Summer Fun

 My last back blogging I promise. In June we went to Utah and spent some time with Mark and Spring's Family. Here the kids are playing with each other. I wish we lived closer, Robby and Alexander get along so well together.

We were also able to be there for baby Pepper's blessing. She is such a sweet little doll!

We stopped in to see my Grandma Edwards. The boys had so much fun. She brought out the trains and blocks that she used to have when we were little kids playing at her house!

 We were able to see our good friends Kurt and Heidi! It was so nice to catch up with them!

 The boys with my Grandma Stewart. We had a big family reunion on her side, her mother my Great Grandma Amidan used to do big family reunions and the tradition has carried on. I haven't been able to go to one of these in years so it was a lot of fun. Plus they do raffles and games, we won a lot of cool stuff!!

 After seeing everyone we headed south. John had never been to southern Utah and we took Grandpa Larry with us, it was a lot of fun! First we stopped at Zion's National Park.

 

Then we realized we were only an hour away from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I was little when I went there growing up, so I don't remember it and John had never been there. 

 Then we headed back up Utah and went to Bryce Canyon!  Johnny couldn't get enough of the cool rock formations. We only wished we had more time....and energy to hike around more!

 We stayed 2 nights in Manti. My ancestors were asked my Brigham Young to help settle the town back in the 1800's. This was my favorite part of the trip. I love going to Manti and remembering the great heratiage that I come from. Johnny and I were even able to go to the temple and do sealings together. That was very special for us since we have only been able to go together a handful of times since having kids, we usually just switch off.

 Close to the temple is a cemetery. I love walking around this cemetery. I have so many ancestors  here. This one here is my 3rd great grandma!

 The very best part of Manti is always going to Funk Lake, now Palisades Lake. My great great grandfather Funk actually built this lake. He bought the land with help from Brigham Young, from the Indians and ran water up hill. The Indians thought he was crazy! He was a very successful man, he had the lake, a big row boat on the lake and a dance floor.

The dance floor burnt down many years ago but the cement is still there. I love that my boys got see that! I actually have a nail and some cement from the floor that I got when I went here 10 years ago with my family and grandparents!

We were able to stop and see our friend the Robisons! It was so good to see them! The kids had so much fun. Robby talked about Kelly for a long time afterwards.

 When we got home from our trip we went boating with my brother! Robby loved it, he kept telling him, "go faster!" Robby even rode in the inner tube! With an adult of course. Nate didn't like it so much, and actually ended up falling asleep on the ride.

 We went to Boise for a day trip and spent some time with our friends the Thompson's. It was so much fun to see them and catch up!

 The two Hoosier Optometrists!

 One of our last weekends there we went to Craters of the Moon with Grandma and Grandma. I love this place it is so unique! There are caves everywhere. Robby had a lot of fun going in and out!

 Nathan, mostly cried and the only thing that kept him from crying was holding the portable radio!

We have had so much fun catching up with everyone this summer! We had so much fun that it makes life boring being away and having to work! We love you all and appreciate your love and  friendship!