Utah Vacation

Actually Tuesday, July 28, 2015

James took Talmage and Bryant to the temple first thing on Tuesday morning to do baptisms.

They all came home laughing about this picture.  

Apparently, the kind old lady who offered to take a picture of them all was somewhat technologically challenged.

Our visit with Grandpa and Grandma was a little different this time now that Grandpa's dementia has set in.  Precious and few are these kind of pictures.

Utah Vacation

Actually Monday, July 27, 2015

Per tradition, we visited the Bean Museum.

This displays spins so we had to wait for the perfect moment...Grrrr.

This scene is right out of Hyrum's imagination when he listens to monkey stories.

My girls who loves cheetah print.

Happy Day at the Bean Museum.

Off to the Dollar Theater for Family Night...

Can't get past the arcarde...

Dad and Mom helping Rex and Lyle race motorcycles.

Sariah revving her engines before we go see Cinderella.

Utah Vacation

Actually July 25, 2015

We made it home in time to collect kids (Talmage had been in Moses Lake staying with Haley for fiddle camp), unpack, do laundry, pack up and head to Utah for the Hales Family Reunion.  Michael had arranged for a giant slip and slide by the BYU practice track.  Loads of fun.

Bryant

Hyrum followed by Rex and James

Sariah with "girl cousins" (finally!!)

Rex and Talmage

Lyle and James

It was a REALLY hot day, but even if it hadn't been, 

Bryant would have probably laid in the ice anyway.

Hyrum being brave.

Stopped by Uncle Stephen's grave on the way out of Provo.

The next day, Sunday afternoon, we went with Kimball's family to visit the newly dedicated Payson Temple.  Sadly, we could only get this close.  (Bryant stayed home because he didn't feel well and Kate was in India.)

Mid-West Trip

James and I had the incredible privilege of going to the Mid-west with an S&I group to visit church history sites. Before we started the official week, we spent the weekend with Kimball and Laura in Kansas City.  Super hot and super humid, but so fun to be with them.

Kimball at his crazy awesome workplace---a re-purposed warehouse with all the perks.

First Stop-Kansas City Temple

Adam-ondi-Ahman, a very special place.

Upper Room of Joseph's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo

James, standing where the Prophet Joseph once stood.

Nauvoo Temple

Steps of the Nauvoo Temple overlooking the Mississippi River

The British Pageant.  

We were actually able to go to this pageant and the following night we went to the Nauvoo Pageant despite the downpour.  Both were incredible and inspiring.

The resting place of Hyrum, Emma, and Joseph

Carthage Jail Grounds

Room of the Martyrdom

The hole through which the bullet passed the cost the life of Hyrum Smith.

The sacred ground of the Nauvoo Cemetery.

The launch point on the Mississippi from Nauvoo.

Possibly a homestead of James's Relatives at Mt. Pisgah

Cemetery at Winter Quarters

Our last stop at Winter Quarters Temple

The faith and fortitude of the early Saints is astounding.  To suffer as they suffered and continue to persevere because they knew what they knew to be true is faith tried and tested.  I am so grateful for them and their examples.

Ropes Course

Actually, one of the first Saturdays in July

With the highly anticipated upcoming Scout Encampment was the need for volunteers.  Dave recruited James and together they trained for ropes course.  One Saturday, they spent the entire day in Spokane "stunting."

Poultry Palace

Actually June 29, 2015

We were super anxious to get the STINKY chickens out of the garage!  But like all good things, quality takes time.  The "Poultry Palace" was no exception.  We had to get it done before all our summer trips so the neighbors could take care of the chickens.

Red, White, and Blue

Usually the 4th is one of the first picking of raspberries.  This year, it was one of the last.

Sariah at the ward breakfast in the first piece of clothing she has made for herself,

 a red, white and blue skirt.  

 She also has red, white, and blue fingernails and toenails.

Waiting for the parade.

Rex sought out baby Pryor.  We were able to attend his baby blessing today.

Happy Rex collecting candy.

Happy Lyle doing the same.

Sariah, elated with the surprise appearance of her Basin City schoolmates, Cierra and Tierra.

A very HOT picnic.  Bryant recited a few stanzas from Paul Revere's ride, Spechts recited and sang the Star Spangled Banner, and Uncle Kevin read an excerpt about the Title of Liberty from the Book of Mormon.  

Too many sweets!!

Got to be with Lizza and her family for the parade and picnic.  We also watched the fireworks with them from our "secret spot" (awesome spot where we can see the river fireworks and Gesa Stadium fireworks), which may not exist much longer because they are filling in all the "blanks" with houses.