4th of July Weekend and more.....

Last weekend we went up to my parents place for the 4th of July. My sister Barbara decided to bless her little boy Dallin, so it was a great "excuse" for us to come it. It was a fun weekend!

Steve picked me up after work on Friday and we drove up to my parents. We made good time and were up there by 10pm. We brought up a trolling motor for my dad as well. It was an old one Steve's dad had but wasn't using (it actually went w/ the boat he gave my dad). The next morning Steve went out w/ my dad and uncles and went and shot pigeons over at the Dairy. I slept in a little, then went and mowed the lawn. We then packed up some lunch stuff and met Daron and his family over at the Upper Dam Park for lunch. My dad brought the boat so we went out tubing. Haley went first, then they talked me into going with her. It haven't been tubing in forever, but it ended up being really fun! My dad kicked us off the tube several times ;)

Haley on the tube

My dad steering the boat

Daron and Steve just watching the fun

Haley and I on the tube

Still holding on

Steve, Haley, and I got off the boat and my dad, Daron and Kristi went to load up the boat. Well we were waiting a while, so I decided to go around the corner and see what was taking so long. As I looked over at the ramp I could see my dad climbing out of the water from about his chest down, and Daron in my dad's truck. The strange thing was my dad's truck was further down in the water then seemed normal and Daron was pushing on the gas to keep it from falling further in the water. I didn't want to freak out, so I hurried and went over to Steve and motioned him to come over. I then asked him if the truck was normally in the water that much, he quickly said "NO, definitely not" then ran over to try and help them. Well......come to find out, my dad had put the emergency break on, then went on the back of the truck to help Daron pull the boat up. Well, in the mean time the emergency break must have come off and the truck started rolling back into the water. Daron then ran around and got in the truck just in time to stop it from rolling even further. My dad was caught in between the boat and then truck and thankfully didn't get hurt more than a scraped finger. A couple men that were around grabbed a chain and used their pickup to pull my dad's truck out. Thankfully no one got hurt. Hopefully there won't be any serious damage to my dad's truck either. Let's just say it was draining for a while.

When we got back, since I had just mowed the lawn and all, we decided to play a game of croquet. We played a couple round, ate some Popsicles, then it was time for dinner. Daron and Kristi weren't able to stay much longer though since they had a Rodeo to go to the next morning. We played a game of Ticket to Ride though; dad won this time!

Playing a game of croquet

Sunday morning my parents had to go to their church so my dad could teach a lesson and my mom had to lead the music in Relief Society. We wanted to spend some more time with Barbara and her family so we left the same time they did and went straight up to Boise. It was nice to visit with them before Church and spent extra time w/ them. At 1 we went to their church where they blessed Dallin. After church we went back to Barbara's for lunch and stayed and visited some more.

Dexter, Michelle and the kids came also, then invited us to come see where they live, so we followed them out. They live about another hour outside of Boise, across the border into Oregon.

We crossed the border to Oregon

Back to Idaho

After you cross the border you go down this long dusty dirt road for about 7 miles, then turn off onto another road and finally into their place. It has its own sort of beauty to it. There is a canyon wall surrounding one side, then the creek that runs through it and all the green land they are farming. Dexter took us around their place and showed us and explained to us how he takes care of the land. Definitely a lot of land for one person. Michelle also helps when needed. Dexter even showed Steve how to get the siphon tubes going.

Dexter explaining to Steve how to use the siphon tubes

Steve giving it a shot

Success finally!

Dexter put this up to help control the water, an artificial dam

The creek, pretty full, but not as full as it was earlier this Spring.

After getting the "tour" of the land, we headed home, and got home by 11pm. The next morning we had breakfast, packed up, and headed out. Steve needed to get home to study and finish some more homework. We made good time. After Steve got done what he needed, we went over to Dave/Joann's for a BBQ and some fireworks. It was fun to see everyone and visit. When we were done Steve and I went for our quick run. Chandler and Ethan decided to come along too. Chandler ran with me but Ethan only lasted a couple seconds, then decided it would be easier on Steve's back, so Steve decided to carry him while he ran. I think he got an extra workout from it.

Fireworks

This week has been pretty busy. Steve had his test Tuesday, and I started my capstone class. This is my last required class, then 3 more electives. It will be a pretty intense course. We're basically coming up with a product/service and doing all the marketing, finance, etc for it.

