Preston Night Rodeo

At the beginning of the summer I asked Owen to pick a rodeo and we'd go.  He chose the Preston Night Rodeo.  Good pick Owen, it was a fun one.  There was a whole fair going on, so if we do this one again, I will plan more time so we can do the fair as well.  Instead we had all worked all day, and got to Preston right as the rodeo was starting.   At least we didn't miss any of the rodeo, we would've missed the awesome sunset.  It was a beautiful night, and not hot at all which instantly makes any event more enjoyable.  The company was a big factor as well.  I love hanging out with my kids.  As they get older and busier, that time gets more and more important and memorable.  

Refreshing fun

 Brady and his mom planned a party with a waterslide and hot dogs.  I love our friendship with these special kids.  Brady was thrilled to see that Gator has braces now like him.  He'll think it is funny next month when he gets his off and Gator still has to wear hers.  

New Smile

Gator has been working this summer with the goal of getting braces.  She has wanted braces for a long time.  I am so proud of her for doing this on her own.  It is a big expense, and she saved up enough for a big chunk down and she will have a monthly payment to pay off the rest.  She did it all on her own, making the consultation appointment and everything.  She got braces this morning and then went to work.  I met her at Tropical Smoothie for her lunch break to get something cold and soft.  She is a little sore, but so excited to see results.  

Still loves the temple

 Gator is still making appointments and going to do baptisms as often as she can.  She loves the temple.  The Layton temple took a little bit to be able to get into since it is new, but as soon as they could arrange it they were there.  

Pioneer Days

We went to the Pioneer Days rodeo the other night.  I bought tickets for everyone, but Kylee had to work so Owen brought Jay.  Davis and Kin didn't really want to go on a week night, so Brady & Zoie used their tickets.  By the end of the night Zoie was asleep on me, but I let her sleep because she wasn't talking.  Oh my, she didn't stop talking the whole evening, that is how I knew she was actually asleep.  The rodeo was fun.  Rodeo's are Owens true love.  We all enjoy them, but really we go so we can hang out with Owen.  I don't know if he has worn off on Kylee, or if she goes because she loves Owen.  Either way, if you want to hang out with Owen, plan on going to a rodeo.  Krissy & PJ bought tickets as well, and they were just a couple rows behind us. I had to work today.  Gator had it off though and she spent the whole day hanging out with friends.  I got home from work and watched them do some fireworks.  Davis & Kin came out for a few minutes.  Davis tried to make a "bomb", I'm glad it didn't work.  I was having PTSD from his accident a few years ago.   This neighborhood goes crazy for the 4th and the 24th.  So it is fun to sit outside and watch.  

Everyone is busy

 It is busy and it is VERY hot.  Oh my word, it is hot.   Owen & Kylee celebrated their 3rd anniversary.  I thought back to their wedding day, not sure how we survived an outdoor ceremony in the middle of July, but we did and it was beautiful.  They sent me pictures from the arcade where they went to celebrate.  I love that they went to an arcade.  Davis & Kin took a trip to South Dakota with her family.  I was impressed with the pictures they sent me.  I sent them a lot too.....of the dogs.  I got the job of watching Joey, Jake, and Hank.  I am still not sure how I became the dog sitter.  I don't even like dogs.  But their trip was fun!!  Gator has been working.  She is saving up for braces and she had a consultation this week.  She gets her braces on August 1st.  I am impressed that a 16 year old will work so hard to pay for her own braces.  She does still have a little fun this summer.  We took Brady & Zoie to a movie the other night.  We invited Miriam as well, that was fun to hang out with them.  They are always entertaining.  I am 10 credits away from my degree.  That is if I actually ever pass this class I am in right now.  Disciplinary Literacy.  It is an awful class.  I am also working a lot of hours at Legacy, and helping pack up the classroom at Rocky getting it ready to move to Mountain View.  We have a few weeks left of summer break.  I only want to go back to work because then fall is that much closer.  I crave fall.  

Lake Day

 We went up to Pineview this afternoon.  It was actually a good time to go because everyone from the busy day was leaving and there were just a few late afternoon people.  Brady and Zoie had a blast, they would've swam all night long.  Having them makes everything so fun, they love life!  I love that they are our good friends.  There was a rope swing that Gator, Afton, and Lu played on.  I like that I am the picture taker, because it is a good excuse to sit out on the scary things.  It wasn't very high, but still I am too old for rope swings from trees into the water.  

4th of July

 We have basically done the exact same thing every 4th of July.  It is fun, and full of family time.  If it wasn't for the heat, I would dare say it was one of the best days every year.  But now that my kids are grown, it is kind of a bummer.  I love seeing all my kids, and I wish they didn't grow up some days of the year.  The 4th of July being one of them.  Owen and Kylee have started their own traditions, and they love it.  Next year, I may join them on their new Stewart 4th of July fishing derby.  We'll see, maybe we can even get Davis and Kin to go too.  Regardless of where we were, we all had a fun holiday.  Everyone had fun plans, and everyone was safe.  I just don't have as many pictures to show for it.  Owen sent 2 and Davis sent 0.  I took lots though.  

After dinner, the "crack" comes out.  My muddy buddies will never measure up to the 4th of July crack.  

It actually wasn't terribly hot this year, but after dinner when the sun goes down and we are hanging out playing with fireworks is still my favorite part of the 4th of July.  

The Stewart 4th of July Fishing Derby

Temples

 The temple has become a very important part of my life.  I love that goal that Gator had a few years ago to visit every Utah temple.  It has grown to be so much more.  Today Dallin went through before he goes on his mission to Denver.  Gator was home with the stomach flu.  I hope she is feeling better for all the festivities tomorrow.