The Lindsays Hit Las Vegas!

 Our trip began and ended the same way:  with Jody getting pulled over by a policeman for speeding.  :(   And I'm serious.  As we were leaving the gas station, I started this little speech, "Kids, I promised dad I won't travel faster than 70 mph on our trip.  It is more important for us to get their safely than quickly."  At that moment, Jaxson said, "Mom, there is cop with his lights on behind us."  During my speech, I had accelerated to 10 over the speed limit.  Ticket.

We stopped at Arctic Circle in St. George for dinner and some ice cream.  By the time we got to Vegas, it was dusk.  We loved on our cousins and called it a night.

Our three days in Vegas were so much fun.  As tradition held, an unusual heat wave hit Vegas the day we arrived and ended the day after we left.  We spent most of our days at splash pads, in the swimming pool and in the evenings, at the park until late. We had a blast bowling too!  In between, the cousins played so cute together!  We love Brandon, Charlotte and their beautiful family.

On our way home, we stopped in St. George to have brunch with cousin Brittney and Brandon.  It was fun to catch up with them on their lives in St. George.  Love them too!

As I came into Utah County, I hit construction so I took my cruise control off of 70 mph.  Around Springville, I jumped into the commuter lane and found a cop behind me with his lights on.  ARE YOU FREAK'IN KIDDIN' ME?????  I had accelerated to 81!  I told him I was just coming back from Vegas and so anxious to see my husband and just didn't look at my speed.  Ticket....nope!  But a HUGE lecture on being a distracted driver.  Of COURSE I'm distracted.  Do you know my kids? ;)

Uncle Paul J Passes Away in June

 Justin and I made a quick trip up to Chesterfield to attend the funeral of our uncle, Paul Jr., who is dad's brother.  It was a happy passing in about every way.  Uncle Paul's health had been so poor for so long and the reunions with Aunt Audrey and the 3 babies they lost in 61, 62, and 63 would be there to welcome him with open arms.

The Chesterfield Cemetery is gorgeous, almost whimsical with stunning views of the valley.  It was joyous to see so many family members and friends I grew up with.

Attending funerals like Uncle Paul's reaffirmed ever more my beliefs in the purpose of this life, why we are here and how we should spend our time here.  My favorite quote from a talk is this, "Great fathers lead their children to Christ."

Thanks, Uncle Paul J, for your example as a father and believer of Christ.  You will be missed dearly.

Two Peas In A Pod!

Austin and Rees

The Hatch Family Grows by TWO!

 We met at Justin and Jana's home for the blessing of their new babies, Levi and Lydia.  It was a beautiful day for our family.  Justin expressed many things throughout the day that brought tears to my eyes.  I want to write one here that touched me in particular.  Before we ate, he said he wanted to honor his wife Jana.  Then he proceeded to share with us that although there were those who had known Jana longer, nobody knew her heart better than he did.  He expressed how truly good and kind she is and how faithful she is to the enormous task of raising 6 children.  He is right.  All of my brothers have married incredible women. 

 Baby Fever

 Cousins!!!!!

Justin's new colt stole our glances in his backyard!

Our rock star, TAYLOR, at the Taylor Swift Concert!

 For Taylor's 12th birthday, we surprised her with tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert on June 1st!  She was so happy and excited about her gift.  And her mother?  I couldn't wait either!

We went to the Gateway for shaved ice and parking.  Outside was incredible entertainment.  We sat on the steps and watched all of the concert-goers while eating our shaved ice.  That was entertaining in and of its self!

 The first person we ran into at the concert was Emily who had just met Taylor Swift (great hook-up).  I had to snap this cute picture of the girls.

 The Concert was INCREDIBLE!  Taylor Swift was artsy, intelligent and super talented.  She knew her audience and spoke to the young girls about kindness and not letting other "mean" girls bring them down.  Her costume changes were smashing and the entire concert was a feast of all the senses.

There is something so sweet about......

There is something so sweet about......

 

 my daughters doting on their new baby cousin,

...the cards of appreciation from students at the end of a school year,

 ..... a freshly-stained deck,

.....saying good-bye to a teacher I have taught with most of my career because of the need of a family member who means everything to this teacher,

 .....a favorite cousin turning 40,

 ......enjoying a summer bike ride with my favorite bikers on the planet,

 ...... a toothless grin from the cutest 7 year old I know,

 .... an athlete in the works,

 ...... a team of 4 year olds that rocked the soccer world,

.....and cousins who love and adore each other!

What a GREAT SUMMER THIS IS!