin by Brandon telling me that he doesn't approve of my "hip" spelling of cousin in the title. But he is lame, so it will stay.

"YEAH! GRANDMA'S IS SO FUN!"

Well to kill sometime at Grandma's tonight, Brandon and I decided to have a photo shoot. And we figured we would post our pictures up so you all can enjoy the two cutes

t cousins of the whole ASVB Clan.

Update on Brandon

"THAT IS THE FOREHEAD OF A FUTURE ACTUARY"

-Brandon has started his third semester at BYU and is double majoring in Actuarial Science & Russian. Yes, he hasn't declared that actual major yet, but he is thinking about it. And thats half the battle.

-His favorite class this semester in Economics.

-He is working at BYU reffing intramural basketball, and says that he gets tired running up and down the court.

-He is currently girlfriend-less and there are no options on the table. We are anxiously waiting for a sequel where he will announce he has held a girls hand.

Update on Mckell

"THE SUPERIOR-IST COUSIN"

-Mckell is in her second to last semester at the superior school of the University of Utah. She is majoring in Political Science and Campaign Management. Although it is a worthless degree, at least she is planning on attending Law school.

-Her favorite class is Communications and Political Persuasion.

-She is no longer a unemployed burden on society.

She now works within Richard Frandsen's law office as a Legal Assistant. Whoop Whoop!

-She is also single but has a lot more prospects th

at Brandon at the moment.

-She is still the stronger, faster, smarter, and more beautiful cousin. Brandon agrees.

Enjoy our pictures!

"WE GET OUR GOOD LOOKS FROM GRANDMA"

"OUR COMBINED AWESOMENESS WILL JUMP OUT OF YOUR

MONITOR AND KARATE CHOP YOU RIGHT IN THE EYE"

"WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO MARRY THESE TWO HOT COMMODITIES"

"KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY"

"CAUGHT IN THE ACT"

Arrow of Light

2009-01-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

Last night Jayson and his best friend Kyle were awarded Cub Scouts highest award... the Arrow of Light. Congratulations Jayson! We are so proud of you! For more details and pics check out our blog.

Shiner of the Week

2009-01-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

Jump over to the Bingham blog if you want to find out how this happened!

A New Years Challenge

2009-01-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Family,

I have decided to make a New Years Challenge for you all. As you all know, I did not create this blog just to brag about my Sugarbowl Champion 13-0 Utah Football Team (the real National Champions). No, the real purpose of this blog was to create a network where our whole family could post updates on the ongoing of their families whether that be accomplishments, fun outings, or even just silly posts. This is our place to stay connected.

So with that said, I am making a New Years Challenge for everyone to give a family update at least once a month.

Brandon, you must give your own update since your out of the house (Just like I will)...don't try to pawn that responsibility off your Mom sissy boy. : )

Melissa, because you ruined the title of this blog "AIMHigh34" by getting pregnant and not telling me until the day AFTER I created it, you must also participate in these monthly postings. And please take note that we want to see ulta-sound pictures! (See how nice am I? I'm giving you material to work with for your first post).

Anna and Marvin, this could be a great place to give the family updates on our family in Cali and also on our missionary cousin Jordan. Because you guys live so far away, you should feel obligated to post at least twice a month (kidding).

I am currently working with Taylor and our cousins from down South to get on board with this blog. And I plan to send a nagging e-mail to Aaron to get him to join as well.

Lynette and Jared, you're are good. I have no need to nag your guys. Keep posting. : ) But, Amaya, feel free to do some of your own posts if you like.

And last but not least, Grandma. Wise, amazing, beautiful, and loving Grandma. The leader of the family. I know that sometimes your new computer scares you and that this blog thing might be a little weird, but we are counting on you to write us on this. Whether its your daily thoughts or some family history, we want to hear it. If you need help figuring out how to post, feel free to call me or I'm sure Lynette. We'll help.

Well I love you guys and I hope you are all having an amazing 2009 so far. I'm grateful to have such amazing people in my life.

Love,

The Oldest and Wisest Cousin (yeah you heard that right Brandon, you were a fluke. You were suppose to come after me),

Mckell

BCS Sugar Bowl Champions!

2009-01-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Just figured I would pay a little tribute to my team Utah for playing one the best games I have ever seen last night. The Crimson Tide rolled alright...rolled over and died.

Go Utes! The REAL National Champaions! 13-0 Baby!

Utah Man am I!!

2009-01-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Why hello my beloved family!

I would just like to take a moment of your time to remind you all that Utah is playing Alabama today in the Sugar Bowl! The game is at 6 o'clock. Today we will witness the biggest football game in Utah history. Today will be the day that Utah will beat the Goliath also know as Alabama!

So dawn your red, say a prayer, sing Utah Man am I, and watch Utah kick some Crimson Tide butt!

GO UTES!!!

"Who am I sir, Utah man am I! Utah man sir, will be till I die! Ki-Yi!!"

Love,

Your 'lil Ute

Misadventures

2008-12-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Hop on over to the Bingham blog if you'd like to read a slightly embarassing story written by my wife about my misadventures the other day with UPS and Rock Band 2.

By way of payback, I would just like to point out that Lynette is quite possibly the worst drummer ever.

Ah....Sundays!!

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Well Lauren and I decided that we would take the initiative and be the first to give you an update on what's going on in the Ashcroft household. As many of you might know, we received a Wii for Christmas this year. And in the past three days we have had it, we definitely have put it to work. In fact, Papa Ashcroft had to decline a tennis match because he was so sore. Ha! You know you've been playing Wii too much when you are sore from swinging around a control paddle.

So, Snowfie (our foreign exchange student) and Hailey are currently playing as Lauren and I wait for our turn.

We would like to give a shout out to Papa Ashcroft for the awesome "breakfast for dinner" which consisted of french toast and left over breakfast bacon! It was a Christmas Miracle! Thanks Papa! And loves to Mama Ashcroft who is currently in Provo working.

We love our whole ASVB clan!

Love,

Mckell & Lauren

PS. Five days and counting till Utah kills 'Bama!!

In the beginning...

2008-12-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

In the beginning, Don met Maureen. They fell in love and were married in the St. George, Utah temple on September 23, 1960.

The rest is history. Our story continues, however, as we all strive to AIM HIGH! We invite all the members of this wonderful family to contribute and keep us all informed of what is happening in their own families. We look forward to your entries!