Cabin Trip

July is for Birthdays!

Mark and Brady share a birthday and we skyped with them 

while the two boys blew out their birthday candles together!

It was so much to have Janell down for a visit for a few days!  We probably wore her right out!!

 She was happy to be a part of the big secret birthday surprise that Molly had planned!

She got to be a part of the grand "rapade" complete with a "banister" !!

{As Molly explained to her...and it was a big surprise!}

 Nana barely had time to get her camera turned on!

and before Papa knew what had hit him,

he was covered from head to toe in silly string!

{Great idea, Molly!}

The following sequence makes me laugh every time I look at it!

It looks as if he was shocked about 40 years into the future with that empty stare!

 Oh, timing is everything!

 He is loved and they are loved!  No question about that.

And we can't forget benny!  He turned one year old!  He wasn't sure he was liking all the

crazy going on around him but Owen had his back and explained the whole silly string to him.

I don't think he was fan.

 After cake and ice cream Papa had a good story going on.  

No idea what the plot was, but it looks like Owen gave it a very funny ending.
Papa said he was telling them about of some of the gifts he
got when he was a little boy.

These moments!

***

Grandpa Flinders turned 80 this year! 

Sometimes the candid shots you get with your phone are pretty priceless..

 We celebrated with almost every family member within reasonable driving distance.  The adults and missionary age grand kids all gathered to do some sealing in the Mount Timpanogos temple.
Really sweet time together, especially knowing that three of these kids are now out on their missions.

 Sometimes it even takes the adults some sorting out time before a group photo :)

 but then everything gets settled nicely ... almost

 until you notice everyone's feet just got cut off...

but hey, we are all smiling and just had a very sweet time in the temple together

so it's ok.

 I think he looks pretty darn good for turning 80, don't you??!

We love him!

Owen is a very loving little boy.  It only takes asking nicely once for him to share a bear hug or a kiss

Shaura and Dean arranged a birthday dinner for Grandpa Firth at Rodizio's.

No one took a photo and I wasn't able to be there :(  We love him much though!!

 {I'll just take the liberty to insert one of my favs!}

Grandma Flinders had her birthday on the 24th! 

Shelley arranged this little celebration and most ... some ... 

ok, maybe two and a half of the boys were thrilled to 

gather for the photo. (Coleman you get a 1/2 point for trying)

I heard the Lemon Cream Pie was fabulous!!

The End of An Era

Our family reunions always revolve around what we lovingly call, "Good Groceries!" This year didn't disappoint.  We had a wonderful pot luck breakfast with many family favorites, as well as a new one we were all happy to line up for and try.  Scott and Lisa shared Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and they were a BIG hit!  They served them with a yummy syrup that was full of cream cheese goodness.

The weight of the sugar in the cinnamon swirl cause the cake to sink in where it was added.

Our time was short that morning so I was flitting around from table to table chatting, but not snapping many photos.  I think my mom did a better job!  We enjoyed the pretty summer morning under the Bowery and then headed over to Dad and Mom's garage for what my dad called, a dry run for after the funerals. WHAT?

Over the past week my parents have been busily sorting through many of my dad's horse stuff, fishing stuff, gun stuff and camping stuff that they decided were no longer useful items to them.  It was time to clean out the garage and true to their fashion, very orderly, find new homes for many sentimental items and some just hopefully useful items. 

I think the best part of the bittersweet experience was to listen to my dad walk around and share stories and memories from many of the earthly possessions he has collected, loved and used over the years.  Some of the best stories were shared before I thought to turn on my video.  Below is a snippet of us gathered in the garage.

(This is better viewed small...the quality didn't transfer - at all!)

My brother, Tracy was in charge of running this whole thing.  The seven of us siblings drew numbers right out of the famed Coffee Pot my Uncle Tom made for my dad many, many years ago. This pot has been eye witness to countless pack trips and camp outs. 1-7 then 7-1 would have their pick.  It was interesting to watch as my siblings and I took turns choosing things that were sentimental to us.  Lots of memories to smile back on and have good laughs over.  This is only the beginning for days like this in the future.  We don't want to think about the day we lose our parents....but are so thankful for what they have taught us and for the time we have had together as a family.

I would have loved one of dad's saddles (his personal favorite is pictured above) but we don't have horses...or one of the nifty guns....but I don't shoot...

 So I chose his 8'6 Wet Fly Wright and McGill Green Hornet Rod/Reel. 

I have countless memories of fishing trips with my dad 

and eating those tasty Brown's fresh out of the Provo River. 

I think I have some Fly Fishing lessons in my future and I happen to be married to a pro!

Among other items we thought our children may be able to use, I picked this Point Judith Sign.  It's actually from my mom's Dad but we have dear memories associated with this place, and who doesn't love cool old metal signage!?  It's new home will be in the studio.

 * * *

Something to SMILE About:

Molly asked her Great Grandma Joan who the iPad belonged to and my mom told her it was hers but she didn't really know how to work it very well.   She looked up at her with a twinkle in her bright blue eyes and said, "Do you want me to show you how?" It's just the way life goes!  The young ones teaching the older ones.  It sure made my mom laugh.  I think she actually taught her a thing or two that she will remember.  Molly at the tender age of three can take a photo and have it posted on instagram before her mom can turn around.  They are such smarties, these little ones and it is such a delight to watch them conquer this modern world.

We ended the day with hours of fun at 7 Peaks in Provo.

We love our family.