July 2010 - Part 2

I finally got Kajsa into swimming lessons. I wasn't sure how she would do, but she did great and loved it. She still isn't a fan of water being splashed in her face, but she is much better about it. She was able to do two sessions.

Her first day. She was the only girl!

She passed the beginning level and went on and did the next level.

At the end of July I got the awesome chance to go to Youth Conference with our ward. We started off with a fun picture scavenger hunt in downtown Salt Lake City. Then we got to go to the Heber Valley Camp. It was so fun! Maya got to come along since she was still a mamma's girl! She did great! We got to go canoeing, hiking, and do a fun challenge course. The most challenging one was to climb a swinging pole, walk across a 2-line cable, and then take a zip line down. It was so awesome! It was so fun to be with the youth in our ward.

We were Warriors! Strength, courage, faith, testimony, endurance, and teamwork!

Best canoers (?) around!

Probably the prettiest place I have ever canoed! Just beautiful!

After a long hike, but so worth it for the view of Heber Valley!

Maya just chillin'! Some of the other leaders were so great to help out with her so I could join in on some of the activities! But who couldn't resist this cutie!

July 2010 - Part 1

For the Fourth of July we went downtown and stayed the night at Little America and watched the fireworks throughout the valley. It got a little late before most the of the fireworks got started and Kajsa fell asleep and we couldn't get her to wake up. She was a little disappointed that she missed some of the fireworks. The girls got to go swimming and they had so much fun. Then the next morning we took Trax to Temple Square and had a very disappointing breakfast at JB's by Temple Square.

Ready to go swimming.

My three cuties hanging out.

Maya was tuckered out from all the fun.

The biggest highlight of the month was the HR and Beulah Bowen family reunion. I have no idea where to start with this. It was such a fun 3 days and I can't wait for the next time we get together. It was the first planned reunion with my dad's family. We always did things with my dad's family growing up since 4 of the 5 siblings lived in the Mini-Cassia area.

My cousin Monica summed growing up together the best. (Hope you don't mind Monica.) "The adventures were endless: exploring the windbreak, playing in the ditch, pine cone wars at the old outhouse, running back and forth (and back and forth) on the flatbed trailer trying to balance it on its two wheels, touch football, games of Horse, the 'fort' at the top of the swing set, playing Inny-ai-over, snow forts, ping pong."

It was a blast hanging out with everyone again and seeing everyone's cute kids. We spent the 3 days in Albion at the old college campus that is being renovated. It was so nice and accomodated everyone nicely. There were many fun things to do; hot tub, bounce house, horse shoes, volleyball, swimming pool, tractor rides and the nice fresh country air to sit out and enjoy everyone's company. It was awesome to reflect on the family that was created starting with my wonderful grandparents. They raised 5 kids, who then went on to have 22 children of their own. Now those 22 are currently raising 39 (and counting) children of their own. I am sure my grandparents are looking down on us now and beaming with pride with the wonderful heritage and legacy they started.

Cousin line up picture oldest to youngest. We sure have grown up!

Hot tubbing....I don't remember how many kids were in there, but there were a lot!

Beautiful Idaho Sunset

My sister-in-law made these fun shirts and so we did our own cousin line up with my family. That is silly Uncle Tom in the background bribing the kids to keep looking that way!

Four cute girls enjoying a tractor ride!

Kajsa ringing the dinner bell!

Swimming on a hot day.