Oh Sunshine, Where Art Thou?

I've seen it snow in April, but not for TWO DAYS! I love living in Utah for the great change of seasons. I just don't like it when they don't change. So here is my ode to summer and good weather (a long over due post of our summer 2010).

We started our summer a little early and took a trip to Southern California. Disneyland was our first destination. We walked and rode rides till we couldn't ride anymore. Molly was being chicken and didn't want to ride the roller coasters. So she stayed off with Lyndie since she was too short to ride. Grace and Olivia were game for every single ride.

A REAL man can wear princess ears and have their picture taken with a princess.

I LOVE this picture on Splash Mountain! It still makes me laugh to this day.

After 3 days in Disneyland we headed south to San Diego to spend some warm days on the beach. My kids ended up wanting to swim in the hotel pool more than anything :)

Went to Sea World for a few days and got drenched by Shamu. When they say "drench zone" they mean it. Tony didn't believe me. He had never been to Southern California.

Stopped on our way home to see the temple. It is SO beautiful!

For their birthday's, Molly and Grace wanted acrylic nails. A good friend of mine dropped by and indulged them.

For a family reunion we went to Lava Hot Springs. We stayed at a place that somewhere in the back of my mind was familiar. Nina said the same. We figured out that we had stayed there when we were little (I was 5 years old, amazing that I have memories from then). I remember going aross the street to get candy from the gas station. But there was no gas station across the street. So to be sure we weren't crazy, we asked the hotel desk if there was once a gas station across the street. She looked surprised and said yes it blew up a while back from a meth lab. I love reliving memories, especially ones from so long ago.

The 4th of July in a small town is the BEST for kids. They make sure to have their grocery sacks good and ready for all that candy being thrown.

Lyndie was prepared in advance for the fire trucks and the military guns to come by.

The girls in our traditional spot in right field to watch the fireworks.

We spent the evening of the 24th of July at the small town rodeo. It reminds me of the one we used to have when I was a kid. They have the cash cow, mutton busting, hyde races, and all of the traditional rodeo events. The only event missing is the animal chase where everyone brings their unwanted pets and animals for the kids to catch and take home. Parent's aren't a big fan of this event.

Tony and I had the opportunity to be a Ma and Pa for youth conference last year at Martin's Cove. This is at the top of Independence Rock.

Four buses to haul the kids and adults from our stake.

We spent two days pulling and pusing handcarts. I had been to Martin's Cove for a family reunion previous. But everytime has been a different experience and I have really grown to love the pioneers and all they went through, really for us.

After some silent respectful crossings of the Sweetwater River, we were allowed to have a water fight at the 3rd crossing. I thought I was safe from dunking since I was taking pictures. But this picture is Tony taking my camera so that a group of crazy girls could attack.

I haven't had that much fun in a LONG time. EVERYONE was soaked.

This definitely wasn't a relaxing vacation but it was definitely one of my most favorite trips with my man.

The day after we got home from Martin's Cove (hence my sunburn and cold sore) we drove to Elk Ridge to help celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Aren't they adorable!

They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Tables were set up with centerpieces and pictures of my parents through the years.

You may recognize the quilt from an earlier post found here.

This was my first attempt (and hopefully my last) to make a wedding cake. I made to look as much like my parent's wedding cake as I could. With the help of friends and Molly's talent with making fondant roses, I think it turned out great.

It is rare that all of our family is ALL together. We live in 5 different states. So we took the opportunity to take a famiy picture before the big party.

Each of us kids took a turn on the program to tell a story, a joke, or just something we love about our parents. Some of the grandkids shared a talent and then we all showed how we can SHAKE IT. We cleared the floor and danced the night away. It was such a fun night and a great tribute to two amazing parents!

Before the summer got away from us we made sure to go camping one last time.

And then to end the summer we celebrated Lyndie's 4th birthday.

I started the summer thinking it was going to be calm and boring (a good boring). Boy was I wrong. But I am glad it was jam packed. We made SO many memories and became closer as a family. Looking forward to what this summer might bring. Can't wait to try out our new toy for the summer. (Notice the snow STILL coming down today).

Here's to hoping for good weather and good times!