The 4th

Independence Day Fun

It was so much fun to have my family come to Utah and visit for the week of the 4th of July.  We hung out, ate yummy food, drank lots of Dr. Pepper, and sweltered in the awful triple digit heat.  On the 4th of July, we went to the Freedom Festival Parade in Provo, enjoyed KFC for lunch, took naps, and then headed to Rock Canyon Park to watch the fireworks display from the Stadium of Fire.  Holidays are always better with family!

Kelley's Grove

After Chase Acheson's farewell on June 30th, we were too hot to function down in the valley.  So, we decided to take the kiddos up to Kelley's Grove in Hobble Creek Canyon.

We found this weird creeper in the bushes. 

 This little guy slept most of the afternoon.



These kids had a blast playing in the cool water.

We love Auntie Margaret! 

Henry decided it would be a good idea to strip down and take a stroll through the clover.

Family Pictures

Nate's baby sister Melissa was married at the end of June, and the wedding was absolutely beautiful.  It was a great occasion to have a few pictures taken of our little family.  I absolutely love these cute pics-they really capture my kids' personalities.  Fun pictures from a very fun day.

Henry Is A Handful

We really like this kid, but he makes watching the ball game a little hard.

Softball Sylvia

Sylvia is adorable on the softball field.  We love watching her play.  Her swing is improving with each game, and she is a fast little runner.  I asked her to look at me so I could take a picture of her on the field, and she jumped up and down, and did a shimmy!  Her personality shines through, no matter what activity she is engaged in.

Classic Skating Fun

My sweet friend Sara invited us to Classic Skating to have some air conditioned summer fun last week.  We ate pizza, played in bouncy houses, and skated (or scooted) to our hearts content.  Sara and I let the kids play for hours! It is rare to find a place that keeps this many kids entertained for such a long stretch.  We'll have to go to Classic Skating again sometime, before the summer is over.

Aunt Janie's Funeral

Nathan and me at Janie's grave site. 

An awesome "Y" for the lady who dedicated her life to BYU. 

The pallbearers carrying Janie's casket. 

Janie's beautiful pink casket. 

Great Uncle Sam dedicated Janie's grave. 

Henry really enjoyed the luncheon after the service.

Aunt Janie's funeral service was lovely.  We attended her viewing on Friday evening, which was nice because it wasn't packed with family, and I got a chance to see her without a lot of interruptions.  BYU brought down her portrait for the viewing, and it was neat to see so many beautiful displays of pictures of Janie's adventures from her life.  Saturday morning, we attended the funeral service, which was packed with family, friends, and Janie's former BYU students.  The speakers were wonderful, the music was spiritual, and there was just a nice feeling of love that permeated the room.  The family attended the grave site service, where Uncle Sam dedicated Janie's grave.  We sang hymns, and it felt like a wonderful celebration.  After that, we went to a family luncheon, where we ate, talked, laughed and had lots of fun with cousins, aunts and uncles.  It was long, lovely day dedicated to the memory of dear, sweet Aunt Janie.