Levi's Birthday Party

We didn't really let on that Levi's birthday was getting close until a couple of days before, mainly because he is already an excitable boy and it would just be hard on Mom. Which proved to be true, he has never made so many messes in his life because of his energy level and excitement.

The day finally came and he was so excited, he woke up at his usual time and just like Christmas morning, ran to the living room, hardly noticing the 5o balloons on the floor outside his bedroom door. He just ran through the balloons saying whooah, He got a beginners scooter and loved it. Mom took him to the park without having to earn it(he usually has to pick something up that he messed before he can go). I asked him what he wanted for breakfast, and that he could have anything he wanted, he said "cool! I want cookies and candy!", he had cereal instead, cause he couldn't decide on real breakfast foods.

He wanted a starwars cake, notice the two finger swipes in the frosting, I'll give you two guesses whodunit.
It was very entertaining to watch him open his presents, he was ooing and ahing the whole time.
He really had a great day especially spending it with his family.

Bike rides just got fun

We finally figured out a way to go on bike rides with the little ones. Cody, Kait, and Sheree found that if you strap a pillow to the bar that it makes a fine seat for them.

Sophia looks so cute in this bike helmet, she really loves to go on bike rides.

Reaping what we sow

These are just a sample of the yummy things that have come out of our garden this year. We are really lucky to have peaches, most of the orchards did not even produce much because of a damp spring.



This is our first watermelon ever from our garden. It was one of those dream watermelons that are sugary sweet and so watery good.

We attended Cousin Sara's Wedding at the Timpanogas Temple.

Even Sophia knew that Sara was now a princess. She called her Princess Sara, and without cue ran up to her to admire her beautiful dress, and get a hug from her.

The Pioneer Trek in Wyoming

Just a few snapshots of moments on our trek at the end of July.

Our ward decided to re-enact the Martin and Willie handcart companies crossing the U.S. to get to Utah aka. Zion.

They wanted to be as close to the Pioneers as possible so here are some ways that we put it together

1. We went to Martin's Cove, And the Willie Center, where both companies traveled over and had their most trials of exhaustion and death. But is also the place where they were rescued.

2. We were split into "families" with Ma's and Pa's and children assigned to them. Dan and I were a Ma and Pa, Our older kids were put with other families

3. We wore the most likeness to period clothing that we could come up with on a budget. The women and girls sewed their own skirts and the men went to the closest merchantile (D.I.) to dress themselves. A very giving woman in our ward made bonnets for every woman and girl.

4. There was no modern technology (besides the vans to get us there) allowed. And cameras.

5. We had to pack everything we wanted to bring into a 5 gallon bucket which had to weigh less than 17lbs. same as the handcart pioneers.

6. Each person was assigned a pioneer name and history and we were told to get to know that person before we left so that we could trek in honor of their name.

We were there for 4 days, traveled 18 or more miles while pushing handcarts. It was more spiritual than I could ever explain and has brought our ward and especially our youth a whole lot closer.

Hey! are we there yet

We have had a busy summer so I want to catch everyone up on all of it then I can get detailed later.

Jenni and the Family worked very hard to prepare the garden for planting, so much had to be done.

Before

Now it is amazing the growth, we've enjoyed all kinds of fruits and vegetable and herbs from this small area.

After


We went to Montana in June, just days after Sophia's 2nd birthday, she just ate up all the attention, presents, and cake




We originally wanted to go camping for a few days, but I guess I forgot to tell the weatherman to hold the rain, It was nothing but rain and ticks.

We did get a chance to visit Barry and Heidi, and Patty and Steven's grave site.







Kait and Sheree went to girls camp, they had such a good time but Kait only took pictures of her friends, and the wildlife.(which may be the same subject).

Meet Dan the hydrant man. He walked the entire Provo city parade route, what a trooper on the Forth of July.

Also Cody and Levi got to ride on the top of the Provo fire truck, Levi was an enthusiastic waver at the start, but was near asleep by the end.

Sophia was thoroughly impressed with the princesses.















Levi learned to salute the military and flag whenever they went by. He was quick to do it, just like a true American on the fourth of July.



In July, Jenni flew to Portland to see her sister get sealed to her husband Eric. "I am so glad that I went, I don't get to see my sister very much so it was good to be there for them."-Jenni