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.

Boys

We have a 3 year calling in our church to work with the young men at APTC (Aaronic Priesthood Training Camp) This is camp where the young men from four different Stakes, who are preparing for missions or deciding if that is what they want to do - come and have four days in the high wilderness of Cache Valley to learn, teach, play, e a t and have some time away from our busy civilization to get know each other in ways you can't possibly do otherwise.  The spirit at this camp is strong and sweet.  It is remarkable to watch the older guys teach and mentor the younger ones.  It is a neat thing to see the bonding and growth that happens in such a short time.  Stand to sing and kneel to pray.  We really enjoyed our time with them.  I wish I had dozens of daughters that I could set them up with in due time! We saw firsthand why the age for mission-going-young men has been dropped.  They are ready.  These boys stole our hearts.  They came in many shapes and sizes, random hair styles and colors, quirky personalities and amazing grins!  They ooze with talent and conviction.  Not once did we have any problem whatsoever with any of them.  They know how to work, play, love and did I mention EAT? We really enjoyed our time with the adult leaders as well.  One more year to go.  We will enjoy our break for a few months and get going for round 3 this fall.

 The long hours of preparation really paid off.  

We met the night before we left in our backyard for prayer and to begin our fast.

 Boys can find mud anywhere!  It was crazy how they could aim for the target nearly 100 yards away.

 650 service hours were happily given.
(double click on any photo to make it larger)

 Something everyone needs to witness.  

SCONE NIGHT. 

It is a feeding frenzy! 500 scones, 130 boys 

and they were gone in about 15-20 minutes!

 Mark and his wonderful presidency and Colby.

 Our amazing leaders.

We love every single one of you!!

June Summary

*Ben & Janell roadtripped it to Logan* * Bee Swarm recovered in the neighborhood*

*Fun shopping days* *B&J's Scrumptious Biscuts & Gravy* 
*Witnessed flight school of a tiny wren family*
*Repainted Chairs*

*Enjoyed Bauers sweet company* *Frolicing on Father's Day* *Chill Time*

*Vintage Finds* *Summerfest* *Pool Time* *Tony's Grove* *Fresh Salmon*

Not pictured are the hundreds of miles Mark clocked around the valley preparing

for the Gran Fondo in two weeks.  Gotta train that guy to use his phone camera ;)

June was a blissful month for our family...

July suggests a little more scurry in our step!

Warm Summer NIghts...

I love a party!  The planning, the prep and the fun time with people you love!  The heat of summer has arrived in Cache Valley.  The warm summer nights just beg for relaxing time spent in the backyard.  We had a few neighbors over for a last minute dinner party.  Sometimes making calls the day before works best with everyone's busy schedules.  We've decided if you try to include everyone you know and love it gets too complicated and ginormous.  We hope to many more of these sweet evenings through out the summer. 

 Everyone brought a salad or appetizer to share and we grilled shish-kabobs!  Yummeee!!

Keeping things green and eating with real plates and silverware is a fun way to make the night a little more special...even if you don't have complete settings for a dozen - mix things up a little!

 We are blessed with such wonderful neighbors and friends. 

 And a little secret that is just out....Cami and Mike are having a baby!  She dropped in for awhile and shared the exciting new with us.  they moved to Connecticut several years ago and we miss them sooo much!  Cami has been such a positive role model for our girls.  We just adore their family and are so happy for the exciting news!

 Em and  Mark helped me dip cones in melted chocolate and then in nuts or mini chocolate chips.  This is such and easy and fun dessert.  Everyone piled on their favorite ice cream and we enjoyed every lick!

Oh summer, we love you!!

more updates on this past month will be trickling in....

Lagoon: It's What FUN Is!

Yesterday we had one of those perfect days!  

The temp was perfect...no lines...yummy picnic...happy faces

 all day long from the youngest to the oldest.  We really lucked out.   

A collage of all of our instagram photos.

*Em's Ferris Wheel *Rattlesnake Rapids*Waiting in the train station*Swings

*Break for cold treats*Miss Molly*Ben & Em out-of-control in Tea Cups*Happy Swingers

*More Spinning!*Close up of Happy Swingers*Watching the world go by*The Carousel-Owen's Fav.

*Linds Takes Flight*Sipping the Good Stuff*Em & her Wings*Pure Joy.

{We missed Papa, he had to work...besides, spinning isn't his thing!}
 

Granola...

I'm slow with this request from quite a few people.  It took a phone call from my mom to light a fire under me!  We sure love this Granola recipe and it is the perfect thing to take along on summer outings, camping or impromptu road trips! Enjoy!

Granola
Combine the following (except vanilla) and boil for one minute. Stir in vanilla.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar 
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
3/4 cup oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla

Combine the following in a large mixing bowl:
6 cups rolled oats (not the quick kind)
2-3 cups of assorted nuts (whole or chopped)
(almonds, cashew, sunflower seeds)
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 1/2 cups coconut

Pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients and stir to coat well.
Spread onto two cookie sheets.  (If you have silpat liners they work really well
with this recipe and the clean up is a snap!) No need to grease the plain pan.

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.  I bake two pans at once and stir and swap racks with
them at the 15 minute mark.  The Granola will not feel crunchy after thirty minutes
but it will harden up as it cools.  You want to see it turning a golden brown around the edges
after 15 minutes.  This is when I stir it up and switch places.  Don't over bake!!

Store in a covered container for 2 weeks.  But it rarely lasts that long!

You can also stir in dried fruit or raisins after baking. 

Finding The Path

Before...the garden in front was full of overgrown grasses and weeds.  Emily and I worked some early mornings to get things cleaned up.  Once again the little garden path is visible!  I do love getting my hands in the dirt and working out in the yard.  The weather has been spectacular here!!  This garden is mostly full of perennials but I have some annuals to fill in as well as some herbs and tomato plants.   Hopefully the deer will be on higher grounds this summer!

For Mother's Day, I picked out my own gift this year!  

I've had my eye on a macro lens for awhile and I think it will be great fun to play with!

A few shots fresh out of the box...

 This little flower is only about 1" wide.

 Ready for take off!

 Bees are tricky to catch ...lots of patience when you are 

trying to manually focus on the busy little things! 

I can't wait to experiment more with this new lens.

(PS...Molly, I have your zoo photos down below - after our DC trip.  Nice throw, by the way!!)