Utah summer fun

We went to Utah in July this year for our family party. I was in charge again and we were lucky enough to go to a park near Clarkston that's owned by the Owen's uncle. We went to Cornish a few years ago, and we were fortunate enough to go again. The kids love the pond and the red neck water slide, the four wheeler and the cousins. It was a beautiful day with beautiful people. 

Clarkston roads are the perfect location for Kedzie to have her first driving experience! She was amazing. A little heavy on the brake, but she's going to be a great driver. She loved every minute. So proud of her. She can get her learners permit in February! She's growing up. 

Beautiful country

Driving is exhausting for these boys when they work hard at playing. 

We have to be reminded every time we go to Logan's Walmart that we got upset at each other once there over a pair of shoes. So, I thought it deserved a funny picture. 

The Ravsten's and Arnold's growing up!

We love visiting uncle Reggie at work and getting donuts!

We then drove up the canyon to let Ethan fish and the rest of us explore. It's so beautiful and so close to campus. It was fun. 

Wiley and his cousin Otis Harris. They loved each other. 

It's a requirement that we spend at least half a day with Diana and Gary, Lola and Tip each time we are in Utah. Triston has the best time with the dogs, the kids love the company and the four wheeler. This time, Tip took Ethan and Triston fishing. Ethan asked him to take him. Tip is getting older and hasn't been fishing for a while, so we were grateful he could take him. The two of them lasted hours and caught a few fish. Ethan's new plan is to be a commercial fisherman. Anyway....we had a great afternoon at the Harris hideaway. It's always special. 

Alex and Reggie so excited to ride in the back of a truck! We went to see and snuggle with some new puppies. 

We love our family.

We took a trip one day to Idaho to see my dad's sister Mary Kay and my only cousin on my dad's side Rade and his wife. We decided to head up to Rexburg as I'd never seen BYU-Idaho and we stopped at the new Rexburg Temple. We then went and saw the Idaho Falls Temple and finally met up with Mary Kay in Pocatello.

Mary Kay is in her 70's and Rade is a few years older than us. She wanted to give Kedzie Grandma Anderson's wedding ring, but when she went to get it, she couldn't find it. It was great to see them however. She was a wonderful aunt. Always keeping me involved with my grandparents and taking us to ice capades or on a fun trip each time I saw them. She kept that relationship alive until my grandparents passed away. I'm grateful for her. She's now living in an assisted living facility due to her arthritis. She's there with her husband and Rade and his wife live nearby. It was great to see them. 

The reward for a long day of driving and family visiting was some pool time at Lava Hot Springs. The boys loved the diving boards and platforms! Travis and I just sat together and watched them have fun. It was a great way to end the day. 

Our traditional visit to Utah State to see campus and get Aggie ice cream. 

Our last day, we spent with the Kirk's at Porcupine Reservoir. It was really fun. They borrowed kayaks and life jackets and the kids played and jumped and played and jumped. It was beautiful. Grateful for cousins who care about us and want to spend time with us, especially when my kids have no official 1st cousins, they cherish their "cousin" relationships. We are blessed. 

And, we got the most amazing news while in Utah, My uncle Garth, Vickie's widowed husband is getting married again this fall. I'm so happy for him and know that Vickie has had something to do with this encounter. What a gift to be able to live the second half of your life with another wonderful person. Congrats Garth.