Bishopric Night at Girls Camp

The girls headed off to girls camp this week. Because our girls are YCL's, they went up on Monday to help decorate the cabin before they all went up on Tuesday. Jeff and I joined them on Monday to help set up a canopy and the propane stove/lanterns. Wednesday night the bishopric and their wives were invited up to Girls Camp. After a grueling hazing process that only the young women could perform, we had a delicious dinner then the girls performed their skit for us and provided us props to create our own skit for them. Finally, there was a bishopric devotional and yummy dessert before we headed back down the canyon. I was so glad I was able to participate in at least a little part of girls camp. I miss working with the young women and we have some amazing girls in our ward...especially our daughters (not that I'm partial or anything)! It was fun to interact with them and to feel of their enthusiasm and love for life and the gospel. Thanks for the great night ladies!

The theme this year was "Rooted in Holy Ground". The wards had to choose a temple and a tree. Our ward chose the Manhattan temple and centered their décor around that theme. 

Our handsome bishopric! 

What are you going to do? It's girls camp! 

All the wives! 

Don't we look cute?! 

The girls skit was a rendition of the classic "Who's on First?". Amber is a Red Sox fan trying to figure it all out. 

I love hearing Jeff bear his testimony of the gospel. I'm so grateful that I am sealed to a faithful priesthood holder. 

The whole gang! 

Their more natural state.  

 

Our first date

Exactly one year ago today, I stood in the Salt Lake airport in a yellow dress as I watched this handsome man who I had been communicating with for a couple months walk up to me and pull me into a caring embrace. Little did I know at that time that one year later I would be re-creating my first date with that man who is now my husband. I can't believe it's been a year! I can't believe how drastically my life has changed in that year! And I can't believe how incredibly happy I am! Since it was a Friday (our normal date night), we decided to celebrate the day by re-creating our first date. One year ago, Jeff picked me up from the airport and took me to Temple Square where we walked through the Church History Museum, strolled through the visitor's centers, ate at The Roof, and enjoyed the fountain at City Creek Center. This time we decided to skip the whole airport experience (I'm really glad those days are over!) and go to the temple instead. After we finished a session at the temple, we ran back to the car so Jeff could change (he was dying in his shirt and tie...it was only 95 degrees! Geez!) then went to the museum and visitor's centers before dinner. We enjoyed reminiscing about our first weekend together and laughed as we recalled my pro/con/question list that dominated our conversations that weekend (hey I had to be sure we were compatible so I didn't mess around and went straight for the hard questions...financial habits, parenting practices, addictions, etc.). We ended the evening back at City Creek Center where we watched the people mill around the fountain as we waited for the fire and water show. I loved spending the evening with my best friend. I am so incredibly blessed to have him in my life. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect eternal companion. Through all the bumps and mistakes we've made as we've bumbled through this new situation in our lives, he has been my constant love and support. Thank you Jeff for your never-ending love, patience, and tenderness. I'm excited for the many more years we get to spend together!

The party's over...

Today my sister, nephew and niece headed back to Arizona. It has been such a fun month with both the Southwicks and the Shumways. I am so grateful for families, and I feel incredibly blessed to have two amazing families who love and support us. It was a tearful goodbye as I embraced Nichole, Tyler and Kate. I wish it wasn't a 10 hour drive to get to them, but it's nice to know they'll (hopefully) be back up here in October. After the left, I set to work putting the house back in order (e.g., cleaning, laundry, groceries, etc.) The girls were occupied with girls' camp stuff so I had the boys helping me all day. We finished around mid afternoon. Danny and I sat down to watch some TV before I needed to get started on dinner. It only took a few minutes before Danny was out! I guess the party really is over. Thanks to everyone who came to visit! And thanks for all the fun memories!

Pioneer Day

Today is the 24th of July. Now in most places this is just another day...but here it's another reason to celebrate! Maybe Utah isn't so bad after all! Today is the day that we celebrate and honor the sacrifices of the early pioneers who moved across the U.S. to settle in the Great Salt Lake Valley and build up the western U.S. Many of my ancestors were among those who lost loved ones and livelihoods to come across the great plains and into Utah (then on to Arizona). I can't imagine what that must have been like. I can't imagine the physical trials and sufferings they endured to seek refuge from religious persecution and a place where they could practice their faith in peace. I am grateful to be a descendent of those valiant, courageous, faithful pioneers. Well since this was my first Pioneer Day we decided to do it right, which (much to Jeff's dismay) meant we did the parade, carnival and rodeo! This year Dallin had the opportunity to participate in the parade. The parade organizers gathered 2,060 young men from local stakes to march as the 2,000 Stripling Warriors. Because my nephew, Tyler, was still in town, he was also lucky enough to participate. I can't begin to describe the emotions I felt as I watched my son and my nephew march down the street chanting "We do not doubt". Tears filled my eyes and my heart swelled with pride as I realized I was watching the future leaders of this church and the nation. I am grateful that I have the privilege to raise such amazing children and to watch them make good choices. I feel so much faith and optimism in the future as I saw all these young men marching along. I am proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for the moral boundaries and teachings that help us to be more like Christ. I am grateful for the guidance and direction I receive as I move forward with faith.

Tyler and Dallin 

Daniel (looking mad for some reason), Krystle, Amber, Kate and Kaia

The little kids stood out on the street to get all the candy (and fliers) that were given out. 

Kate, Kaia and Daniel 

What's a small town parade without John Deere?

This is the musical that Amber is going to participate in. 

Our 2,000 Stripling Warriors! 

 

There are my stripling warriors!! So proud!!

After the parade, we browsed the craft booths (where my loving sister bought Danny a very loud bird whistle...thanks Nichole!) and the kids enjoyed some of the nauseating (for me anyway) rides.

Kaia and Kate 

Tanner (Dallin's friend), Tyler, Dallin and Daniel 

Amber and Daniel 

Dallin and Tanner

We finished up at the carnival and (much to Jeff's relief) went home for a few hours before we headed to the rodeo. I have always loved rodeos. My mom grew up on a ranch in Mexico so I probably got my cowboy blood from that side of the family. My grandma took me to rodeos when I was younger and I always loved them. Tonight was no different. There is just something about the patriotism and just good old country feelings I have when I am watching the rodeo. It was even more fun being able to share that with my family! I have truly enjoyed having my family in town for the past few weeks. I miss them dearly and wish we all lived closer, but I am so grateful for the times we are able to visit with them. This was the perfect way to end a perfect month of family fun!

I think Laurin's and Danny's faces are the best. Laurin was voluntary...Danny's wasn't. 

Me and my best friend.

This pic is for my dad! Go Navy!!! 

The singing of the National Anthem. 

I love my family!