Independence Day

We enjoyed a great Independence Day this year.

It wasn't our my traditional 4th of July but it was great non the less.

We started out our morning with a wonderful breakfast at Mike and Melissa's.

It was delicious!

We had french toast, bacon, sausage, fruit and breads (including my homemade zucchini bread).

My sweet niece Emilia was so excited about the 4th of July. She put on many different 'performances' for us.  My favorite was when she sang "God Bless America" while she waved the American Flag.

Goodness, I'm proud to be an American!

The kiddos enjoyed playing in the slip in slide while the grown ups enjoyed some much needed adult conversation. Okay, maybe it was just me in need of some adult conversation :)

Lincoln-man LOVED drinking the water from the slip in slide. He is obsessed with water!

We also got to skype with Marian! It was so good to see her and speak with her! The kiddos also loved that they were able to see Grandma Marian.

After breakfast at the Hatch's we went home and took a much needed nap.

Then we had everyone, everyone who was in town that is, over for a BBQ.

It was fun to host a get together at our house. We are hoping to be hosting more get togethers soon! We loved having everyone over!

After we ate lots and lots and lots of food, we went outside and watch all the neighbors light their fireworks. It was so nice not having to buy fireworks. Our neighbors put on a great show for us!

Followed by the cul-de-sac fireworks, we headed to the backyard and watched the Thanksgiving Point Firework Show. I love that I can sit outside of my own home and watch a great firework show - and I love that I didn't have to be in traffic all night either!

Lincoln did better this year with the fireworks. Last year he couldn't even be outside with them going off. This year he still didn't like the loud bangs, booms, and screams but he was okay as long as his ears were covered. 

And I promise, I was there - the joys of always being behind the camera :)

We loved our 4th of July but we really missed having all our family together.

3 more years :)

MTC

June 23rd was a big day in my book. It was a day we were to drop off my parents at the MTC. I've done the MTC before with siblings and my brother-in-law, but being at the MTC to drop off the parents was a whole different experience! (a good one at that!)

My parents came to my house to pick me up so I could "drop them off" so I could bring their car back to my house for my moms car to be shipped to NC. I was waiting outside when they pulled up. Tears immediately started flowing because this was the time for them to say their last good bye to Lincoln-man and James. It was so sad to see Lincoln's grandparents say their last goodbyes until we go visit. I snapped a few pictures and then we were on our way for a quick bite to eat and then we were off to the MTC.

When we got to the MTC we did a few last minute switching of suitcases and headed in. The MTC was such a welcoming place! The last time I was there was for my brother in law and it was just the quick, drop off at the curb. This time around it was so different! The first personnel we saw at the MTC security gate greeted my dad by saying "Welcome President Craven." It was like all of the MTC workers memorized all of the Mission Presidents faces.  They were so friendly to mom and dad and to us kids. When we got to the check in building they had water for us and had us take our time saying our goodbyes. And let me tell ya - we did :)

It was so neat to see my parents receive their name tags. I love my missionary parents! All in all the MTC was a great, GREAT experience.  Yes it was emotional knowing that they were really leaving for 3 years, but it is such a great blessing and thought knowing that they are out serving the Lord.

(now, here is the picture overload)

 What I didn't expect was to see my in-laws at the MTC too. They had to arrive earlier for some training so it was such a surprise to see them. It too was so neat to see them with their name tags on.

 Lincoln's grandparents!

(don't worry, it's already framed in his room)

Our parents got done at the MTC Wednesday night.  My parents invited whoever wanted to and could to a quick dinner so we could talk about their experiences at the MTC. Jana, Kelli and I went to Provo and enjoyed one last evening with my parents. It was so great. I cannot believe the experiences they had at the MTC. I am completely jealous! And to everyone's surprise - there were no tears during this goodbye!! :)

We've been able to hear from both our parents and all are well with them! They are busy, busy, BUSY that's for sure! They are loving everything so far. We pray from them multiple times a day and miss them like crazy. But like I said before, we are so excited that they are out serving the Lord.  Their missionaries are all SO lucky to have them!!