Boating with Doug

Today we went Boating with Uncle Doug and his family at Jordelle. Uncle Doug had just purchased a new boat and he invited us to come and spend the day with him. We meet him around 1 pm. There were 12 of us all together. Doug, Suzie, Brandon, Kaden, Easton, Grandpa, Sharri, Riley, Milan, Sarah, Carson and Ethan. We first got on the the boat with a little mishap with Grandpa falling face first inside the boat. She scraped both shins getting in, but he is tough and was okay for the day. Then Doug took us to the middle of the Lake and decided that he wanted to wake board first. Suzie at the wheel of the boat, pulled Doug. What a showoff....!!! He made it look so easy and fun. Then Milan decided to try it and was able to do it with some style. Then Doug blew up the 3 man raft and all the kids were able to ride in it being pulled by the boat. First, was Brandon, Easton and Ethan. What a good sport Brandon was to ride with the little boys. Then Riley, Carson and Kaden went in it for a while. Then we got Grandpa, Sarah and Suzie together in it. What a great laugh they had as well as the rest of us watching. Then Doug and Milan together with Suzie driving trying to flip them out. We had alot of fun watching and playing with Doug and his family. We left around 5:30 pm back to the Hotel room. Jenn & TJ and their family came up for the evening and we all went to dinner at the Flipping Burgers. Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for buying us all dinner. In turn all of us gave Grandpa and Grandma their birthday present. A $400 gift card to get them a new oven.

Park City with Evans Family

All the Evans clan were at Park City this week for their time shares. Uncle Doug and Uncle Milan both arranged to have their time share the same week as Grandma & Grandpa. We went up and stayed with them for a couple of nights. We arrived at around 4 pm in Park City and went to the Baja Cantina for dinner and then the kids and Grandpa went swimming in the Marriott Mountainside Pool. They had a great time swimming and playing together with many cousins.

Happy Birthday Brian!!!

Today is Brian's birthday. He decided to go golfing with Riley and our neighbor, Rob to Hobble Creek Golf Course in Springville. They golfed 18 holes, instead of their usual 9 holes. Apparently, Riley was so tired after 9 holes, that he just sat and drove the golf cart for the other 9 holes. It was a hot warm day to be golfing from 9 am to 2 pm. Later in the evening, we picked up Grandpa Doug and Grandma Bette and went to the Cheesecake Factory for Dinner. We had a great time celebrating Brian's birthday. We love you Brian, from all of us!!!

MISSION PAPERS ARE IN!!!

Cameron meet with the Stake President this morning and his Mission papers are all done and soon to be sent in to Church Headquarters. The Stake president told Cameron that it might take more than 2 weeks, because the brethren are on limited staff during the summer months. So, we are waiting now for the official call. Any guesses?

Happy 4th of July!!

It has become a tradition to go up to BYU campus with the neighbors to watch the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire. We go just south of the Marriott center and take dinner with us and park by the grass. We eat dinner with the neighbors and play games until 10 pm when the fireworks start. We usually take sandwich making with chips and drinks, but since we have had sandwiches for both times we went to Lagoon, we decided to just pick up Cafe Rio and take drinks with us. We played a game called "Quiddle" for an hour or so and then the kids got out the glow sticks and played with them for a while. The fireworks weren't as great as they have been in years past. Maybe because of the economy cuts. We headed for home around 10:30 pm and then our neighbor had to light all his firecrackers for one last hoorah...!!!

Bounceback at Lagoon

Erika, Rachel, Riley, Sarah and Sharri decided to bounceback to Lagoon today. We left at 10 am and headed for Farmington. (which is a 1 hour drive). We stopped in Centerville for lunch at Arby's and then to Lagoon Park. We were surprised that there weren't as many people at Lagoon today as there was last Friday. This made it nice to be able to ride many more rides. Mostly, the kids rode the rides and Sharri just watched and took their pictures. At around 2:30 pm it started to rain slightly. Then it rained harder and harder until around 7 pm. The kids didn't care, they still rode all the rides. The only ride that shut down was the Rocket, because of lightning. Luckily, we packed jackets, so at least we were warm for the evening time. The park closed at 10 pm, so the kids did one last ride on the white roller coaster and then we headed home. Hopefully, the kids were able to get enough riding in that we won't have to go until next year.

A day at LAGOON!!!

The Autrey's and us decided to make a trip to Lagoon today. We decided to get there as soon as they opened, but it didn't matter, because the park was already crowded. That is what happens when you go on a Friday. Erika brought her friend, Caitie and Riley and Sarah were buddies. We went on many rides, starting with the old white wooden Roller coaster, Wicked, Spider, Wild Mouse, Jet Star, Centennial Screamer, The Rocket, Colosus, Samarui, Rattlesnake Rapids (which we all were very wet for a least a couple of hours) and many many multiple times on each ride. The highlight was Brian & Rob going on the Capapult. This ride costs extra, but it was well worth it for them and for all of us watching. We also had a hour where we were eating dinner in a pavillion and it rained, thundered, lightning and wind for a good hour before we left and went back to the rides. The nice thing about the rain was that many people left the park, so there wasn't as many people in the lines for the most popular rides. We also had to get our jackets for the evening, because the rain showers made it kind of chilly. We left the park when it closed at 11 pm and arrived home at midnight. WOW, what a day, 10 am to 12 am. To say the least we slept in the next day, good thing it was Saturday. We had a lot of fun with the Autrey's. We might bounce back next week, but we will see!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Need we say more. Brian and his dad, Doug are some crazy dads. We wanted some nice pictures of them on Father's day, but they chose to be silly and we were all laughing so hard that we couldn't help but take more pictures of them. They were good sports too. So HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the great and crazy dads out there!! WE LOVE YOU BRIAN and GRANDPA DOUG.....!!!!

