Spring Break 2014!

4th of July Spectacular!

Our 4th was awesome, again, as usual. We just love spending the 4th in Malad with Grandpa Gleed (Chris' dad). It is everything a small town should be. This year, Grandpa Gleed was the Grand Marshall of the parade! It was an exciting honor and he asked McKenna and Brooklynn if they would ride in the parade with him and throw candy! They were SOOOO excited. Luckily Aunt Julie (Lolohea) was the driver so we could rest easy knowing she'd keep those two in line. We had over 80 family members and friends come to Malad for the parade to see Grandpa.

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards we all headed up to the ranch for our very own Salmon Bake. Since the Scouts in Darl's ward weren't doing it anymore, and he was the one who had originally started it, we couldn't let the tradition die. So we started our very own. We had tons of yummy food, great weather and lots of wonderful company. We had such a nice time visiting and playing.

 

We had a water fight going on...these two are conspiring.

Lauren and little Sila up on the water tower

Afterwards we headed back house in town and relaxed. The kids played, ran in the sprinklers and set off fireworks. Later that evening we headed over to watch the town fireworks and light of some more of our own. It was such a fun time. I am really glad that my sister Julie and her kids were able to come up and hang out with us too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The whole time I just kept thinking about Jenna (Chris' mom) who LOVED the 4th of July. It was her birthday so it was always an extra special holiday. I couldn't help but think of how happy she must have been to see so many of her family and loved ones gathered together to celebrate. We sure miss her. I just know she must have been beaming from ear-to-ear smiling down on us all. Happy 4th of July!

Some Pretty Awesome People Come To Visit

In June, we were supposed to have a family reunion. It didn't work out. But, my awesome sister Lisa and her family had already made the plans to come, as had my parents and sister Kirsten, so they all decided to come anyway. So we basically got a free week to just hang out and soak each other up. It was so much fun. In fact, we had SO much fun, I didn't take hardly any pictures. We hung out, laughed, played at parks, watched baseball games, shopped, had tons of cousin time, sleepovers, went to a movie, went swimming, hiked the Y, went to SLC/Temple Square, had a GNO at The Chocolate, and much more. Sure wish we all lived closer so that we could do these things more often.

So the only pictures I took were at the Church Museum in Salt Lake. They had an interactive children's  display all about the Book of Mormon. The kids had a lot of fun running around and trying everything out. Get ready for lots of pictures!

Here Zack, Braxton and LaRue are checking for eggs. 

 

Oops, I don't think that's supposed to be in there!

The kids practice "feeding the missionaries"

Lauren and Matilda whip something up for dinner

Tyler lifting the Gold Plates. It is the weight of the original plates supposedly. If that's the case, I have no idea how Joseph lugged those around. They are heavy!

Zack digitally remixing primary songs

Dad & Kirsten hanging out

 This was the dance area where you could dress up and learn traditional dancing.

 

 

 

Tyler was a good sport all day, playing with the kids and even dancing with Braxton.

 Must see Video...watch to the end!

Adelaide at the well

Brooklynn driving the jeep full of animals

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brooklynn playing "Toss the Tortilla"

Julie and Braxton learning more about the plates

My cousin Gina's little girl. She played for a really long time with these nice paper dolls. Meanwhile my little tornadoes couldn't sit still for more than five minutes!

 

 

Life-size replica of the angel Moroni.

Back Row: Tyler, Lauren, McKenna, LaRue

Front Row: Abby, Sophie, Braxton, Zachary, Brooklynn, Matilda