Abundant Blessings

Filthy after mowing the weeds down on our lot.

The month of July is flying by.  

Warning: another long post with lots of pics.

We added two smaller pines to back property line.

Four pines added to east property line.

Added smaller pine to side bed.

Now that we have neighbors to the left of us, we've devoted some time and effort to the yard this summer.  We hope to add a few more trees and eventually a 3-rail white vinyl fence.  We like our neighbors just fine but we've grown accustomed to our own space:).  It will be a work in progress.

Quinn attended the Mickey D's Basketball Camp for two days (in June) and also dabbled in the youth summer track program.   The club met M/W from 11-12pm and the athletes rotated through various events so they could see what they would like doing.  He ran the 100m and 200m in a few meets but preferred the high jump over everything else.  The month long summer rec soccer program also concluded this past week.  Quinn scored several goals and enjoyed the team experience with Coach Matt (again).  Being the father of triplets and working for the city, Matt has been pegged and begged to coach on more than one occasion.  It works well for me because it provides a carpool situation!

Coach Matt & the "Gray Tornadoes"
Tommy, Camden, Brock, Sophie
Collin, Jensen, Quinn, Aiden 

Aaron & Brett at starting line of Gran Fondo.

The 100-mile Gran Fondo bike ride ended up being a real challenge with a reversed course, an extra six miles tagged on and incredible heat/wind.  Aaron gutted his way through it and he and Brett got their 'second-win' and finished strong together.

I drove down on Saturday (July 8) with Anna, Elsie and Quinn while Aaron went to CV on Friday afternoon with Brett.  After his ride, Aaron and I went on a date to the temple then grabbed a bite afterwards.  The kids had fun playing with cousins. My parents returned home late that night from mom's 50th high school reunion she had responsibilities at so we saw them on Sunday morning. 

President & Sister Johnson, Heather & Aaron

Aaron, Anna, my mom and I attended the sacrament meeting across the street from my parent's ward building where we listened to Tanner's returned mission parents - President and Sister Johnson's 'homecoming' remarks.  It was a packed crowd but Aaron and I were able to shake hands and exchange a few comments with them at the church building and at a park where a large gathering was held afterwards.  They are a lovely couple and spoke praises of Tanner and his work in the mission field.  It was a sweet experience to meet two special people that have had such a powerful influence on Tanner this past year.  We felt blessed our schedule and proximity allowed us to be in attendance and found it amazing they live in my sister/parent's stake!

cousin time at G-ma & G-pa's

Korinne, Jenna, Anna - reading

Quinn on the beloved rocking pony

Adam, AJ, Hilary, Heather, Aaron - met AJ for first time

Quinn, Jameson, AJ - hamming it up

Our time in CV was short but sweet.  We enjoyed a delicious meal together then returned home to Brinley and Jantzen (and cousin Sariah) and to prepare for another action-packed week ahead. 

Elsie made a new friend, Aislyn.

The long-awaited ballroom dance camp finally arrived and Elsie enjoyed it even more than she thought she would.  It was held from 8-12pm Monday - Thursday.  Meanwhile, Jantzen attended (M-W) his final basketball camp of the summer - Ankle Breakers.  

Brinley was busy preparing for her 2-week humanitarian trip to Merida, Mexico.  With Aaron, Jantzen and Anna also packing for High Adventure (July 13-15), we ended up needing to send Brinley on the shuttle Wednesday afternoon.  Aunt Erica picked her up at the SL airport and drove her to my parent's Murray house where she spent the night.  My parents were able to take her to the airport for her Thursday morning flight.  The timing worked perfectly as Tiffany and Abigail were scheduled to land near the same time.

