Bear Lake

(this was the view coming off the mountain)

We decided to have a family day at Bear Lake.  The only way we can all go anymore is if we can play on the beach and take turns going in the boat.  Larry set the alarm for 5:30 am....I didn't get home until 1:00 am.  We had everything ready and so we just grabbed things and went.  We were able to launch the boat and even park in the lower parking lot.  The water was smooth and beautiful.  Bear Lake is just pretty.  It's so clear that you can see yourself under the water.  Since the water was perfect for skiing, Larry decided to get his ski out and go for it.  The kids thought it was cool that their dad could still ski.  I thought so too.  Larry's a stud!

We had such a good time.  The weather was a little windy at times but for the most part it was great and I'm glad we just went in spite of the the weather forecast.

We beat the kids to the beach and were able to get a great spot.  We even got two picnic tables.  Justin and Braxton's families showed up shortly after and got things set up.  We had a few canopies and big umbrella's to keep things cool.  The canopies didn't last very long with the winds but the umbrella's did for the most part.

I love having a place the kids can play and enjoy themselves.  They love the beach and even the water there is shallow enough for them to walk around in.  The temperature was nice even when the wind decided to do it's thing.

I really enjoy going on the boat and taking pictures of everyone having fun.  For me that is fun.  I had a few little's sit on my lap and that just felt right.  It seems like I have always had a little on my lap and I like it.

We had the tube and water weenie ready to go but only the weenie was used today.  The tube was fun to play on at the beach.  Braxton and Jared both wake boarded today and Jared was able to jump the wake.  His smile showed just how happy he was about that.  I'm glad his brothers were there to see.  Braxton likes to flip and landed on his bum...but never really landing it.  Justin saved his arms for Dave's boat.  When we saw how nice Bear Lake was Larry text his nephew Dave, since they had been thinking about coming.  They have a boat that makes big waves for surfing and my boys wanted to try it.  Dave and his family did make it up and off a few of my boys went for quite awhile.

Since it was Raspberry Days in Bear Lake, Justin thought it would be cool to make Raspberry shakes on the beach.  He brought his generator and Natalie made everyone shakes.  They were yummy.

Kevin and Julie's little family arrived a few hours after the rest of us but stayed a little longer.   Everything worked out great.  Justin's family needed to leave because they were headed to St George for the blessing of Natalie's sisters new twin girls.  They were a few hours later getting out than they had expected.  It's so hard leaving when everyone is having a good time.  Braxton left a while after Justin and that's when a huge wind hit.  Canopy's and umbrella's were flying down the beach.  The people next to us had their nice canopy come our way and thank goodness Kimleighel moved to protect Brynlie.  A pole hit Kimleighel's eye but she was okay and so were the babies.  Brynlie was in a little shad thing and it moved a little too but Julie was right by her and stopped her from blowing away..  It was crazy!  Larry and Kamryn were sitting in the boat with their backs to us and had no idea we just had a crazy wind burst.  We decided to clean everything up and go in the boat.

I did holler at Larry to come help us...we all laughed that he was clueless.  I have a complaint.  I think who ever designed life jackets for babies didn't have a baby.  The poor babies faces get so squished which is why I leave the front unzipped.  Babies don't have necks and so the jackets should be cut down a lot lower.  They are awkward and uncomfortable but we managed.  I still feel like it's important to obey the laws...I'd be sick if something happened and we hadn't been.

We found Dave and his crew and our boys.  Our kids had a blast with them and I am certain at least one is coveting their boat.  It was nice of Dave and Natalie and their cute family to share with us today.  I thought their kids might enjoy riding on the weenie but none of them wanted to, so it was only them that shared today.

I decided that we are going to rent a place for next year again and stay a few days like we did last year.  I just love our family time.

On our way home my cute friend Jodi text me asking about the place we had stayed last year.  She said that her and her hubby and a few of his siblings had been looking at a cabin to buy that they would rent out.  They were about 10 minutes behind us going home.  ☺  If they end up buying one we just might have to try it out.

The Music Man

Today we headed to Sundance to see the Music Man.  I can't ever remember going to Sundance before but I need to go again.  It is so pretty.  I just love the mountains.  We had a shuttle ride from our parking lot down to another parking lot and then we got to ride behind a tractor to take us back up a hill.  There was no way I could have walked...my hip joint is popping and it hurts.  Barbie and Natalie had issues too.  I bet Heather felt like she was hanging out with a bunch of old ladies. ☺ (she was)  When we stopped to eat though the lady at the restaurant was sure Barbie and Heather were sisters.  The play didn't start until 8:00 pm which meant we got home super late...after midnight.  I am glad Larry didn't wait up for me. The play was really cute and the performers were great.  It was really enjoyable.  On the way home we listened....I mean sang to music from the 60's.  Heather was even blurting out the lyrics.  Seriously I didn't know a lot of the songs...I guess I listened to different music growing up. haha  I really enjoy these fun ladies and I love "playing" with them!

