Sweet land of liberty

I've said this before and I'll say it again, I absolutely LOVE the 4th of July!  Maybe it's because of being raised in Rupert where our parents celebrated the holiday in a big way.  Maybe it's because I love to celebrate the birthday of our country because it means so much to me.  Maybe it's because I love to throw a big party and have our family members come and play and chat and eat.  Maybe it's because of all of the above.
This year three of our four kids weren't able to come home, so we forged ahead with those who could make it.  Instead of a crowd of 75 or so, we had a crowd of 20.  My sister Carol who has come for years wasn't able to make it either (and she and her family were missed.)  We had a great time with Rick's family including his sister Robyn and her husband Bob who came from CA, brother Doug's family, and sister Margie with her "surprise" guest Grant and three of their four kids.  The morning of the 4th Rick and Andy ran the Provo 10k and then we went to the parade with those who could make it, including niece Syd, Adam and Rafe. After that we headed home for our BBQ complete with the same menu that we eat every year (and love it!)  We finish up with homemade ice-cream and then go swimming.  Afterwards we clean up a bit, rest and get ready for Stadium of Fire.  This year did not disappoint.  The BEACH BOYS gave a great concert and we loved the show.  We fall into bed at the end of the day, grateful for our great nation and the freedoms and liberties we enjoy. It's a day chock full of family, reminders of freedom and good food and fun.  What could be better than that?

Oceanside...again

 
We had such a fun family vacation last year, so we decided to return and play it again.  It worked out even better than before because we knew exactly what was provided in the beach house we rented, and we knew what to take and what not to take.  Here's a little recap (even if it happened almost two months ago.)

Rick, Andy and I headed down to AZ, staying at the Tuscany in Las Vegas for the night.  I must say that we have found a jewel in the city of sin (thanks to Claire.)  It's a newer, clean hotel for a killer price.  We headed to AZ the next day and Rick and Andy finally got to meet Charlie.  We went over to visit David E. and then we got ready for Charlie's baby blessing (mentioned earlier.)  The next day was Dave's graduation from ASU.  We all met for Mexican food afterwards with Courtney's family who were in town.  The following day we headed out for sunny southern California.  Andy and I took turns driving my Mom and her car and we finally caught sight of the blue Pacific about 2:00 that afternoon.  Jord and Jake and the girls and Dave and Courtney drove their cars and we all meet up at the beach house.  Claire, Lizzie and Rich flew in to San Diego and Rick went to pick them up.  We all enjoyed a good meal and feel into bed. We were there Saturday afternoon until Saturday morning of the next week and we enjoyed every minute of it.
Here are a few things we did this year:

~My Mother dear was able to go with us this year.  We LOVED having her with us.  She was so easy going and so fun to be with us.  We created some great memories over the four generations that were in attendance
~we went to the beach every day and got it in (except for Sunday.)  The little girls played by the hour in the sand.  Boggie boarding and just watching the ocean was a favorite activity.  Saw some dolphins and some beautiful sunsets
~had some family pictures taken
~went to church and had a lovely ham dinner afterwards
~listened to Mom tell her life story and more about Dad and their life together, sharing many stories our kids didn't know.  It was one of the best highlights of the trip
~sang "I run the old mill" that was mentioned earlier
~went to the Mormom Batallion site in San Diego and learned more about that part of Mormon history
~toured the aircraft carrier Midway that is now docked and is a museum in San Diego
~went to a San Diego Padres game against Rockies
~went to the San Diego temple
~the guys went to a Dodger game in LA and the girls made crafts and watched movies
~played the game of THINGS too many times and some other games with the little girls
~visited with our friend Jesse who came by for a visit
~rode bikes along the seashore
~had a special "mother's day tribute" with kind words and gifts!
~laughed and had such a good week!