JuLy HaPpEnInGs

Parades


Fireworks

Swimming

Hikes

Races

Rodeo's

and handsome cowboy'sReally, what's not to love about July???

Little Loves

I got to babysit these little loves today!

and how happy i was to kiss on this little guy


and be entertained by this cute little one.


I am one lucky aunt!!!

All dolled up

Afton had her first dance recital. It went surprisingly well. No tears, no stage fright, no falls.

Way to go Afton girl!

Beloved Pioneer's

The husband and I were asked to give a talk in sacrament yesterday on our beloved Pioneer's. We came across many inspirational stories and are amazed with what they had to go through. I have so much respect and admiration for the courage, the faith, and the will power of these wonderful people. I hope we can all learn from them and their happy spirits despite adversity.



It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to look upon the virtues of those who have gone before, to gain strength for whatever lies ahead. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored so hard and gained so little in this world, but out of whose dreams and early plans, so well nurtured, has come a great harvest of which we are the beneficiaries. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life, often in his own family, and many of us pioneer daily in trying to establish a gospel foothold in distant parts of the world.

-President Hinckley

Apricot-Cherry Trifle

I love our apricot tree and here is just one reason why.

This dessert is a summer delight and not bad on the calorie side either. It's worth giving a try!

NGREDIENTS
6 ripe apricots, halved and pitted
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons apricot nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 angel food cake, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 1/2 cups nonfat plain yogurt
1 cup bing cherries, halved and pitted

PREPARATION
Cook first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat for about 10 minutes or until apricots start to release juices. Remove from heat; set aside. Lay cake slices on waxed paper. Using a standard "rocks" glass, cut out 12 circles of cake. When apricots are cool, puree in blender 2 minutes or until smooth. Cover, and refrigerate 30 minutes. Stir yogurt into apricot mixture. Place a few cherry halves on the bottom of a rocks glass. Spoon 2 tablespoons yogurt-apricot mixture over cherries; cover with a slice of cake; repeat twice. Top with cherries and a drizzle of yogurt-apricot mixture.

Ranch life

We always enjoy going down to The Cowboy's place (Miah's brother). He and his super awesome wife Angi, live on a ranch and it is always a blast to visit. Coming home this last time was rough and I have been itching for the small town feeling ever since. Smaller towns seem much less worried about all the worldly stuff and much more centered on family. Someday Miah, someday.

Angi- I thoroughly enjoyed the cow milking experience (or at least watching it) and am still upset I ruined our attempt at home made butter. Next time I won't use a whole gallon of salt:)

Thanks guys for letting our nutty little family stay with you. Our kids were so sad to come home and have continually reminded us how much cooler your ranch is than our boring little farm.

Ragnar relay

Imagine you and 11 of your friends running day and night, relay-style, through some of the most scenic terrain North America could muster. Add in live bands, inside jokes and a mild case of sleep deprivation. The result? Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it a Ragnar Relay...more

For all you runners out there Ragnar (Wasatch back) is the race to do!!! It was this past weekend and probably one of my favorite things I have done.

You have a team of 12 and you run from Logan to Park City (188 miles). Each person has three legs to run (mine were 5.1, 8.5 and 4.9) in about a 24 hour period. I would say the hardest part was not getting much sleep....if any, but it is also so much fun running through the night and having your team follow and cheer you on. I am completely on a "runner's high" right now and can't wait for next years!

Lots of laughs with these cute girls.

The girls giving Megan a cool down. She rocked it!The dominator Lindsey. This girl is adorable. She yelled words of encouragement to everyone we passed. She had enough energy for the whole car. I loved it!
Amazing scenery! (If your one of the lucky ones that can take it in while your running.....I usually just have swear words going through my head:)

The team. Fun, fun girls!

Any runners out there (or anyone who wants to start running)??? I love the social aspect of running and the idea of a running group so I am going to start a blog where you will be able to follow and join the races that we are doing and/or our running schedule. Anyone that wants to join in on the fun let me know. It will be a great time!

promising future

I think she has a very promising future, maybe just not in singing.

Hudson, you were a great audience for your sister. Thanks for making her happy by watching....and clapping.