Summer Vaction

Once again I am right on top of things. The kids and I went with my mom and sister to Utah for about a week and half during the beginning of July. Branden didn't get to join us due to his new job as of Jan. Branden's boss is a real slave driver and won't let Branden do anything but work and train dogs with him. (The odds of the situation can only happen to me.) Anyway, we started on our trip on June 29th and headed to Moab. The kids were so excited when they saw the slide in the pool. That excitement turned to tears when the lightening storm moved in. That was the biggest indication that we were in Utah. Arizona had had no rain and Utah was close to flooding stage in most of the state. So after I consoled the kids we went to sleep. The next morning we got up and headed to Arches National Park. We had a lot of fun hiking to the different arches. The real fun though came when we headed to the last 2 arches. The pictures we got were great. But as we were finishing up it began to sprinkle. The clouds were moving in all morning (and they were dark). By the time we really started heading back we were running in an all out down pour. I was hunched over the backpack trying to protect the cameras. When we got back to one car we all jumped in. We were soaked. My mom, sister's and my make-up was not where it started. But I think that this turned out to be the kids favorite part.

We then headed to Salt Lake. We parted with my mom and sister and headed to Layton, UT. That is where Branden's next older brother lives with his family and the boys mom. We hung out with Branden's family through July 4th. We spent time watching one cousin playing in his All-star games. He was the star pitcher (and the best in my knowledgeable opinion) and overall player. I am not just speaking as the aunt. He was plain and simple the best. His team did a great job, especially since this was the first year that this group of boys has played together. Most of the other teams have been playing together since tee-ball. We also watched and did fireworks with the cousins. Of course the kids had the best time ever. I am really bad, but I did not take one picture. I know what the heck. I am just use to my sister or Branden taking the pictures and neither of them were there. Bad me.

On the July 5th we went to my grandma's to join up with my mom, sister and grandma. We then loaded up and headed to the cabin. I love that place. It was beautiful and lush. In fact across the highway from the community where the cabin is there is another cabin community and the river that runs through it was out of control. While it is was cool to look at, I was really worried about the cabins that were right there by the water. We went on hikes, and drives and picnics. Most every year Richelle and I go shopping at the Park City Outlets. Over the past couple of years Adriana has joined us, this year Emmy was invited. I really thought that I would spend my day trying to keep the tantrums at bay. But she was amazing. Never complained (until the very end) and when we past a playground she looked at it and said, "I would love to play there, but we are shopping so that would be a no." I almost past out. What 5 year old does that. She was told because she was so good that she would get to come the next time. We also found some horses at the other end of the community and so the kids pet them and then we came back the next day and fed them old apples. They loved it (the horses and the kids). We went back to my grandma's house Thursday evening. Friday we went to temple square. The kids had fun and we got great pictures. We had a very spiritual experience there and I am very grateful for the priesthood. It works miracles. Sat. we headed for home. The thought of being home made me beyond excited. We stopped in Parowan at my daddy's grave. Well of course it was raining. That was the theme going into Utah, so why not going out? Richelle and I took care of the graves (lots of family there). The kids stayed in the car. The pictures are amusing and will not make it in the blog. Heaven knows I don't need anymore flattering pictures of me out there. The kids and I made it home on Mon. We stopped in Vegas and then stayed the night at my mom's. It was so good to be home. I missed Branden tons and kids missed him. He missed us too. He said it was just to quiet after a few days. Here are a few pictures from our vacation.

P.S. I have been trying to get my slide show to attach itself to my blog. It is not. so I am giving up. I am only putting the 3 pictures from Arches National Park up. Maybe one day I will add if it will ever work.