Empty Spaces

I went to set the table and there were two empty spaces where eager faces used to sit...  I went to vacuum the basement and there were two empty rooms where music used to flow and clothes covered the floor waiting to be worn or washed...  I went to park the car and noticed I could park anywhere... We went to have family prayer and prayed for two that used to stand in the circle... I went to bed at night waiting to hear the late night entries, only to hear silence.  Two have gone to spread their wings and have left empty spaces in my heart but I am happy for them.  Happy they have chosen to go live life on their own to experience it through their own eyes and hopefully take what they have learned and be successful in their own ways.  I am proud of my daughters who now live on their own, happy for them, but in a way sad for me and the empty spaces they leave behind.

Neighborhood Campout

These are some great neighbors who are the best campers EVER!  We went up American Fork Canyon which was far enough away from doorbells and phones, but close enough the guys could still go to work when they needed to and come back to cook dinner for us.  We had a great time camping, eating, hiking, canoeing, wading in the streams, and we even had a fireside concert.  One of our summer highlights.

Emily introduced us to Texas size marshmallows.  They have to be toasted perfectly over briquettes, then you peel the outer layer off, leaving a hollow marshmallow shell, shove your chocolate squares in the center and don't even use graham crackers.  She makes a sweet s'more and we had them everynight.  

Yummmm!

These are a couple of reasons why I love Relief Society.  Without it I wouldn't know these two great friends the way I do.  I love that it can turn friends into sisters.  

The boys had fun no matter what they were doing... even cooking!  The dutch oven meals were fabuloso!

Outdoors, family, and friends.  You gotta love it!!

Swimming at Grandma's

What's better in the summer than swimming? We had a great time at Grandma Susan's Pool. 

Thanks for sharing Grandma Susan!

Three Little Monkeys...

It had been a long time since the kids had been to the Hogle Zoo. In fact, Brooke couldn't even remember ever being to the zoo!! I knew it was time.  The animals were all really tired because it was HOT.  Conner kept wondering, "When are they going to do something?"  We did see tigers swimming, fruit bats, and a really cool bird show.

                                      

Grandma Savage's

While Terrence and I were in Italy, Grandma Savage had the kids over.  It looks like they had a great get together.  Thanks for entertaining our kids while we were away!  We'll be there next time...

Steel Days Parade

Aunt Jen saves us a seat for the American Fork Steel Days Parade.  

Thanks Aunt Jen!

This year Aunt Lisa came from California with Tommy and Sophie.  She even brought sunscreen!

Lots of COUSINS

Uncle Ty, Aunt Lorrie, Aunt Lisa, Terrence

Samantha and Sabrina cheer in the Parade

Go Sam!

Fishlake

Four Wheeling with the fam in some of the most beautiful country in all of Utah

 

"Walk a little slower Daddy" said a child so small,

"I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they're hard to see;

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,

You're what I want to be;

Then I will have a little child

Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,

And know that I was true,

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For I must follow you."

(author unknown)

A Day on the Boat with NO Fish 

(ok, it was a couple hours)

The leader of all our outdoor recreation.  Terrence is so capable of always loading the four wheelers, getting the boat in the water, knowing the best trailheads, and just plain entertaining.  Before I met Terrence I had never: waterskied, snowshoed, snowmobiled, fished, hiked, camped, gardened, or four wheeled.  My love for the outdoors in large part is because he makes it so fun!   

Kinsey... making it look good.

We can hardly wait until this one gets her license