July Madness

We have been crazy busy, so I'm combining a lot of posts into one. Be ready for pictures!

We love July because we enjoy going to the parades. Since Dustin has worked for Sandy City, we have been going to their parade each year. This year he was in it!! He is on the Motor Squad now. He really enjoys it -so much that he turned down the opportunity of maybe getting a good raise with another city. We really do like Sandy!

 This year our stake primary was invited to be in the Days of '47 Primary Parade in downtown Salt Lake City. We had fun marching down 5th West and waving at everyone. We were told to wear our pjs. The kids did, I decided not to. This parade was so fun because all it was, was floats. There was no politics or advertising. It was just for kids!

this is our stake float

The end of July brought some outdoor fun. We hadn't been to "Grandma's Land" in almost 2 years, so we packed up our car and ventured to Fruitland, UT for the Merritt Family Reunion. We were only able to stay for the day, but it was still fun.

The first thing Grandma did when we arrived was show the kids the outhouse. She told them to feel free to use it. She just got done cleaning it. Grace looked at me with a horrified look and asked, "Mom, we can go inside if we want, right?"  I should have told her no, but I could only think how terrified she was. My spoiled, pampered children...

Aaron with Jesse. My kids loved Buddy and Bear, Grandma's old pugs. They miss them, but are able to remember them at their graves.

 One of the best things up there is "cousin time". This is Grace with Lexi, Dustin's sister's little girl.

This swing has been up there for forever. I have pictures of all my kids in it. It looks like Becca's last year. Good thing we are adding to our family. One more will still get to be pushed in it!!

This year we tried tubing in the river that runs through the property. Dustin did it all the time growing up. Ryan was the only one who tried this time. This is Cody and Carson after the ride.

Aunt Diane helping Ryan out.

Ryan didn't bring a swim suit, but who needs one when you have your great-aunt's bumblebee boxers?!

This was my view as I sat in a beach chair by the house. It was perfect and so relaxing!!


Dustin and Ryan were able to go on Trek this year. They went to the actual Mormon Pioneer Trail in Wyoming and were able to follow it. It was an amazing experience for both of them. I was jealous I wasn't able to go, but they won't let you if you're pregnant. While they were away, Dustin's sister, Taryn, asked if the other kids would want to go to a Big Time Rush concert with her husband and kids. They were excited!! Our first concert!

Our only picture (taken with the iphone) right before I took them to check-in. Can you tell Dustin wasn't happy to be taking this at 4 am? He'll be glad he has it later.

Waiting for the show to start. It was nice to sit on the grass. They played and ran around and I could lay down and relax. Anything is better than chairs.

Here the girls are all lined on the fence watching BTR. I think at one point they had all claimed their boyfriends!

Ryan has braces!!!! We are happy, and so is he, to finally be able to get the process started. The kid is almost fifteen and has the teeth of a nine year-old. He is still waiting for his 7 year-old molars to grow in. SHEESH!!! It's been slow and after having six teeth pulled, they are on! Here's to a perfect and tooth-full smile!!

We are enjoying our summer. Are you?