Pedicures and Pie with my Girls

Tonight my girls were all able to meet for pedicures.  We filled the place.  It was relaxing and fun being all together.  I love these traditions even though setting a day that works for everyone can be a bit hard, it's worth it.  We went to T Nails this time.  They use hot rocks to massage your legs and feet and that is nice.  To get rid of my dried up heels they used a grater...seriously it looked like a cheese grater but it worked wonderfully.  I love being all together...just being together makes my heart happy.  After our pedicures we went for pie. It was nice stretching our time together a little longer.  I love each of these cute girls and learn so much from each of them.  They are all so kind and thoughtful. Each one contributes something different and wonderful to our family.  I'm so glad that they belong to us.  They are all pretty perfect in my eyes!

Waffle Love

Today Tammy and Suzie took me to lunch to celebrate my birthday.  We went to Waffle Love since we haven't been there.  Our timing was good....right before a bunch of people.  We all ordered something different and shared a taste with each other.  I liked them all and will need to go back and order something new.  We sat by a window and on the other side were a few mom's with their kids.  There were a few sets of twins in the group.  Twins are pretty popular these days.  

Tammy gave me a necklace and had it wrapped in a "my pretty pony" bag.  It made me feel so young and made me smile.  Suzie gave me an adult coloring book and pencils and a bag of yummy treats. (jelly belly's and chocolate caramels) She brought them over after lunch because she had forgot them.  It's fun laughing at our forgetfulness.  In fact, Tammy went to pay and her wallet wasn't even in her purse.  We found out later that she had left it at a store she had gone to earlier.  I paid but told Tammy that meant we needed to go out again soon. ☺  (I like that idea best)  It was fun being with these two friends of mine.  Our hubby's (and ex) grew up together and so we have all known each other and been friends since we were married.  These are two very great ladies that have taught me so much.  They love and support me in everything.  I sure do love them forever and ever.

A Grand Time with some Grands

It was Justin and Natalie's 10th Anniversary last night and so we got to have their cute kids over.  They love coming to our house and entertain themselves so well.  They are so fun.  Macie got a big bump on her head right before bed time.  She ran into the corner of a table.  I was so sad for her.  She was pretty brave and let me comfort her.  We put some ice on the bump and by the time we got settled down for bed her little head looked much better and I could tell she was okay.  The kids were really good about going to bed once they went potty a few times, got their drinks and I got the lights right.  I told them that their cousins were coming in the morning and so they needed their rest.

Kevin's kids arrived just before 7:30.  I think Jordyn needed a little more sleep.  She was very possessive of me and kept telling Macie I was her gramma.  Both little girls were good and let me do their hair.  I made them all pancakes and that seemed to help a few attitudes.  The cousins really do play well together and the littlest ones are learning to better all the time.  The twins were tired and Kimleighel and I had a hard time getting them to eat.  They just weren't interested today.  The parents of all the grands came just as I needed to leave.  It was a fun night and morning.  I love all my grands cute faces so much.  They are a delight!

Relief Society Social

I'm glad this social got changed to tonight.  Even though I was watching my cute grands since this was just down the road and my kids were home I was able to attend.  This gathering was held in Ashley Droshers beautiful back yard.  I love all her trees ... it's a wonderful yard.  Heidi, a survivor from the Cokeville Miracle came and spoke to us.  I learned that she lived by my cute niece, Amity, until Amity moved.  Heidi's daughter and Amity's daughter, Addy are really good friends.  Heidi pointed out that when she watched the movie, for the first time ever she saw this event through adult eyes.  I imagine that would be hard and I think it really was.  Heidi was in the 6th grade when this happened and was able to move on pretty well. Heidi's younger brother who was in 3rd grade has had a harder time.  Heidi spoke a lot about prayer.  I seriously believe it was all the prayers that saved everyone.  This little community had time to get the word out and to ask for prayers.  God heard and answered those prayers.  When I watched this movie I couldn't help but think of our little situation when Jared got lost.  We were fortunate enough to be able to get the word out and have people all over the world pray for our little guy.  I truly believe that is why our situations turned out so positive.  Prayer really is powerful and Heavenly Father loves us and hears every little prayer we say.  I enjoyed meeting with the sisters for a bit....I love the sisterhood we share with each other.

Lunch with Denise

I ran home and changed and went back to Blue Lemon to meet Denise for lunch. (She wanted to take me out for my birthday) We haven't got together for over and year and it was really nice being able to sit and visit with each other.  I was glad Denise was feeling up to it since her health gives her a hard time.  She just keeps smiling and going and I am proud of her for doing so.  I love hearing about each of her kids and how they are doing.  Denise has a great family.  I enjoy hearing about her grands and feel bad that she doesn't get to be as involved in some of their lives as she would like to be. Life is full of challenges and many come our way that we can't control or change and just have to do our best to accept them.  We visited for a few hours and it was really nice catching up a bit.  I pray for my sweet friend.  I hope that Denise can feel good and continue to enjoy the blessings in her life.  Denise is a blessing in my life and always has been.