4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!! As you have already guessed, I love the holidays! Any holiday! But there are some holidays that get me more excited than others and the 4th is one of those. I have been lucky enough to travel to, live in, or simply visit 18 different countries. With each trip, I gain a greater appreciation for the country I was privileged to be born into. I am extremely proud to be an American! My heart aches as I've seen hopelessness in the eyes of the people I've visited in various countries. I feel humbled to understand and recognize the privileges and opportunities I've taken for granted all my life. This is truly God's country - designed by Him and dictated to those brave men who fought to liberate us long before any of us ever existed. Some of the most powerful and poignant words that were ever penned start with the phrase: When in the course of human events... Little did those men know then the impact that document would have across the world. I love my country, my freedoms, and my family...so what better way to celebrate the day than with my family! I was lucky enough to have my parents and older sister, Nichole, and her family join us for the 4th of July festivities. Can I just say how much I needed a visit from my family?! I didn't realize how much I missed them until they got here. In any case, we started the day off by exercising one of our Constitutional rights - to bear arms! Not only did my parents come into town, but my Uncle Dan (my mom's brother) flew in as well so we met up with him and my Uncle Rick and Aunt Barb (who live in Payson) to head up West Mountain for a little shooting. It was fun to see my dad, uncles and husband exchange knowledge about the guns they were using while the kids just loaded up and fired away.

Daniel showing Papa how it's done. 

Our sharp shooter, Dallin. 

Laurin finally shot her gun! 

I got into the action too. 

My boys! 

I love this pic. Amber looks like Annie Oakley.  

My two cowboy uncles.

My mom and her two brothers, Rick and Dan.

After shooting, we met up with my sister Krystle, and her husband, Jordan, to see the long anticipated movie - Lone Ranger. I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I guess I hyped it up too much, but I still enjoyed it over all.

Jordan, Krystle, Mom and Dad 

Jeff and I with our crazy kids behind us waiting for the movie to start.

Once the movie was over, we dropped off my uncles and aunt then headed up to Provo to meet up with my sister, Nichole, her husband, Ryan, and their kids, Tyler and Kate. We decided to have dinner at JCW's in Provo because we needed an all-American meal of burgers and fries!

The whole gang! 

My niece Kate, her cousin Olivia, and Laurin and Amber.

Finally, it was time for the main event of the day - Stadium of Fire! Ryan didn't join us but the rest of us headed over to the stadium after cooling off with an after-meal shake. I have never been to Stadium of Fire, but since I now live in Utah, I figured I better go. This seems to be the biggest 4th of July celebration...and the crowds proved it! The entertainment was fun and the fireworks were spectacular. I was glad I went, but now that I've gone, I don't need to go again. Still, it was a great way to end a fun-filled, family 4th!

 

 

Who loves the 4th of July?! 

My adorable niece, Kate, and sister, Krystle. 

My amazing parents...and Kate (she likes being in pictures). 

Dallin, Tyler and Daniel 

Me with my favorite person in the whole wide world, Jeff! 

My two sisters and I. 

The whole gang!

 

 

 

 





 

 

Glenwood Springs: Heading Home

Today we packed up the car, checked out of the hotel, and began our journey back home...only we took a two hour detour to get there. The kids were troopers! They don't seem to be too fond of road trips, but since we were already in Colorado, Jeff and I decided to drive up to Craig so I could see where Jeff grew up. Jeff was born in Utah then moved to Idaho when he was really young. From there, they moved to Colorado when Jeff was about 7 years old. Jeff grew up in this small town where his dad worked at the Craig Power Plant and his mom drove school buses. It was fun to listen to Jeff's stories as he took us all on a driving tour of Craig (most of the stories the kids had heard) before we had lunch then headed home. This was a really nice town for an energetic kid to grow up in. There were ample places to explore, play, and find trouble!

Jeff's high school

This is where Jeff attended 5th and 6th grades. Their elementary schools were only K-4 then they went to "middle school" then on to junior high (7th-8th).

Junior high

The old LDS church (which is now 7th Day Adventist) that Jeff was baptized in.

The pool where Jeff's mom would send Jeff during the summer months so she could have a little peace and quiet!

Jeff's elementary school 

The park across the street from Jeff's house. 

The house Jeff grew up in. 

A literal walk down memory lane to some property owned by Jeff's best friend's family, Matt Told. He spent many days building forts, setting up targets to shoot, and yes...even on occasion did a little skinny dipping. 

Jeff's favorite fishing spot. He'd always sit on the second one from the left.

It was great to hear all his stories and be able to now visualize all the places he roamed as a child and teenager. Once we ate lunch, it was back on the road. We made another quick stop to see the Vernal Temple before finally making it home. The trip was so much fun! I am excited to be able to have and share these memories with my little family. I pray that there are many more trips like this in the future.