Grandma's Visit

On July 23, Todd's mom flew out from Georgia to spend a week with us. I had just had my third surgery, in less than seven months, a few days before she arrived. I had my kidney stones shocked and a stent put in. I felt bad I wasn't in the best condition for her visit, but it was very good to see her. Every year since Ariel was about a year old, Grandma Susan has been doing annual tea parties with the kids.  

 She gave the girls tea sets when they were little, they still use that each year

 Megan made cheese cake cookie dough bars for the treat

Todd took his mom to see the new bridge over the Hoover Dam and the girls took her shopping a few times, other than that, her trip was pretty uneventful. We were so glad she came but the visit went by way too fast.

Girls Camp

I went with Megan to her last girls camp July 12-16. We went to a giant house in Kanab, Utah. On Friday we  left Kanab and headed to Lake Powell. We spent the day at the Lake and then camped there that night. I had a long drive home from Lake Powell Saturday, with very little sleep. 

 One of the days we went on a very long and hot hike. We drove through Colorado City. For those that don't know this is a polygamist town. It was very interesting to see the townspeople and I had to do some explaining to some of the girls what "polygamy" was. When skit night came, of course there was a skit about polygamists. The girls were very creative on skit night.

 The girls also helped weed the dog kennels at an animal rescue

 Bishop Steve came up Thursday and spent the night. Julie was one of our cooks for the week and she did a great job.

Megan and Gabby at Lake Powell

 Megan's cliff jump. She cut her foot on the propeller as she got off the boat. She didn't realize it at the time, but when she got on the rock, she was bleeding all over it. She did a graceful jump, very brave girl. I don't think I could have done it.

A Special Day

Tuesday, July 5th, Rachyl was baptized on her birthday! We were so glad she was able to get baptized in Utah, so many of the family got to be there. It was a wonderful baptism. As soon as it was over, Jen's family and our family loaded the cars and headed for home. We had such a great visit and were sad to leave, it helped us feel better that we got to bring Beka back to Vegas with us.

Rachyl's Birthday Party

 July 4th we had a family BBQ and Rachyl's birthday party. After we ate, the kids did a pinata out front. Uncle Kimball made it hard for the kids to get to many hits, until they all had a turn.

 Aaron was last to hit, because he was the oldest, he broke it open for everyone and they all got lots of candy

 Rachyl loved her birthday cake

 Rachyl and Mikey

 The big tree out front is always a popular place to find grandkids

 When it was dark, we did some fireworks

The big finale