Sunday, July 24, 2011

Issue 166

Baby Brother

My baby brother Quinn got married this week to his sweetheart Mandi. They make the cutest couple with their great smiles and curly hair. Ellie was beside herself with excitement to be a flower girl. Mandi was sweet and let Ellie hold her train for pictures.

They were married in the Salt Lake Temple and then had the most gorgeous and fun outdoor reception I've ever been too. Quinn was only 5 when Steve and I were married, so it was pretty crazy to see my baby brother get hitched. We love you Quinn and Mandi!

Go SL REAL

Some friends gave us tickets to a SL Real Soccer game this weekend. But these were not just any tickets! Box seats with a gourmet buffet and a waiter for our box! We had a great view on the field and our team won 4 to 0 after the other team had a player ejected with a red card. After watching the game with royal treatment there was a Pioneer Day fireworks show at the stadium. It was the best fireworks show I have seen in years!



The Big 12!



I can't believe Daniel is 12! He had a fun birthday party with a couple close friends going to the movies and then everyone sang to him at Uncle Quinn's Wedding Dinner that night.


Today Daniel's dad ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, with his Grandfathers participating. He was so excited to be getting the Priesthood and I now he will be a wonderful Deacon! We are so proud of you Daniel!

Issue 165

Week Long Scout Camp by Daniel













Scout camp was fun and great! I earned the Rifle shooting merit badge, the Archery merit badge, Leather Work, Orienteering, and Environmental Science merit badges. We had great food. For dinner we had game hens, steak, and other great stuff. And we played cube in between merit badges. It was fun! Although the first few days it poured, and poured and poured rain. But then the rest of the days it was sunny and great. Although the one down side to the camp, was there were literally thousands of mosquitoes everywhere. You had to coat yourself 5 times a day with bug repellent. Even then you got tons of bites. All the bug bites I got were on the back of my head. It made it painful to sleep because the bug bites were pressing against my pillow. My brother Steve came to the camp to help me out and I really appreciated it. :):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Issue 163 & 164

Williamsburg/Yorktown/Jamestown























When I was 19 I traveled Back East with my family and had a wonderful experience. Steve and I have dreamed of taking our 5 children on a similar vacation. We cashed in 5 years of frequent flyer miles and finally took every one Back East for the 4th of July.




Our first stop was the Colonial Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown Triangle. The kids and I had spent time studying early American history this year and so this was a great way to start our vacation!



Mount Vernon














George Washington's Mt. Vernon home was a special highlight of the trip.



Fun in DC














The monuments, the Smithsonian, and the Whitehouse were amazing highlights too.

Arlington










Arlington and The Tomb of the Unknown were especially thought provoking.



4th of July in DC









One of the things we wanted to do most was spend the 4th of July in DC. We spent the day at the Smithsonian and saw the original Star Spangled Banner Flag. We saw the National 4th of July Parade and the real Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We rode the metro in and and stayed for the Fireworks at the Washington Monument. Very memorable!




Gettysburg










Gettysburg is one place that Steve has always wanted to visit. He loves to read about this time period in history, and Joshua Chamberlain is one of his heros. We spend the full day touring the battlefield in chronological order with a car audio tour. Very awesome!



Vally Forge





A Day in Philly























We topped off our trip with a day in Philadelphia at the US Mint, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and eating Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches. We are so grateful we were able to take this amazing trip together as a family!