Ward Campout

We went with our Ward up Hobble Creek Canyon in Springville to Jolley's Ranch. We had to provided our own dinners so we combined dinner with the Autrey family and the McGriff family. The Autrey's made dutch oven chicken and potatoes, McGriff's made breadsticks, veggies and spice cake. We made fruit kabobs and steamed veggies. It tasted so good and filling. Then many ward members made cobbler and homemade ice cream for everyone. We played Bingo and Backwards Hymns and sang songs by the campfire. Brian won Bingo blackout and our ward friend, Shirlene won Bingo and received candy bars. Erika played card games with Heather and Riley hiked up the mountain with all the kids his age. Riley as usual found the mud and dirt and slid down the mountain in the mud. Are we surprised? He also thought he lost his pocket knife, but Bro. Brockbank picked it up to teach him a lesson. Erika slept in our tent with the McGriff girls and Riley, Brian & Sharri slept in the camper trailer with the Autrey's. (Cameron stayed home, because he doesn't enjoy being outdoors and camping) We all didn't sleep well, but what do you expect for camping and not being in your own bed. The ward then provided breakfast in the morning. Eggs, French Toast, Bacon, fruit, juice and left over homemade ice cream. It was all so good and filling. We packed up and headed for home around 9:30 am and then came home and crashed. We were all really tired, but our tummies were happy from all the good food. Thanks to the activities committee for planning and making it a fun experience.

Welfare Square Field Trip

During dinner a couple of nights ago, the kids were asking questions about the Cannery and the Bishop's storehouse. As parents, we tried to explain to them what it was and why we go and give service to help. Then Sharri decided that we needed to take a field trip to Welfare Square in downtown Salt Lake. We arrived at around 2:00 pm and just missed the 15 minute movie presentation before the missionaries give you a tour. We just jumped in with them after the movie and went on the tour. We started with the Bishop's storehouse. The missionaries explained that there are no prices and no cash register's. They also have two brand names for most the grocery items. One is the Deseret and the other commercial. Deseret is the food that is canned at the Cannery and the other is commercially bought, because it is cheaper than producing it. Then we went by the Transiant Bishop and the Employment Center and the missionaries explained about these. While we were in there, Erika said, "It smells like Bread." Sure enough, we were going to the Bakery next. They make 5,000 loaves of bread a day and delivery it to 5 states. (Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho and Arizonia) We then headed over to the Wet Pack Cannery where they were making and bottling honey. The kids were pretty intreged about the assembly line. We went outside past the white towers were they store grain in them. When they were built in 1940, it only took 8 days to pour the cement and start using them. That was pretty amazing for 1940 time era. We then walked over the Deseret Industries through the back were they sort items that are donated and make Humanitarian kits to be shipped to other countries. The last stop was the Dairy. They make butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, milk and cheese. We saw them cutting up 40 lbs blocks of cheese and individually wrapping them. They were also dry packing 50 lbs bags of cocoa mix. We were then given samples of Chocolate Milk, cheese, bread, butter, jam, honey and peanut butter. The kids and Sharri were uplifted and we each learned something new about Welfare Square. Next trip is the Humanitarian Center.

Jewelry for Sharri from Suzie

Sharri's sister in law, Suzie, makes these watches and jewelry. She is so amazing and creative knows what looks good together. Sharri has recently bought a couple of watches and band from Suzie. When ever Sharri has the watches on, everyone comments on them and wants one. This past Sunday, when all the family were together for dinner, Suzie brought Sharri these PURPLE watch band, earrings and necklace that she had made. Suzie told her that when she was making it, that it was perfect for Sharri, because she loves purple. Then Suzie decided to make earrings to match, because Sharri loves the earrings that Suzie made her the last time. Also, Suzie decided that Sharri needed a matching necklace and pendant. Of course, Suzie would not allow us to pay her for them. She is so sweet. Sharri told her that she was the best and thanked her to thinking of her. Sharri will probably wear them everywhere with everything., even if she doesn't have purple on that day. Thanks Suzie!!!

Visit with Christi

Our family was able to visit with Christi today. She is Brian's only sister and sibling. Christi is currently in a treatment center for Women and Children. She has been there since March. She gets to visit with family and friends only on Sundays from 1-4 and Wednesday evenings from 6-7. Because we had Stake Conference today, we were able to visit with her and not infringe on the time she gets to visit with her 5 girls. She tells us that she has a goal to be able to get out and graduate by her birthday on July 14. She is so much happier and healthy as well. We are so proud of her for checking herself into a treatment center so she can get help with abuse, drug addiction and domestic violence. WE LOVE YOU CHRISTI!!!!

