Memorial Day

And we're off! Summer has officially started and we are just as busy as ever! Today we enjoyed the day together as we celebrated Memorial Day. Each year, our church congregation (aka ward) puts on a Memorial Day breakfast. I think it's the perfect way to start the day. We had a flag ceremony, taps, and a moment of silence. I think too often this holiday has become more a day about starting summer festivities than a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives to preserve our freedom. I'm grateful that we had the opportunity to take some time to truly reflect on the reason for this special holiday. We enjoyed the breakfast and associating with our friends and neighbors. Afterwards, we decided to head to SLC to try out the new Top Golf. This is like bowling for golfers. They have one in AZ, which is where the boys were introduced to it. Essentially, it's a glorified driving range. You have three stories of booths where you and your friends and family get to take turns whacking a golf ball as hard as you can to hit the targets down below. In the booth, there is either couches or tables and chairs where you can order full on restaurant style foods. We had a blast! I think Jonas even enjoyed watching the balls fly. As we drove home, we passed an overpass that was filled with flags and saw two soldiers standing at attention. It brought tears to my eyes to see their dedication and devotion and to realize how grateful I am for this beautiful country we live in. When we got home, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing before we ended  our day with a family BBQ. It was a great Memorial Day!

Danny helped with the flag ceremony. He is the one holding the stripes.

Dallin

Jeff

Danny

Jonas and I just lounged around and enjoyed the food.

The flags on the overpass.

School's out!

I can't believe that this year has already come and gone! I think the boys were more than ready to have it "gone". To be honest, I am ready too. I really enjoy summers! I love the warmer weather and the freedom to go and do whatever we want...and we have plenty to do this summer! The boys had a blast this week. It seems like school was just one big party. Dallin was done with all his academic work so most classes just had games and/or movies. Thursday night he had freshman night at the school, where he was able to have a massive yearbook signing party and movie. (I can't believe he'll be in high school next year!) Danny had field day on Monday, several assemblies throughout the week, and a pool party on Thursday followed by motorbike riding and a bonfire with friends that night. I wasn't able to attend (or get pictures of) most events, but I did make it to the pool party (even if I didn't make it in the pool...call me crazy but I don't believe in swimming when it's only 64 degrees!). On Friday, both boys brought friends home from school. By dinner, Danny's party was over, but Dallin's continued on at his friend's, Corianne, house. I have a feeling life is going to be a party from now until August 23rd! Let summer begin!!

Little treats to start off the summer!

This is as close to the pool as I would get!

Dallin, Tyler and Tanner from 7th grade to 9th grade!! They are really young men now!

Danny's end of the year program

Today Jeff, Jonas and I went to watch Danny's 5th grade program. I can't believe this school year is already over! It always seem like it will never end in the fall/winter, but as soon as spring hits the school year disappears! It is fun to reflect on the year and the growth each kid has experienced. Danny is still Danny, which means there are still moments of distraction, but I have seen him make an effort to be more responsible. The mornings are a little less frustrating because he is better able to manage his time. He continues to be a smart kid (sometimes too smart!). I am excited to see what the rest of his academic career will bring. Before the program started, they awarded the kids who made honor roll. Danny was one of them. He had a goal to do this from the beginning of the year...and he did it! Way to go Danny!

This year, the 5th grade curriculum brought a greater understanding of US history. His program was a basic summary of that curriculum. Danny's part included memorizing the statement on the Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door! What an inspiring message to so many who have come to this blessed nation to find freedom and peace. I am grateful that Danny was able to study US history this year. I think it has instilled a greater love of and loyalty for the country. I'm proud of Danny and all the work he has done this year!

Danny with his buddies, Matthew and Jared Belk

Katie's married!!!

Katie Southwick is now Katie Peterson! The moment that she (and others) has been praying to happen has finally come! It has been so fun, nice, fulfilling (I'm not sure which adjective to use) to see the evolution of her relationship with Greg. He is her prince. He has added so much joy to her life and vice versa. It is amazing to see how God fulfills His promises. It is not always in our time or in the way we expect, but He does fulfill them.

The wedding festivities started on Monday with a little "bridal party". Katie, Gma Penny, Kristi, Maci, Amber and I went out to Kneaders for breakfast then to a nail salon for manicures and/or pedicures. Katie never wanted a bridal shower or bachelorette party but this was definitely the next best thing! We had a blast!

After our relaxing morning, it was time to get busy! The rest of the day we spent doing final food preparations and setting up for the luncheon/reception. She originally wanted to hold the event in the pavilion behind the church, but weather and other factors prevented that so we set up inside the cultural hall. While not her first choice, I think it turned out beautifully. Here are just a few pictures of the room set up:

Tuesday morning, we got up, dressed, and headed to the temple. She was married for time and all eternity at 10:30 a.m. The marriage (or sealing) room was full. The ceremony was beautiful. There was a feeling of peace and joy in the room. Gma Penny couldn't hold back her tears and Katie couldn't stop smiling. After congratulating the newlyweds, we took pictures outside before going to the church for her luncheon.

Waiting for the happy couple to come out...Bennett, Travis, Grant, Danny, Maci, Dallin, Jonas and Carson

The new Mr. and Mrs. Peterson!

I love this picture! So serious! It makes me laugh!

The rest of the afternoon we celebrated with the happy couple at their luncheon. It was a busy time for me, but it was extremely rewarding to see all the hard work come together...and to see Katie and Greg be able to enjoy celebrating with their family and friends. It was a beautiful day! Congratulations Greg and Katie Peterson!