Wednesday we met Eve then went and exchanged our vouchers for tickets for our cook class at the Bosch center for next Friday, the 15th. They're going to teach us how to make Italian food and homemade pasta. They also gave us movie vouchers which we went and exchanged for tickets for Harry Potter, which just so happens to come out the same day! This Friday should be soooo much fun; double date w/ Eve and Darrell, cooking class then Harry Potter!!!! We then went for a run then went swimming fro 20 minutes. The water is so warm I love it!

Thursday Steve picked me up at the traxs on 3900 South and we went over to the park by his grandma's for her birthday party. It was a lot of fun to visit and celebrate it w/ her and the whole family. We then came home and swam for a while; it's so nice!

Friday, Steve and I went and ate at Red Robin for dinner, then went to the temple and did initiatories. We then came back and went over to our neighbors, the Thomas', who had invited some friends from the branch who had moved out a couple months ago, the Metcalfs and Booths. The Minsons and Shorts also showed up. It was good to visit w/ everyone.

Red Robin........yumm :)

Saturday we went and exchanged out our keys for electronic ones, or "key-less entries." Our HOA board has been making some great changes and this was one of them. We then went up to the U Library where both of us met w/ our own study groups for our group projects. We stayed up there for about 2 hours then came home. We then got something to eat, then went down to Orem for Ryan's baptism.

Ryan and Carrie at his baptism

Well I hope all is well. The Summer is ticking on unfortunately, so make sure you take advantage of the beautiful weather and sunshine! Love ya lots! ;)

Summer is here to stay!!!!

It's hard to believe June is almost over, but the good news is summer has officially come and the weather has been great! This month has definitely been going by quickly that's for sure.

This past week has been pretty eventful. Steve and I are training for a 5k run in August so we've been running a couple times a week. We're gradually working up our time of running. It's nice to have a goal that we're both working towards to help us get in shape and be healthier. The run will be the Moonlight Midnight run in Sandy, yes at midnight, but it'll be fun and cooler for Steve. ;)

On Tuesday, I went w/ my 2nd counselor to visit Emily, who had her baby on the 15th. She ended up having a c-section so is recovering from that. On Wednesday I had a meeting w/ our branch and elder's quorum presidents to go over the home and visiting teaching assignments. There are always changes since we have move ins and outs every month. Thursday we went to the Jordan River Temple to do a session. We got there just in time for the 7:20 pm session, but there was a Stake chapel meeting and they didn't direct us as we came in, so we ended up missing the 7:20 session, but luckily we only had to wait another 15 minutes or so for the next one. Another couple from our branch was there too.

Friday I took the day off so we could go to Eve's wedding. She was sealed in the Timpanogos Temple at noon. It was a beautiful sealing and was a good reminder of the covenants Steve and I made 2 ½ yrs ago on our wedding. After she was married, we stuck around for some pictures, then went home, did laundry, cleaned, and I helped Steve w/ his stats homework. We then went down to Provo for the reception. Dave and Joann were gone to Moab over the weekend so they wanted us to watch Bailey, their dog. My dad also wanted a trolling motor which was up at the cabin, so we decided to do both. After the reception we headed up Provo canyon and met Rob who had Bailey, then went the rest of the way to the cabin.

Eve and Darrell

Eve and I

Some friends w/ Eve and Darrell

Saturday we mainly just took it easy. We went on an ATV ride, and Steve and Rob played w/ the rocket launchers we made at our family reunion a couple years ago. After lunch we played a game of "Ticket to Ride", and then Steve and Rob helped Mike change the fire hose while I packed up.

Steve getting the gas can to fill up the ATV

Nice work honey!

Rob getting it in the face....

After we got home we went over to Carrie's to have dinner w/ her and Ryan. We then played croquet and sand volleyball til it got too dark to see where the ball was. We then went back inside and played "Ticket to Ride." We then hurried home, grabbed some things, and then went back to Dave/Joann's place to stay the night w/ Bailey. Needless to say she kept us up during the night so we were a little tired the next morning.

We woke up at 7:45 a.m. in order to get home so I could change and get ready for my PEC meeting at 9 a.m. After the main meeting I had a visiting teaching interview w/ a sister just before sacrament meeting started. After church I had my regular Relief Society Presidency meeting, and then came home for lunch. Since we didn't get much sleep the night before, Steve and took a nap. After we woke up I worked on some more RS stuff and made some monster cookies for Steve and the people we home teach.

Last Friday after work Steve met me at Gateway and we went and looked at the chalk art festival. It was really awesome! Even though most weren't finished it was still really neat to see the amazing art work; such talent!

