Storm Video

Video taken toward end of storm

Crazy Storm

We just had a CRAZY storm. The thunder and lightening was continuous for several hours. I didn't know that was possible!

Gavins Baptism

What a special day. Gavin was baptized by his dad Brian. Ashley gave a talk on the Holy Ghost that was very well done. Afterward we had a luncheon at the house. It was a lovely day. We're grateful for all who attended and recognize and appreciate all who drove all day to get here! Thanks for helping to make it a special day for Gavin.

School Starts

Well, it still feels a lot like summer but the kids are back to school. Here are the kids getting ready to leave. Cory was already gone (his school starts pretty darn early!) I caught him the next day. See what I got! His back!

Strawberry Point, Zion Nat'l Park, Efy, Navajo Lake

We had our annual visit to Strawberry Point. This time we rented a cabin along with Brian's sisters Jane, Belinda, Laura, Alice, their kids and his mom, Mary. I think we had about 16 people most of the time. Ashley missed most the week there because she was at EFY. I don't think she would have traded Efy for the cabin though. She had a FABulous time! While she was having a FAB time we had some fun stuff going on too. One of the highlights was hiking the narrows in Zion National Park. We hiked the first mile on the path and the next two or so in the water. We figured we hiked about 6 miles up and back. It was great, the kids did great and the views were amazing. Pictures just don't capture it - at least not mine!

The ROOSTER was everyone's alarm clock. Too bad it was set to go off around 4 am every day AND there was no SNOOZE button!

Salt Lake

Here is a picture of the kids (minus Ashley who was at Girls Camp), Brian and his Aunt Janis (who got me started on Blogging!). She helped Emily MAKE a hammock chair like the one pictured. Talk about comfy - I even got a nap in one.

Farm time in Idaho

We could use the opening line of "We had a great time in..." for each area we went to. We really had a great adventure traveling. Here in Malad, Idaho we visited friends on their farm. Ya' know how kids enjoy playing with boxes at Christmas sometimes more than what came in them? Well, give the kids some space, dirt, water and they're happy! A tube helps too! Here are a few pics of us enjoying ourselves! Even Sienna seemed to enjoy the cool grass!

Next stop! Boise, Idaho

After having fun in Portland we headed on over to Boise, Idaho. There we visited with friends Jenny and Kelly and their kids. We enjoyed the great summer weather, a trip to the park, swimming and playing with the dogs. We also got to visit with one of Melanie's YW Leaders. And as luck would have it her daughter (and friend of Melanie's) showed up with her family and the kids had a great time playing together!

Check out this pretty daisy we captured at Albertson Park

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Cheri was looking for this recipe so here it is for her and anyone else interested!

Dressing
1 lemon
2 T white wine vinegar
1/3 c. sugar
1 T. veg. oil
1 t. poppy seeds

Salad
1/4 c. sliced almonds
1 1/2 c. strawberries (cut as you like)
1/2 med. cucumber sliced into sliced and cut in half
1/4 small red onion sliced into this wedges
1 pkg. (6oz) baby spinach

I use this as a guide. That means sometimes I put it all in and sometimes I don't. The dressing I usually follow though :)

For dressing - zest lemon about 1/2 t., Juice lemon - measure 2 T juice. Combine zest, juice, vinegar, sugar, oil and poppy seeds

Combine salad ingredients and top with dressing just before serving