Makayla Turns 15!

How in the world is Makayla 15? We love Makayla so much and are so proud of the amazing young woman she is turning into. We had so much fun celebrating her all month.

We started off with her family birthday party. Makayla did "This or That" for her game and it seems as though the Jones boys and Mason know Makayla the best. Then we opened presents and Makayla got a lot of gift cards, money, makeup, and fake glasses. 

For her family dinner, she picked Olive Garden. Doesn't she look so cute in her fake glasses? She looks so smart! Fashion trends, right? 

Then for her actual birthday Makayla wanted French toast. She had the most amazing birthday sunrise, opened her birthday outfit, and then went to school for about an hour before getting checked out to go to the DMV to take her permit test and guess what???

She passed!!! Makayla was so worried she wasn't going to pass so she has spent all of her free time over the last month studying for the permit test, and it paid off because she did great. When we got home we grabbed dad for a little drive around the neighborhood. Let me just give you a little warning... 15 year olds are scary to drive with... if I were you I would stay off the roads for a while. 

We ended all the birthday fun with lunch at Mo Bettah's and Crumbl cookies. 

To end all of Makayla's birthday fun, we did a friend party at the bowling alley. We had a private room and Makayla and all of her friends got to hang out with pizza, bowling, and games.

Happy Birthday Makayla!!

January Highlights

We have had a great start to the new year so far. We spent New Years at The Land. The cousins (and Tyler) found interesting ways to keep themselves entertained: 

Grandma Bonnie fell and has been in the hospital. She has been up and down with her recovery. We hope she will be able to get feeling better soon. Bill and Bonnie have the kind of marriage we should all aspire to have. They are the best examples to us of strength during trials, faith, and enduring to the end. 

Tyler and I went on our favorite date of the year. We went to Ruth Chris and talked about our goals for the year. We have some lofty goals, but I have no doubts that together we can accomplish them. We are building a stronger marriage everyday. I am so lucky to have him for eternity!

Caden was ordained a teacher by Tyler. I love my handsome boys. 

Costumes are starting to come in for the upcoming competition season. Brynn is doing a dance called Chernobyl... and yes, that is a gas mask. 

We have had a lot of fun going to Utah Mammoth games. Our favorite was going with all the cousins. 

If playing for 2 basketball teams wasn't enough basketball for Caden, he is also playing church ball and helping the younger kids learn the game. 

I couldn't figure out why Makayla wanted to come to Caden's game so badly... usually she comes up with every excuse not to go, but when I saw her talking to this boy suddenly things started to make sense. It took a lot to get it out of her, but this is Spencer and right now he is "huzz" (apparently in teen language that means hott). 

I must have worn out my mom on our days together. Bella was happy to have a sleeping buddy. 

Remember Caden' quest for the best cheeseburger. He gave 5 guys a solid 9/10. Speaking of Caden, Tyler and I have had so much fun going with Caden to the Jazz games. We somehow get a lot of free tickets... maybe because the Jazz are so bad this year. 

Tyler and Brynnli went to Color Me Mine one night. They had a great time chatting and painting their crafts. Brynnli made a turtle and Tyler made a shoe bank. 

I had the best time with my cousins for our CNO. It took forever at the restaurant, but we had fun catching up. I never had any sisters growing up, so I am so appreciative of great cousins. 

This Is Us in 2026

Welcome to 2026! We're excited for the new year and to see all the fun things life has in store for the Evans family!  We thought we would start this year's blog with a little life update and some new family pictures. Technically we had these pictures taken last September, but I forgot to include them in last year's book, so here you go!

Tyler is still working for Stantec. He works from home and enjoys his short commute to the basement. Tyler is amazing and wakes up every morning before 5 am to workout. He is still serving in the bishopric as second counselor and when he's not working, he usually making life fun for all of us by making up weird games or teasing us. 

I am still working part time in the attendance office at Bingham. When I'm not working, cleaning the house, or managing the family,  I can usually be found driving the kids around to all of their activities. Life is so busy right now, but I love this stage of life I am in. 

Our kiddos keep us busy! Between dance and basketball, friends, and school we have to squeeze in family fun whenever we can. 

Makayla is 14, almost 15. Makayla is a 4.0 student, an amazing dancer, and a perfectionist. She dances over 12 hours a week and still manages to keep up on her grades. She loves to hang out with her friends, sleep in whenever she can, and pretend to be the boss of the family. She can't wait for this year to get her learner's permit... so maybe stay off the roads!

Caden is 13. He loves to play sports, especially basketball. If he's not playing sports, he can usually be found watching sports. Caden loves watching the Utah Jazz and the Utah Mammoth. In typical teenage fashion, Caden loves to eat. He is currently on the quest for the best cheeseburger, and claims The Habit is the best one so far.  Caden is doing great in school and is also a 4.0 student. He still loves Legos and video games. 

Brynnli is the sweetest 11 year old around! She also dances at Synergy and loves to hang out with friends. Brynnli is still so imaginative and can literally create anything out of anything. She is trying out new things this year like participating in the school play and the school choir. Brynnli has the most tender heart and wants to work at a senior citizen center taking care of patients with Alzheimer's when she is older. 

Bella is 4 years old... almost in her 30's in dog years. She spends her days sleeping and eating. She loves mom the most, but will tolerate the other spare humans. She loves to snuggle on the couch, go for rides in the car to get a pup cup, and smell every bush in the neighborhood when we go for walks. 

We love to spend time together as a family. We are looking forward to some fun vacations this year and for new adventures. 

 Let's do this!!