Harry Potter! I just finished the last book, again, it's SOOOO GOOD!
So excited for the last movie to come out in a couple weeks too!

At the Chalk Art Festival

How to train a dragon movie....night fury.

Cars Movie

Another guy....

After we went to the chalk art festival Steve and I went to Red Robin for dinner. We then came back and went swimming and then went to the hot tub. It was a great date night!

Saturday we went with Steve's grandma and parents and went to see a play called, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." It was really funny and we had a great time! Thanks for inviting us:)

Sunday was Father's Day. After church and all my meetings we came home, I made some rolls, and then went over to Melanie's place for dinner. It was fun to visit w/ everyone. Hope everyone had a good Father's Day!

Here are the flowers Steve planted for me.

Pretty flowers ;)

Have a great week! We're excited to come up and visit this weekend and to see our new nephew! ;)

The Sun is finally here!!!!

I'm so happy June is finally here and has brought the sun with it! The weather has been fabulous!!! June has been flying bye......we're already half way through the month...yikes!

Last week unfortunately I wasn't feeling too well. I must have caught a bug or something. Luckily I was able to go to work and didn't have to use sick days (trying to save those for later). My throat hurt earlier in the week, then I was stuffy and runny nose, achy back and neck......but now I'm feeling 100% better! Because I wasn't feeling well we took it easy after I got home on Monday and Tuesday. We got a free redbox, Harry Potter, and watched that. I'm also rereading the last Harry Potter; it's SOOO good! (better than the movies of course).

We've had more visit to new sisters that have moved into the branch, which is good. We also had Stake training last week, which focused on missionary work.

Friday after work, Steve picked me up and we went to the Salt Lake Temple and did initiatories. We then met Eve and Darrel at TGIFridays for dinner, then went over to watch the new X-Men movie. Steve and I REALLY liked it! It tells how the X-Men got started and where they came from which definitely helps w/ the rest of the storyline. It was fun to hang out w/ Eve and Darrel. They are getting married next week, on the 24th...yeah!

On Saturday morning Steve went shooting w/ Rob and Zach while I slept in a little then cleaned up. When he got back we finished doing laundry and cleaning, then had friends from the branch over for a hot dog roast. After dinner we went over to the church and used the grass to play croquet; it was REALLY fun. We borrowed Zach's set, but we're planning to get our own.....its such a fun game!

Last weekend we went to Ava's baptism. It was really good and the Spirit was strong! We're so proud of Ava making the decision herself to follow our Savior and be baptized. After the baptism we went back to Rose's for lunch.

Rose/Jared and girls and grandparents

Rose/Jared and the girls

Summer's cute kittens

Me, Rose, Mom and Pauline

We then visited for a while, then sent the boys off to go fishing. Dave (Steve's dad) brought the boat down from the cabin the week before, just in case we could get dad out to go fishing and to work on it a little. Luckily it didn't take too much convincing.... ;) Steve and I came up w/ a plan and it worked! We wanted dad to go fishing for the afternoon since he has been so busy on the farm and hasn't been able to take any time off to go fishing. So we told mom us girls could stay and talk while the boys went fishing. Jared and Chris were pretty interested in going since we had the boat, and plus it was FREE fishing day in the state of Utah! (I think that one won by dad and Chris over). So we sent them all off w/ some snacks while we stayed at the house to visit some more. They all met at Dave's house, got loaded up, then went out. They had a great time so I hear. The weather was perfect, no wind, and good company. They even caught some!

Dad, Dave and Jared fishing

Pulling in a boat who's motor stopped

Jared caught one!

And another one!

While they were gone Pauline, Summer, Ava and I played a game of croquet; it was fun! Then Summer and I went inside and played a game of Ticket to Ride, which is always fun as well. The little girls played out in the playhouse, especially Charlotte. We then ordered pizza for dinner and just enjoyed being together. I then rode back w/ my mom and Pauline met us back to my place where we waited for our hubbies to come home. We put on a movie for Charlotte and of course visited some more. When the guys got home Charlotte was sad to leave since we hadn't been at our place too long and she keeps asking to go swimming in our pool (it was too late though...next time).

Mom and Dad stayed at our place that night. We gave them our bed and Steve and I went in our extra bedroom and slept on the daybed and hide-a-bed. The next morning they left to go visit Mom's parents in American Fork. I gave the lesson in Relief Society on Temples, mainly from President Monson's most recent address from Conference. It's a really good talk if you haven't read it lately. We all must sacrifice something in order to attend the Temple. Most of the time these days is our time that we sacrifice.

