June 2022

 By the time June arrived we were so ready for a break from all things scheduled and routine.  We thought a slower pace would do us some good.  Unfortunately we had way too much going on to actually slow down.  However, it was so many good things that it filled our June with lots of fun!

First up, we hosted a baby shower for our sweet neighbors The Capps.  We had a freezer meal shower where we got together and put together meals for after her baby is born.  It worked out so well and we were able to make quite a few meals for her. 

Cute Tess wanted to help decorate for the shower and this is what she created...

Next up, we got to spend some time with one of our Sandy family friends who came for a little get away.  It had been awhile since we had hung out and it was so good to be with the Thorups again. 

We had planned a small get away last summer to Brian Head that we couldn't do because we ended up with Covid.  So we rescheduled it for this summer. On the way there we were able to stop at the Cedar City Temple where Quincy was able to perform baptisms for the dead for the first time with Devin and Addy.  Since the younger girls couldn't go in I stayed out and we took Tess' baptism pictures.  It was a really great way to kick off this vacation.  

Cedar Breaks is just below Brian Head and it is so beautiful. 

First thing these girls wanted to do at Brian Head was get in the hot tub!

Meanwhile, these 2...

Lots of game playing while we were there...

On the first full day we went to Bryce Canyon and did a couple of hikes.  The first was Tower Bridge Trail.  It was hot, longer than we expected, and a bit harder for the kids then we thought.  But the kids were troopers and they did such a great job getting through a hard experience. And it was so beautiful the whole way through. While we stopped for a break at the bridge we made some animal friends who ate from our hands. 

Next up, we headed to Mossy Cave Trail.  We knew after that long, hard hike the girls needed a shorter one with a way to cool down at the end.  This was such a fun hike to do with the kids. 

We also spent a day in Parowan, hiking at the Mammoth Caves, and driving through Panquitch and Duck Creek Village.  This is such a beautiful area and we hope to have more time to explore it later. 

In the evening we played at the park, fished, and watched the sunset. 

We didn't do so well at the fishing. But Tess was determined to catch a fish.  Even after the rest of us had given up, she kept going... and succeeded.  She was so proud!

We also spent a day at the lodge doing all of their fun activities.  The girls loved it!

Cubby misses us when we are gone...

Quincy got a chance to go the cabin with Grandma and Grandpa and her bestie cousin Kyler...

We kept Father's Day pretty simple but always love celebrating our favorite guy...

And we got have Grandma and Grandpa with us for a special Father's Day dinner...

Coco decided that 1 dance performance a year just wasn't enough so she tried out for a competition team.  This will be her team for the upcoming year!

Micro Ascend

Ladies Night Out to see the play Rent...

For a combined YM/YW activity we hiked the Temple Quarry Trail.  It was crazy to see how hard the pioneers had to work in order to build the temple.  Doing all that they did in the name of God and for His gospel.  Really makes you think about how much you are willing to do to build His Kingdom.

Tess and her group of friends decided to start a dog babysitting business.  Their first customer? A GERMAN SHEPARD! I about freaked out when I saw the huge dog in our backyard.  These girls had no fear though and washed him, walked him, and played with him!

Ryan, Maddie, and Isaac came down for a quick trip and we somehow managed to convince everyone involved that Maddie should stay with us until we would meet up again at the family reunion in Bear Lake.  It was seriously so much of a blessing to have her around.  Addy and Maddie were just inseparable from doing cross country to sleeping the whole time she was with us.  She has a fiery personality that gave us a lot of laughs and Addy much more confidence.  It was definitely divine intervention that pushed us to have her stay!  

POSERS!

We also had Lynn and Mary-Ann down to see The Buddy Holly Story at the Tuacahn.  We always love the time we get to spend with them. 

Peas in a Pod...

We finally got Coco into swimming lessons this summer.  She went from being terrified of putting her face in the water to this...

For as busy as June was we sure had a lot to be grateful for and so much to enjoy!  July promises to be just as busy and just as fun!