Independence Day in Orem/Provo

It was too windy or rainy on the days we were going to try to go see the Hot Air Balloons, so we had to settle for not doing that this year.  We did have other traditional fun by going to the Provo Freedom Fesitval Parade, having a BBQ with family and doing and watching Fireworks.

Spencer all tuckered out after playing hard at G-ma's house on July 2nd.

 I was ready down to my tippy toes!

 4th of July Parade in Provo

 The presiding Bishop

 Sid, Spence, Kam and Max

 G-pa and G-ma in the background with James and Zack up front.

 The BYU float.

 Bagpipes, or as Sidnie said it:  "Merida (Brave) music."

 I went over shook Senator Lee's hand while he was on a float.  Later he walked back to greet some folks.  I was able to talk with Senator Mike Lee.  (We were in the MTC many moons ago at the same time.  Both going Spanish speaking, but to different places.  His Dad was so great!)  I appreciate all he is doing for our nation.

 Joel and his wife Emily were able to come over for the BBQ.

 Spencer turning flips with his cousin's help.

Kammie really wanted to see and meet Carly Rae Jepsen, who was performing at the Stadium of Fire.  We didn't have tickets, but we headed down to LaVell Edwards Stadium to see if we could at least hear her singing.  There were actually several that gathered and from one end and side of the stadium you could see the jumbotron.  We decided to take up a spot on the other side where you could actually see into the stage.  So we can at least say we saw Carly Rae Jepsen perform live!

Kammie was hoping this was her limo.  She wanted to meet her too and get her autograph.

 Watching through the fence.

 There she is on stage.

 More of her performance as it got dark.

Back home we did fireworks in the backyard.  Aunt Kelly had glow sticks that the kids taped to themselves and played like they were part of Tron.  (Some of my photos were with a flash and some were not.) 

 Spence and Zack on the Trampoline

 Sidnie building a big loop of lights.

 More Tron fun on the ground.

 I think this was cousin Max.

 Sid with a sparkler.

 More light stick construction.

Kammie with a circle of glow sticks around her face.

 Firework fun with the strobe light, so we had to move around behind it.

We are thankful to live in this great country that was founded by God and humble men who were willing to follow promptings and face many hard times to do the work Heavenly Father had for them to do.  We are also grateful to the many who have fought for preserve the freedoms we enjoy living in this great land.  God Bless America!  My home sweet home!

South Fork

We like to go up Provo Canyon with the kids/cousins for a picnic.  We chose South Forth past Vivian Park (and are able to think of Pres. Monson there as a youth).  We had a great time playing in the river and hanging out with our Seal cousins.

 Gathering for food.

 Kaia the dog is getting older and going blind, but we love this dog.

 Let's Eat!

 

 Water fun in the river, but boy was it COLD!

 Nephew/cousin Jake

 The boys at it again.

 Playing Frisbee with his dad.  He was pretty good too.

Zack and Max in a tree.

Visitng BYU's Campus

Kate and Jordan were attending EFY at BYU and we hadn't seen them for over a week, so we loaded Kammie, Zack and Spencer in the car and headed down to show them the campus at BYU and hope to "run" into our girls. 
The boys got tired of looking at different buildings and things. 

 The boys under a cool tree.

Zack's find at the BYU bookstore...Go Cougars!

 Kam and Zack "standing" on Cosmo's head.

 Visiting Jordan and Kate in their dorms at Heritage Halls.

We did finally reach Kate and met her at the Creamery for treats.  After we walked to Harris Hall to see her dorm.  Then she walked us to Whitney Hall where we found Jordan.  The boys were a little too excited to bed in their rooms and on their beds.  When they finally got kicked out of there, they were climbing the walls in the hallway.

We also ran into Cade Speed (a friend of our dear friends from our time in Texas).  He even recognized us and so we feel good that our annual Holiday letters back and forth are doing the trick to keep us current and in touch since we don't get to see them in person much.

Kammie's favorite part was visiting the BYU's swimming pool and diving area.  Maybe next time we'll get a chance to go use the pool.

I headed down to campus to take Jordan a shirt and ended up walking around Heritage Halls for a while.  Strolling down memory lane.  Oh the memories of my time there many many years ago!

Harris Hall (where Kate stayed for EFY and where my sister Tara lived)

 A little patio on the grounds of Heritage Halls.  I had some good converstations there with friends way back when.

 Aurelia Spencer Rogers Hall no longer stands.  It was knocked down to build more of these more modern dorms.  So sad to see it go, but what a great improvement.

 A view from there of the Y on the mountain.

Go Cougars!