Today we had a little Pioneer Day celebration with our friends and neighbors. Pioneer Day is a state holiday in Utah. It commemorates the day that the early Latter-day Saint (or Mormon) pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley after being run out of every town/city/municipality they tried to settle in towards the east. I have many pioneer ancestors. I grew up listening to stories about the trials they encountered as they crossed the plains. I often think of those beloved ancestors as I face trials in my life. Could I have been as strong as they were? Is my faith that great? They are truly my angels. I like to think that I have felt their angelic embraces during times of tears. I feel like I can hear them say, "This too shall pass" or "You are stronger than you think you are." I can't imagine the persecutions, dangers, and heartbreaks they endured. I have truly come from some of the best blood lines I have ever seen. These ancestors are my heroes. I am who I am today because of choices they made over a hundred years ago...and for that I will be forever in their debt. In any case, as a neighborhood we decided to put together a community BBQ and fireworks show. I really love the area we live in. I love the fact that I know all of my neighbors. I love that there is such a strong sense of community. I know if we were ever in need, my neighbors would be right there to help and assist. I have seen it done a thousand times over. I truly enjoyed socializing with them this evening. It was a night full of good food, amazing people, and fun fireworks!
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| The men on the deck doing the grilling while Katie watches Jonas below. |
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| Love these ladies! Julie, Cathi, Michelle, Katie and I. |
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| Jonas just kickin' back at the BBQ. |
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| Jonas and Jeff enjoying the fireworks. |
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