Buried Alive

So one of our favorite places in Utah is our cabin. I spent so much of my childhood there and it is filled with warm memories of cousins, night games, holiday traditions and spending valuable time with my Grandparents. So naturally I want to transfer those warm memories over to my own children. So up we went into the canyon! One particular afternoon the adults were playing card games and as always the kids disappeared outside. However, we noticed that a few times we would see a child walk past the window with a shovel in hand. We aren't totally daft so we did investigate and saw that the shovel was being taken to the park in which a sandbox lie therein. Completely satisfied with this we figured that our kids were digging holes and how fun is that. So off we went back to our card games.

In the great and vast world of technology our niece texted her dad to come to the sandbox. So adults gathered together in one big group and made our way to the park. And this is what we saw...

Land of the Temples

So one thing that I love about Utah is the accessibility to the LDS Temples. We don't have to drive 4 hours to see the temple we only have to drive 15 minutes. You could tell instantly that we were from out of town because the kids were amazed at the beautiful sight of the Temple something they don't get to see as often as we would like. They were fascinated with every detail and I love that they were able to have a moment where they could appreciate such a sacred and special place.

I love this picture. I think of the song. "I love to see the Temple...I'll go inside someday...I'll Convenant with my Father...I'll Promise to Obey...For the Temple is a Holy Place...Where we are sealed together...As a Child of God I've learned this Truth...A Family is Forever." Maybe one day we will get the same picture of a grown up Emma walking towards the Temple ready to enter.

So grateful we will be together forever!

When I look at this picture I wonder what is going through her head. She is such a contemplative girl and very insightful. I am sure it is something amazing.

You can't help but feel so much love when you are on the Temple Grounds.

4th of July

We love spending the 4th of July in Utah. There is no doubt that Utahns love their country.

We had a BBQ at my sisters and watched the Thanksgiving Point fireworks from her house. This year in Utah they legalized aerial fireworks so we had quite the air show right before the big show at Thanksgiving Point. With a view of the whole valley below we saw hundreds of fireworks from all directions. It was amazing! Not to mention most of her neighbors were blasting fireworks into the air and for a moment we were caught in the middle of a massive firework show. So fun for the kids but as you can see from the look on Rylie's face below she was the only one that wasn't so thrilled with the loud sounds that are a results of many many fireworks!

I love the looks on all their faces as my flash was so bright! I tried without but my camera skills and knowledge have been long forgotten from my long hiatus of blogging and taking pics!

Frightened Rylie!

Nice face Maddie!

Harv dosing during the show

Bro-in-law and sweet niece

My lil' sis and her hubby

Basketball Camp

So with my 11 year old being 5'6", Harvey and I decided that she needs to utilize her height. I remember not appreciating my height when I was young and unfortunately much of my self esteem was dependent on my loftiness. Gratefully Savannah is much different than I was. She loves her height and is often found measuring herself up against me determined to exceed my high rankings. I have a feeling she is going to do it much sooner than I ever anticipated.

So to utilize her rapid growth we enlisted her in basketball camp. It was a fun week for her and in the end we can see that there is potential. She has her daddy's skills in there somewhere but I fear her lack of contesting may get in the way. She played with her friends from school and told me she feared them getting upset with her so she held off on being aggressive and took the opposite approach. Silly, silly girl. Hopefully she learns the art of competing soon!

And here's a pic of Savannah's newest recruited fan!

Swimming small

So my kids love the water. It honestly doesn't matter what form this water comes in beit, swimming pool, lake, river, sprinkler or a tiny little kiddie wading pool. Every year I buy one and every year it lasts about 2 weeks and either gets a hole or becomes so disgusting it isn't worth using anymore. So I decided to upgrade this year and get one with a filter. Huge difference people!!! Our well water is full of iron so when we fill a pool up it instantly turns orange and slimy. The filter with a dash of chlorine poured into it everyday kept this pool clean and fun for the kids. Not to mention a great way for dad and I to cool off after long hot and humid runs!