Brinley at the SL airport

Through texts, Brinley was able to let us know a delayed flight caused a ripple effect so the entire HEFY (Humanitarian Experience For Youth) group ended up staying an extra day in SL then caught a Friday (July 14) flight to Mexico.  The youth group (ages 16-19) was able to prepare and serve a meal at a homeless shelter, spend time at the Family History Library and so forth.  We are looking forward to learning more about Brinley's experiences as we do not have current contact.  No doubt she's having some fabulous learning opportunities and serving others in less-fortunate circumstances. 

High Adventure included the YM/YW of our ward this year.  The theme was "Ask in Faith" and a lot of work went into making this a successful youth outing.  I am always impressed by the dedication and sacrifice of leaders in assisting to provide these kind of experiences.  Aaron was asked to help with the food so he joined Jantzen and Anna at Bluebird Ranch for a few days.  The activities were well organized and the kids especially loved going zip-lining and swimming at Heise, participating in some intense obstacle courses, working on various service projects and eating yummy food:).

Jantzen, Lucy, Anna, Paige, Bailey

All of the youth were divided into four groups and it was especially awesome to have Jantzen and Anna in the same group.  They were able to work together and support each other in a new environment.  Aaron got to bounce around a bit a snapped me a few pics - bonus.

Anna being passed through string obstacle.

Jantzen & Carson

Serious battle-face - Jantzen carrying Anna

Early morning bike ride for Aaron

Being able to delegate a few responsibilities at High Adventure allowed Aaron to join me, Elsie, Quinn (and Sariah to meet up with Alison in Brigham City) for another drive to CV (July 15).  This time our purpose was to witness the sealing of AJ (Adam Jacob) to Hilary and Adam's family in the Logan Temple.  It was an added blessing to have Adam's father perform the ordinance.  There was a very strong spirit in the temple and not a dry eye in the room as we contemplated the significance of the event.  I couldn't help but picture AJ walking around the orphanage in Ethiopia just weeks ago - now sealed to an eternal family with the ultimate blessings of the restored gospel available to him.  After taking a few pictures at the temple grounds, extended family gathered at Hilary & Adam's house where AJ was given a name and blessing by bishop Adam.  We enjoyed a meal together, zoned G-ma then made the drive back home that evening.  We left Elsie in CV so she would be ready to start Patriot Camp with her cousins Monday morning (July 17).

Britton, Jenna, Korinne, AJ, Hilary, Jameson, Adam

G-ma & G-pa P, C family, Heather, Aaron, Tiffany

Jantzen & Max

Back home, Jantzen packed and prepared for a week at EFY.  Max's mom drove the boys to CV Monday morning for a noon check-in.  They, too, spent their evenings at G-ma & G-pa P's place along with Elsie, Tif and Abigail.  Much thanks goes to my parents and especially Tiffany for their help transporting/feeding these boys and looking after Elsie during the week.  Both had an amazing week and felt grateful for the opportunities they experienced. 

Tif, Elsie, Korinne, Abigail

Slime Time - with Will & June.

Tin-foil dinners with cousins

Making slime is the latest rage - Elsie was thrilled!

Korinne, Abigail, Elsie - doing facials

The three girls worked hard memorizing various historical documents and learned a lot about our great nation.  Following Patriot Camp, Tif took Elsie and Abigail to the American West Heritage Center where they rode ponies, panned for gold and chatted it up.  Korinne left town for a C. reunion.

Elsie & Abigail - doing demonstration for Aaron

While the girls increased their knowledge and patriotism, the boys increased their spirituality and social status.  They absolutely loved their time at EFY and felt they had THE best counselor around.  Apparently, Brayden has quite the sense of humor and related really well with all the teens in his group.  Jantzen made several new friends and is already trying to coordinate get-togethers with them:).

Max & Jantzen

Aaron, Elsie, Kristen, Abigail, Tif

Friday afternoon Aaron arrived in CV (July 21) to gather our kiddos up.  Jantzen and Max didn't conclude until 9pm which made for a late night drive.  I didn't even hear them pull up at 1:00am.  Home sweet home.  We've all enjoyed abundant blessings this summer!