Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Zipping!

My family and I went zipping last sunday... yes... on sunday. My brother, Brian, and his girlfriend, Christina, work as tour guides. My cousin Jesse also works there. So, mid summer i went down with them and went zipping over the tree canopy. It was so much fun. But the rest of my family wanted to go as well. So, sunday we took a trip down to Gatlinburg to enjoy the day as a family. Dave was in town so he was able to go as well. We stopped first at a watering hole. we had a picnic lunch and played in the water. Then we went to the zip line place. It was so much fun. Taison and Daimon were able to strap on with an adult and go as well. Daimon is apparently the littlest one to go ever. so he was excited about that. We had such a good time. Such a rush... And what a beautiful view! You look out right over the Smokey Mountains. Dave took a few pictures of everyone. If you have never been zipping before... you should go! it's worth every dime!




Utah

As i quickly mentioned before, we made a impromtu trip to Utah this summer for my grandfather's funeral. The reason for being there of course sucked, but what a great chance to see family that i haven't had a chance to see in years. I had such a good time. I wanted to stay another few weeks... but, work is work... My mom, Steph, and my kids and I drove my van out. We hit construction and bad weather both ways... but, really it wasn't a bad drive.... and that's with 3 boys...

At the funeral and the lunch afterwards was when the whole family was together. i can't believe i'm related to so many people that i don't know!!! everyone looked familur... and i could usually guess who's kid went to what parent... but, there just wasn't enough time to catch up with everyone.

My favorite times while we were there is when we would sit around my Grandma's back deck and visit. That's when I felt like i really got the chance to get to know everyone so much better. Kim and Matt are about my age... but, we've never really spent much time together since we've been adults. It was so nice being able to bond with them and get to know their kids a little more. We have so much more in common then i thought we did. It was so much fun rememinsing the old days and hearing stories of their families. I was able to spend a little time at Debbie's house as well. I went to her house for a tour. But, in each room I was able to hear a different story about her, or her family. it was fantastic! Of course, we stayed at Julie's house. because they lived the closest to us for so long we know their family, it seems, the best. It was so good to see them, and see how old Julie's kids have gotten, but how young Julie still looks. We were able to spend a little time with Dan's family and Lori's family. I spent not near enough time catching up with Brooke (who was always my bestest cousin.) Dave and Jon were able to come into town as well. It's always so much fun to spend time with both of them. i don't get to see them as much as i would like. I'm so glad that my siblings and i are so close.

And then, of course, Grandma. She is such an amazing woman. She has raised such a fantastic family. She held up so well at the funeral and throughout that week. She was so funny. She would tell a story about Grandpa from years ago. She would have us all laughing so hard, and then she would end up with tears. Laughing to crying and back again in a matter of seconds.

She has such a fantastic heart. She spent one evening playing board games with a few of the great grandkids. they loved it so much. Grandpa and Grandma were so happy for so many years. Grandpa was such an amazing man. He was funny and extremely smart. The only problem was that as kids we knew he was brilliant, but he would tease us so much that we didn't know whether or not to believe what he was telling us. He had such a strong testimony of the gospel. Of family, and the importance of it. He left behind an incredible legacy. He did so many things in this world. Did the world know who he was? no, but, they should have!

These are some of my favorite pictures that were taken that week.


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Crazy summer

This has been one crazy summer. the time has flown by. July we moved our work location. (that was an ordeal!!!) Then my grandfather passed away so we made a impromptu trip to Utah. Then we had major flooding at the new work location. (even a bigger ordeal) before i could blink, the kids were starting back to school!
I'm working on several blog entries, but i wanted to at least post something saying that we survived the summer and there will be lots of pictures and stories coming soon! (not that anyone reads this blog but me... but, its my poor excuse for a journal...)