Summer wrap up - Utah

Lake Family Picnic at the Park

A Day at Herriman Reservior

The Oma Sleepover

Shane turns 1!

  

And here we have Idaho, Winning her way to fame

That is the song we sing whenever we cross the state line into Idaho. And for good reason too - it's catchy! AND Idaho is beautiful, maybe not famous yet, but we like it that way!

We love the time we spend in Idaho each Summer and this year was even more memorable than years past.  We took a trip to Yellowstone, we had a Pioneer Day Parade, we had an exciting adventure floating the Snake River, we went hiking, picnicking, singing, eating, and laughing.

Yellowstone!

We spent a day hitting a few spots in the park - Old Faithful, Geyser Basin, paint pots, emerald pools, and the river.  My parents and sisters took the little kids home and we took the older girls to a show at "The Playmill."

Pioneer Day

 The kids decided covered wagons are over rated.  When we ended our parade at our friend's home, the spent the rest of the afternoon driving her mini-suv.

Cress Creek Trail

Snake River

 Our float down the snake was supposed to be relaxing and fun.  It was... until the last 10 minutes.  What might have been a tragedy is now an exciting memory.  The short version of our experience is that the current near the exit point of our float was so strong and fast that it pulled two of the rafts down stream and into a large, fallen tree that was straining the river.  The first raft to hit was immediately tipped upside down flinging 4 adults and 3 children into the churning water.  Fortunately, no one was hurt or lost (though we did not know that immediately).  The second raft was dragged under the tree branches, caught for a minute and then able to continue on to the bank and try to help the first raft.  The experience left us all feeling grateful for life and for each other.  We also feel grateful for the kind fisherman who passed by with perfect timing to rescue the stranded raft.  It made the rest of our time there sweeter as we realized how fragile life can be.

Fun at Grandpa's and Grandma's House

On the days we weren't out adventuring, there was plenty of fun to be had in Rexburg.  Aunt Kristi "helped" all the little girls made aprons.  The girls had sleepovers on the trampoline with Aunt Pika and Aunt Kristi.  They convinced Amberlee and Stephen to participate in their musical skit of "Heart and Soul."  Grandpa, Jeniel and Jason took Curly and Lettie to explore the Civil Defense Caves and play at the sand dunes. We rode the carousel, visited LLL Ranch,  and swam at the pool. It was a wonderful time together with many happy memories!

Utah part 1

Inspired by Disneyland, the girl gang decided to create their own "Tiki Room"  This was a project they worked on for several weeks.  They sent invitation in advance and planned their performance the same weekend that the grandparents and aunties would be here.  There were decorations, costumes, and a script.  My favorite was the paper birds tied to the ceiling fan.  It was very cute.

The Tiki Room cast

Reading the script

Playtime

 The day after Tiki room, we left on our exodus to the North - 2 minivans, 2 babies, 6 little girls, 2 aunties, 2 moms, 1 grandma.  After 14 hours we made it and crashed on Grandma Woodbury's sundeck.

I love a Utah summer.  It is beautiful and delicious!

 

It was fun to meet up with old friends while visiting Salt Lake.  We also reunioned with family members and just enjoyed being outside.

Long-time friends Ash and Margie

Playing "pooh-sticks" at Aunt Pikas with cousin Nels

Chillin' with Charlie

Cookout at Pika's and Pato's lovely Millcreek home

Sleepy baby S

Rope swing over the ditch

 

Grad school friends - Summer, Jodi, Kathleen, Lynette

 We decided to throw a shower for my littlest sister Paisley while we were all together.  She will be married in October!  It was fun to plan and prepare with my sisters and we all had a lovely evening together.

Curly's Baptism

Curly's baptism was the most anticipated event of the summer. It wasn't just Curly that was excited - her sisters and her parents looked forward to it as well. Berry kept saying "It's my birthday and then I get baptized!" Fisher and I have been meeting regularly with Curly to study with her and hopefully prepare for the special promises she made when she was baptized.  She continually impressed and continues to impress us with her understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and her faith!  We are proud of her for her decision to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and for her example to her friends, teachers, and family.

 

It was a memorable occasion with grandparents coming from very far away and many friends also traveling to show their support.  We are grateful for the good people in our lives and feel very blessed.

Curly and Fisher before the service

Sweet children singing

Curly with her teacher Sister Rawhouser and friends Sam and Faith

Happy family

Happy girl!

Berry comfortable

Can you tell that I am playing catch-up?  Stay tuned for a whole lot more!  In this exhibit we portray Berry in her various sleeping locations of choice.  Most night, we are just glad when she finally falls asleep!

Her favorite! Face down on the tile, under the desk

Hallway Sprawlway

Foot Facial Massage - it's the new thing!

Accident waiting to happen!