Last week I made stuffed peppers.

Stuffed peppers (they taste better than they look I promise)

This week I made this shredded chicken in the crockpot (just like Cafe Rio Chicken). It's SOOO good! Just add 4 medium size chicken breasts in the crockpot then add 1 Tablespoon cumin, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic and 1/2 bottle of Kraft Zesty Italian dressing, let it cook on low overnight, then just shred it in the morning. You can then use it in a bun for a sandwich or on a tortilla w/ rice and cheese for more of a taco. Yummy!

Cafe Rio Pork

Steve started his 2 classes at SLCC, so now he's up to 4 classes for the summer. I think he's enjoying them for the most part. We're going to meet w/ the PA Advisor at the U next week just to make sure we're on track to either next yr for PA school. It's getting closer...yeah! I'll take my capstone staring in July, then I have 3 other elective and I'll be done too. We should both finish up next yr (my MBA and his undergraduate degree). That'll be nice!

Well I hope things are going well for everyone. We'll be headed up to Boise for Barb's little boy Dallin's blessing over the 4th, then we have our family reunion in Yellowstone in August! It'll be fun seeing everyone! Take care. Love ya lots!!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

Can you believe May has come and gone already? Man it went quick! It sure was a wet month though so I'm not too sad it's over. They said for March, April and May we were about 200% over average for the amount of rain we received this Spring. Talk about a lot of rain! We even got snow, imagine that, and some over this past weekend.

This past weekend for Memorial Day we decided to go up to the cabin. Steve and Dave went up a little earlier on Friday afternoon while I rode up w/ Joann after I got off work. Zach and Rob also came up. The boys were nice enough to leave us some pizza when we got up there.

The next morning the boys decided to go out and fish. It was pretty chilly so Joann and I chose to stay in the cabin where it was warm. I worked on my lesson, and after a little bit Bailey and Joann took a little nap.

Oh we love this dog.....

She is soooo special :)

After lunch we went out w/ the boys to go shooting. Steve was really anxious to shoot his new bullets he just refilled at my uncle Stephen's. I shot a couple of the littler guns like the 22 revolver.

Me shooting the gun (ya I closed my eyes a little)

Steve's 22-250 gun

Dave making sure Steve hits the target

Dave getting an even closer look

Dave giving it a try, Zach just watching ;)

Then it got cloudy .....

That night I made spaghetti w/ bread sticks and fruit pizza for dessert. The boys then hurried out to fish one more time before it started to rain. We played a game a Ticket to Ride when they got back.

One Sunday we went early to the Fruitland branch in order to get a good seat (since it's always full on holiday weekends). After church we went back, had a light lunch, and basically played games most of the afternoon. Carrie also stopped by and played w/ us. Since it was crazy weather she also stayed the night. We played Ticket to Ride, Mormon Bridge, Phase 10 Twist, Settlers of Catan, etc. It was really fun actually. Dave was working on the turkey out in the dutch oven which we had for dinner. It was FABULOUS!!!

Yummy turkey!

It snowed Sunday and Monday....crazy huh! Monday morning I made crepes for everyone. Though there was snow on the boat Steve insisted on going out one more time. Zach needed to go home, but Dave, Steve and Rob went out again. They actually caught some too.

Steve sweeping off the snow on the boat

The snow blowing sideways

Snow

We made it home Monday evening. It was a fun relaxing trip. It was especially nice since I didn't have to worry about homework. My second counselor also had her baby on Saturday, yeah! They're planning to move in a couple months also, so we decided it would be best to release her. Though I was gone, I had them release her and then called another counselor. I'm sad to lose Tricia but at the same time excited to have Ashely. I also had 2 other supervisors called since 2 are moving out next month too. We've also been trying to get caught up on visiting the new sisters who moved in while we were gone. It's GREAT to have new people in the branch!

Steve has started his 2 classes at the U and will start 2 classes at SLCC next week. Ya, we're going to get as many classes out of SLCC as we can since the U is at least twice as expensive as SLCC. Not too excited to be paying more but don't really have a choice.

I'm starting to get a hang of my new position (climbing the power ranks) yet I know there is plenty to learn still. I got another new manager, named Dave (3rd one in a row), along w/ more new teammates who started this week. We are all pretty new actually so it's a little different in that we're all learning together.

Hope all is well. Keep us posted. Have a great week! It's supposed to be 80 Degrees tomorrow!