Pioneer Days.

 WE made a VERY last minute decision to go to Snowflake for Pioneer Days.

July 26th Friday Andrew asked me about 1 if we should go. He had tossed the idea around but I didn't think he was serious. I agreed and then went into action packing and gathering. We headed out about 3:00.

Jennifer and Rusty were kind enough to have us stay with them. They live up there along with Katt and Jeff.

The kids were thrilled to go! When we arrived they had burgers on the grill and then we headed out to the rodeo.

 Clayton, Mason, Gunner, Andrew, Rigdon ,and Daigon.

 The little kids wanted to hang out at the top of the bleachers. I went up to take a picture and almost  had a heart attack on the way down! It was so steep! I am still afraid of heights. I held on very tightly to the railing and was freaked out when my children were casually bouncing down not holding on at all! Where is the sense of safety?!

 Ashlynn.

 They invited all the kids 12 and under to come out and catch some chickens.

They lined them all up,
had them lay down in the dirt,
roll around a little,
put some dirt in their pockets...

I was so glad I had Sienna give me her Cream sweatshirt I had just bought for the trip to cooler weather.

 Then the chicken chasing began.
If you caught it you got to keep it.

thank goodness my kids didn't catch any.

 Fireworks ended the evening.

 The next day we went to the parade.

Ava and Sienna chillin.

 Mason, Gunner, Clayton, Jennifer, Eli, and Andrew.

 Ashlynn, Andrew, and Rigdon waiting for the parade to start.

 YAY!!!

 They throw out candy to the kids during the parade. Rigdon's pockets were loaded.

 Towards the end of the parade it started pouring rain! We loaded up and headed to the church to listen to some music and speeches. Jennifer and Katt were singing in the choir.

Then we went over to Trappers for lunch.

Rigdon and Daigon checking out the menu.

 The pie is delish! On our way out this rowdy bunch couldn't resist climbing the walls.

I was just waiting for someone to come arrest us.

 That afternoon the guys went to check out the car show and the girlies went to the craft fair.

Sienna and Ava got to ride some ponies.

 We had so much fun! I had never seen Jennifer's house. They had a pretty good set up and plenty of room for us.

 They loved the backyard with a fort in the tree, and of course more rain!

It was pouring by the time we had to leave that evening.

We loved it!

 If you can't tell those kids are very wet.

Can't wait to go back next year:)

Water polo

 This Summer Gunner played water pole at Skyline. He really loved it and it was a great workout.

 We all came to watch the final games. He did really good. It was a nail biter, going into overtime! Sadly they lost by 1 point:(

 Gunner loved being the goalie, I'm not sure if thats just because there's not as much swimming involved...

 Gunner with his team.

Utah trip

 Fresh off my all night Laundry party I hopped on a plane to Utah at 8am Thursday.
Emilee and Shaine picked me up at the airport and we headed out to meet my mom, dad, Julia, Cristal and Elsie for lunch.

Tucanos. It was yummy!

 Oh hello again baby Elsie!

As I was looking at this picture I was trying to figure out how my wrist was looking so skinny... Its Cristal's wrist. haha. Elsie isn't picky she likes limes.

 We did a little shopping after then headed to the Timpanogas Temple for Cristal to get her endowments.

They almost called the session full with out us!!!! AHHHHH! Fortunately they made room for us, for goodness sake we came from AZ.

Me, Emilee, and Cristal

 That night Cristal was still working on her dress and was up late sewing.

About midnight I was really feeling that I had practically been up all night the night before.

I went downstairs to the couch by my dad. I slept soundly and was told my dad was snoring so loud during the night they could here him upstairs. Not me, slept like a baby.

Cristal Jordan, Elsie, Julia and my mom left early to take pictures at the Manti Temple before they were getting sealed. That left my dad and I to run and try Kneaders! It was soooo good. They syrup is like carmel. wait my dad must have left with them...

I got a ride with Shaine and Emilee.

 Manti temple

 Cristal, Jordan, and baby Elsie were sealed for eternity as a family over the temple alter.

I have to say it was one of the most precious things I have ever seen.
Baby Elsie was so cute and happy when they brought her in to her parents.

 After we took some windblown pictures.

Emilee, me, and Julia.

 Me, Julia, Cristal, Emilee, and my mom.

 Shaine, Porter, and Emilee

 Elsie hamming it up for the camera.

 Everyone had lunch together and headed back to Jordan and Cristal's house. I stayed with Shaine and Emilee who had said I could ride home with them.

We walked around the temple. Emilee tried out her new skirt as a baby carrier.

 We climbed the massive staircase on the side of the temple...

 I sat on the side for a picture. Right at the top where the shadow ends. My heart is pounding from fear of heights.

 Porter chillin.

 We made it home with a rather lengthly detour due to a crash on the 17 blocking all lanes of traffic. WE finally arrived home! Yay, my own bed.

 And I had this to face the next day.... which kind of felt overwhelming,.

 But after many hours I came out on top. Now for some rest.