Night at the Museum 2

We went as a family for FHE and saw the movie Night at the Museum 2. There were only 10 other people in the theater. It was nice not to have to fight for a good seat in the theater. We all enjoyed it and thought it was as good as the first one. We then went to Red Robin for dinner. A little bit of an expense for FHE, but well worth it. If you want to go and see a great family movie, this one is it. Love it when the media does some clean decent movies that the whole family can enjoy.

Air Show - The Boys and their Toys

Brian, Sharri, Cameron, Riley, Grandpa Doug & our neighbor, Rob went to the Air Show at Hill Airforce Base. We left around 12:00 pm and picked up Grandpa in Sandy and headed up. As we were driving a couple of signs kept saying "FREEWAY CLOSED at MP 313, US-89, use 1-215." We didn't think that was where we were going ,we we ignored the signs and preceeded on. Well, around North Salt Lake, the traffic was all backed up. There was also construction and narrowing the lanes down to 2 lanes each way. We also thought it was the construction that caused the traffic to be backed up. Wrong Again!!! We were stuck in the traffic on the freeway for 1 hour and then were forced to exit and head west. We then thought they were re-routing us to Legacy Highway, but we ended up to the entrance to I-215. We should of did what the signs said way back in Sandy and we would have been fine, but we didn't. We were supposed to pick up one of Grandpa's friend's in Kaysville, but we got there too late, and he went on his own. We we arrived at Hill Air Force base, we had to wait in another line to Park and then walk a while to get into the base entrance. We found a spot to sit at the front line and then saw the THUNDERBIRDS show from 4:30 - 5:00 pm. We stayed for a little bit to look at the static airplanes and then headed home. We stopped in Centerville for some dinner and the Lonestar. When we arrived back in Sandy at 90th S, where Grandpa left his car, it was missing. We couldn't find it anywhere. It had been towed away, because the parking lot had signs all over saying "UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED AND WILL BE TOWED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE." We saw these signs, but figured they were there when the Lowe's was in business. Wrong Again. We called the towing place and yep, they had the 1990 SAAB and we had to bring $191.00 in cash to claim it back. We think because there was a REAL Soccer game that night, they use the parking lot to charge for parking. It was a fun day, but the traffic back up and the car towed kind of made it not so fun too. I guess the moral to all of this is "READ THE SIGNS" and do what they say.

The movie UP....

Cameron has been wanting to go see the movie, UP since it came out in the movie theaters. Sharri, Cameron, Erika and Riley went this afternoon to go and see it. It was a really cute and funny movie. The Eldery man in the movie reminds us of Grandpa Gary. We highly suggest that you go and see it. It was alot of fun and we were able to have lunch afterwards in the Food Court at Provo Towne Mall.

Riley & Erika swimming

Riley & Erika love the summer time when they can swim every single day. A couple of years ago, Erika and her parents went in on a 12' pool to use in the backyard. They rotate between our pool and going with the McGriff's to an off campus BYU apartments pool. They were there for at least 3 hours swimming this evening. Riley should just wear his swimming suit everyday, because he is always in the water somewhere. These pictures were taken at the BYU apartments by seven peaks. Thanks to the McGriff's that are willing to take the whole neighborhood to go swimming.

Storehouse Vegetable Garden

Sharri was able to do some service hours at the Bishop Storehouse Vegetable Garden. The storehouse is in Lindon and just behind the cannery, there is a HUGE garden area. The area might be the size of 1 acre. The rows are about 200 feet long and 100 rows of all different kinds of vegetables. It was a fun and interesting experience. It was our stake's turn to help with the garden for 2 hours. Another Sister in the ward and Sharri went and they staked down the dripper hoses in each row. Other sisters did weeding in the planter boxes that were all around the garden area and the men did the tillers in between the rows. The vegetables they are growing are cabbage, cantalope, watermelon, winter squash, summer squash, cucumbers, broccoli, onions, beets, carrots, peppers, tomatoes and corn. Unfortantely, the quail and raccoons are helping with the garden as well. The quail are eating all the cabbage and broccoli leaves and raccoons are taking up the rest, especially the corn. The garden is small right now, but we would like to go back every week and see how it has grown. Sharri is obsessed with how other people do gardening. We think she gets it from her Grandpa Belcher, who was an advid gardener.

Erika Youth Conference @ Aspen Grove

Erika went to Youth Conference this morning. She went to the Stake Center at 8 am first, so that the youth of the stake could do service projects at the 3 different ward houses in our stake. Then they went to Aspen Grove up Provo Canyon at 1 pm. The stake presidency felt strongly that the youth should be home with their families on monday night, so she was back to the house at 7 pm. We played 3 games as a family and then stayed up until 11 pm. She will be back up at Aspen Grove tomorrow morning at 7 am and will return on Wed. around 12 pm. She tried to take some pictures on her camera, but we couldn't get them to copy to the computer. Hopefully she will have some stories to tell when she gets back.