The week of the 4th of July started out with Monica's family coming into town. They stayed with us for a few nights while they spent their days with James' family. But, we did steal Liam long enough to take him to the car show. We saw Maren working at her first job--a bounce house attendant. Avery was there too, but I didn't get a picture of her.
The next morning we loaded the kids and headed up to Idaho to my Grandpa's farm, for a reunion with my side of the family. Nicole and I were in charge of it, so right away, we did a major shopping trip for all of the food. It is hard work spending $900 on food in one evening. It wasn't too hard to eat it though.
The next day was the 4th of July and we all started it with a Flag Raising and breakfast at my Grandpa's ward and then we went to the Buhl parade. It was a great parade, with lots of candy for the kids and lots of huge tractors at the end. I love farm life!
The weather and the Farm were as beautiful as ever. That afternoon the kids played and then we had a potluck lunch with everyone who was around the Farm. And, of course, we had fireworks that night (complete with firework swords, brought by Uncle Chad!)
Bright and early on July 5th, we took the older grandkids to the Twin Falls temple to do baptisms for the dead. It's so much fun to have the kids in this stage of life!
We also hiked Balanced Rock, the place where my grandparents had their first date in 1946. After the hike, we went to the park near the rock and Grandpa told us the story of their first date.
Dustin's is either imitating a seal, or the Little Mermaid...
That night we roasted marshmallows and made all sorts of fun s'mores. The families that actually live on the farm (including my grandpa) were so nice to let us invade their space! There were a lot of us (36) and they were very kind and helpful.
The kids found a snake! That isn't super usual for the farm activities.
The next day we hiked Box Canyon. It was hot, but there is a lovely natural spring that we played in and drank from, which cooled us down nicely.
That afternoon was filled with fish ponds, timelines, Christmas ornaments, horseshoes, chocolate making, homemade raspberry ice cream, talent shows and inspecting Uncle Bert's antique collection.
The next day was Sunday. After church we went to see my Grandma's grave.
It was also Ryan's 12th birthday!! He requested a jello cake this year, which is nice and easy for me. We celebrated with everyone, just before we all had to head back to our homes.
It has been so fun to have Ryan turn 12 this year and receive the Aaronic Priesthood. He is so faithful in getting to church early each Sunday, ready to pass the Sacrament. He loves to go to the temple and we have been able to go quite a few times. He just got called to be in his Deacon's Quorum presidency as the second counselor. Ryan is very talented in all sports, and this summer he has been focusing on riding his bike and soccer. He has a lawn mowing business with Grant--Mow Bros--and has been so responsible to get it done each week. He loves to have fun and wants to be doing something all the time! We love him so much!
