Trek 2017

Jim, Ethan and I had the opportunity to go on Trek with our Stake (August 2nd to August 5th).  It was retracing some of the sacred trails our pioneers walked around Martin's Cove.  It made me so appreciative of the sacrifices that were made and helped put things into perspective and give a very small glimpse into their lives. My eyes were on the brink of tears many times. The first day we hiked 15 miles, 7 miles the 2nd day and 3 the last day.  

A picture of one of the handcarts that were pushed and pulled for 3 days

Ethan pulling the handcart with his pioneer family

Just finished crossing the Sweetwater crossing.  Such a tender, sacred moment

My belongings for a few days. 

Everything had to fit in a 6 gallon bucket and my satchel. 

The medical committee- Jim and Alisha :)

The sunsets each night were AMAZING!

Ethan and his good friends Colin Sierer, Tanner Rima and Josh Dulong

The youth that went from our ward :)

It was hard, amazing, tiring, uplifting and perfect. 

So glad I got to experience it with these two fine men. 

Martin's Cove Trek 2017

The rest of July....

July 3rd-
We took the kids to a drive in.  I don't think we had done that for over 10 years

July 10th
Lilly and Afton had a pretty awesome day as we
got to go ice skating with Lilly's 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Bradshaw

July 12th-

Lizzie's playgroup with her friends was in full force this summer. 

Here are some pictures from the ever popular carnival day.

July 12th-

The girls took tennis lessons for 8 days in July.

  This picture was taken on their second to last day

July 23rd-

Sunday evening pictures of the teens in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard

July 24th-

Ethan headed off to a week long volleyball camp at BYU

July 25th- 

We got a new kitchen sink :)

July 26th-

Ethan and Lizzie's (and now Afton's) orthodontist have a free Cowabunga night each summer.  The girls and I went for the last little bit and had lots of fun!

July 27th

Fun day at the park with Afton and Lilly's friend Emily

July 28th- 

Clark Planetarium was one of our wish list items for the summer. 

We finally found a day to go.

July 29th

The four of us ran/ walked from the Draper Temple to home.  Perfect morning to train for Trek and mine and Ethan's upcoming Half Marathon.

July 31st- 

We ended the month by crossing off one more thing off our summer bucket list. 

Trying out Waffle Love for the first time.  So delicious. 

Yellowstone

We had the fun opportunity of getting to hang out in Yellowstone for a few days with our good friends the Sierers! Parents get along, kids get along and it was an awesome trip!!! 

July 14th-18th 2017

Cute girls!

Waiting for Lone Star Geyser

Our group

Awesome kids

Lizzie's tribute to Bear World :)

19

July 18th, 2017

19 years........

Echo Lake

Last Saturday our friends (The Roberts) invited us and a few other families (Sierers, Duncans, Hadfields) to join them for a day of boating.  A day of boating always equals a good day- especially if you can hang out with good friends.

Lilly and Greta (with Taylor)

This girl finally got to use her birthday present (yellow kayak).  She is a natural out there.

Ethan on the paddle board

A view of all our kayaks and paddle boards :)

A kayak could even be used for surfing :)

Tube ride with Ted, Colin and Ethan