Temple Nights

At the start of the year our close friends Amber and Tyler Seaman made a packed with us to attend the temple once a month for the year. I coordinated around Jesse's schedule and so far we are 7/7. 

We typically just go to the Bountiful Temple, but this particular night the Bountiful Temple was closed for cleaning. So we decided to go to the Salt Lake Temple. 

It was such a joy to be in the temple that we were sealed in together. I found myself reminiscing of our wedding day 12 years ago and feeling grateful for Jesse as my husband. I was feeling nostalgic about being there because I hadn't been there to do any temple ordinances since our wedding day. I enjoyed the peace that came to me stepping away from the world and for a small moment forgetting about all my worries. And what better than to enjoy that with the dearest of friends.

Pioneer Day 2017

The Jenkins invited to hang out with them this year on Pioneer Day. Keya's parents have a pool so we were able to have a pool day. 

 These are water babies for sure.

 They never want to get out.

 And the water slide was a huge hit with Fynn. We were constantly laughing at him. He's so cute.

With today's comforts, it is easy to forget all the hardships, struggles and sacrifices the pioneers endured to cross the plains and establish this great Salt Lake Valley. I liked this quote by Elder Russell M. Ballard to help us think about what we can do in this modern day to be like the Pioneers.

"The Lord isn't asking us to load a handcart, he's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent, He's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn't asking us to give all of our worldy possesions to build a temple, he's asking us to attend regularly the temples already built. He isn't asking us to die a martyr's death, he's asking us to live a disciple's life."

Pioneer Saturday

I unfortunately I had to work today. Usually I can move clients around when we have family stuff come up, but this time the clients that I had booked was a wedding party. And they obviously cant move their wedding day right? So I had to bow out of the Smith Family Bike Ride this year. Kind of a bummer. 

I pulled these pictures from the Smith Family fb page of what everyone else took pictures of. 

 Jesse bought this bike attachment right before the bike ride. He found it on kslads.com and it worked out just right that he was able to pick it up on his way up to Park City's Rails to Trails Bike ride.

 Grandma Heidi's friend gave her these hats for the grandkids. They are so cute.

 It wouldn't be July without the boys creating a dam in the creek. I hear that when Jesse, Tyson and Andrew were young they used to do this same thing.

These two cousins are 3 weeks apart, so it's been really fun watching them grow up together. Originally Emily and my due dates were only a day apart. But Evie came a week early and Fynn 11 days late, making them 3 weeks apart. July 2015 we were very pregnant, and every July since we plan on getting a picture with them. One day there will be 18 years worth of photos to compare their growth.

 July 2016

 July 2015

Fireworks to complete the night!

Happy Pioneer Day!

Being Kids

Jesse's partner at work, Kris Jenkins also got Lagoon Season Passes for his family. Actually on several occasions the 2 of them took the kiddos on their own while I was working. But there was a time that they were all together and got talking about going as couples. No kids. So we made it happen. 

It had been years since I had gone on any roller coaster rides. Like since my graduation trip which was 13 years ago. Haha. So the first ride we go on was the new one at Lagoon called Cannibal. And it's an intense one. It's silly, but I was so nervous. Haha. But after going a few rides the anxious feelings went away and it was fun. So much fun!

 Mid July and it was extremely hot while we were standing in line. We joked about how sweaty we all were.

 I loved that we were got to feel like kids together...

 ... and  what better to spend it with close friends.

Shooting and Tinfoil Dinner Tradition

We started this  summer tradition last year and I think it will definitely need to be continued. Going up in the mountains for some family time, tinfoil dinners, smores, shooting practice is good for the soul.

 So many girls I know complain about their inlaws, but not this girl. I am blessed to have a second set of parents to confide  in and spend time with.

 This guy right there is THE BEST husband ever. So lucky to claim him as my husband,

 We were trying to stay warm in the back of grandma's JEEP.

 Ryker focused on the target....

 ...while Cy blows on dandelions. Haha

 That smile.

We stayed until dark and the coals were perfect for roasting Smores.

4th of July

Since Jesse was scheduled to be on Duty for the 4th of July we decided to celebrate as a family yesterday. And because we have these Lagoon Passes we wanted to go.

 Summer really doesn't get better than sun, swimsuits and these boys.

 Lunch break

 Once we were all Lagoon-a-Beached out we went on a few rides together. The train is pretty much the only ride we can all go on together. Fynn just loves it though, he's slightly obsessed with trains right now.

After several hours we went home completely worn out. You know it was a good day when you and the rest of your family is totally exhausted from playing so hard. Haha.

 This morning I took the boys to the Centerville Parade. Which worked out so nicely this year because my grandma had saved us a little place AND I was able to park in Great Uncle Darrell's driveway. He lives right on Main St. and his whole front yard is shaded by a huge tree. So I didn't have to worry about parking and walking the kids over (and possibly losing one), we didn't have to sit in the blazing sun so we stayed quite comfortable and happy.

 When did these 3 get so grown up? (insert teary emoji).

 I am pretty sure that Grandma Lois does not miss a parade. I was so grateful to her for arranging for us to come sit with her and Grandpa.

 Once the Parade was over I got a text from Jesse and he tweeked his back when pulling on his turnouts. He was hurting and needed his tens unit. Since we were planning on coming to see him anyway I ran home to get the tens unit before we made our way up to Ogden.

As soon as we pulled into the fire stations driveway so did another engine. Before I know it there were 4 firemen washing the truck. And even having Ryker and Cyrus spray the hose. It was rather a cool moment with these guys.

Then I had to get a picture of Jesse and the boys because it doesn't get much more patriotic than that huh?

As a side note...
Ryker and Cyrus made this sign to sell our cherries when they come on. They sold them last year so this year they are upping their marketing. Haha.

It reads:
Cherries for sale
15 cherries =5cents
1 bag =50 cents
2 bags =1.50$
big bag = 6.00$

 My favorite is the back with the notes:
-Speak happily
-Act Kind
-Say "Thank you" after they pay

Jesse and I were both very impressed when we found this. They did it all on their own. Proud Parent Moment Right?