The War Chapters with Nicole and Gabe Bonilla

 We went to the LDS Expo in SLC to see our cousin's debut of a book in which he did the illustrations called, "A Hero Rises" in The War Chapters by Jason Mow.  The expo was awesome!  We were able to see many new products that will hit the stores before Christmas.  Gabe's illustrations were incredible!  It was wonderful to listen to Jason Mow, the author of the book, talk about the types of heroes we need for our children today.

Dave and Nicole enjoyed a good visit while we were there.  She and her husband seemed genuinely happy to see us.

Heller and Hatch Cousins!

 We spent an afternoon which ended with a late night with Cheri's kids.  The splash pad in Highland was a hit for everyone.  They loved the water, warm sun, and popcorn!

 Back at our house, the kids played with the kittens, made their shows etc for hours before our late night movie.  They had a great time!

 Here is Taylor with cute little Jace

GINGER IS MOVING TO AZ 

(boo hooooo)

 Dave and Ethan skyping with mom and dad.

Ginger and her kids spent a day with us before they move to AZ.  We went to the park, worked on family pictures, ate at Pizza Pie Cafe, and then went to the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point!  It was a fun-loaded, memory-soaked, and simply lovely being with our sweet cousins!

More Summer Adventures: dinosaurs and bike rides!

 I love taking the kids to do different things in the the summer.  Thanksgiving Point is loaded with lots of discovery-type adventures for kids, so I broke down and bought a family pass.  It has been a great experience for the kids to learn and to let their minds create. Here are some pictures from our outing with the Hults:

Our family is turning into the family to bikes together!  It is something we all enjoy and can do well.  And thanks to Utah and all of its spectacular beauty, each ride seems new and filled with things we have never seen.

(A trip down Murdock Canal isn't complete without Austin stopping to "water" the grass)

Yolanda took me on my first 20 mile ride this summer and then I was hooked!  Here we are at 800 North in Orem.  I had to get back to watch a soccer game, but she kept going.  It was such a fun day!

Just a fun picture of the American flag that you can only see if you are on the Murdock Canal Trail!

Celebrating Utah's 24th of July!

 I have always loved the 24th of July!  Growing up, we would enjoy a parade in Bancroft, Idaho followed by a rodeo, waterskiing, and fun dances in town.

Living in the best neighborhood on the planet has brought some fun new traditions as well!  We enjoy gathering at Molly's/Caroline's house for a BBQ, games, fireworks, and a great outdoor move.  Our children love the tradition as much as we do!

This year's fun was no exception.  Instead of BBQ, Molly made meatball subs (delicious) and we all brought sides and desserts.  There was face paining, the spitting contest, dancing and all!  The fireworks shows around the valley were spectacular in color and brilliance.  I don't think I watched much of the movie because the company was so great.

"The Little Mermaid" with Cindy and Carson

 We drove to Ephraim to ride with Cindy and Carson to St. George so we could watch the production of "The Little Mermaid" at the Tuachan.  As we drove out of Sanpete, I couldn't help but ask Cindy if we could sanp a quick picture of my grandma's house, the home where my mother was raised.  Oh, the sweet memories!

Snow Canyon was awesome!  After eating at the Olive Garden, we drove up the canyon.  The rocks were bright red and beautiful.  We had to stop and take pictures!

The production was incredible!  It was a cocktail of vibrant colors, beautiful sound, and feeling of joy.  I loved it!  We all did.!