Birthdays & Celebrations

July is always an action-packed month.  Jantzen turned 17 years old on July 3.  It's hard to keep surprises around here - but he was pretty darn happy about his birthday gifts this year.

Birthday treat - Moosetracks & Butterfinger ice cream

Happy 17th Jantzen!  We love you!

Jantzen enjoyed going boating with friends then having a camp-out with a few buddies on our property to celebrate this milestone.  We love this hard-working guy and appreciate his goodness.

To celebrate her brother's birthday, Elsie got braces.  Here we go again!  I have officially paid for the college education of Dr. Elison's children:).

We have our patriotic traditions and love being Americans!

Mainstreet Mile Fun Run

Quinn took off and ran his own lightening fast pace (6:30-ish).  Elsie and I ran together and finished around 8 minutes.  Not bad considering Elsie only runs once a year - on July 4. Meanwhile, Aaron put up chairs on Main Street in front of The Circle of Love along with other friends and family of Jon & Heather W. where we watched the local parade. We always have friends in the parade that throw extra candy our way.  There was no shortage this year though Quinn wasn't interested in picking it up and Elsie couldn't eat much with her new braces on.

Aislyn & Elsie - watching the parade

Swimming at R. Rapids - annual tradition.

Aislyn, Boston, Elsie, Addy at neighborhood party

It seems our neighborhood gathering continues to grow larger each year and unfortunately, I don't think to take pictures of all our favorite friends when we're together.  Kids and adults enjoy the games, food, fun and fireworks that take place in the Weber's backyard. Even Tanner's FHE group came for the fireworks show this year after making smores at our house, etc.

40 minutes of fireworks/music - best show around!

Happy Birthday America!
 We love the red, white & blue!

 Saturday morning (July 6) Elsie was up early to open a birthday gift before the busy day unfolded.

Heather, Quinn & Tanner

Quinn participated in a summer track club and finished the season on July 6.  He was 1st in 1600m (6:42) and 2nd in 800m (3:01) for his age group.  It was the first time medals were awarded so he was thrilled.  After Quinn's races, Tanner and I took off for a quick down and back trip to Mapleton, UT.

Way to go Quinn!

Elsie's 12th birthday meal - Chuck-A-Rama!

We carefully considered how the day should go since Elsie had specific plans in how she wanted to celebrate her 12th birthday.  Aaron took care of business at home while Tanner and I drove on to UT so we could attend the wedding of G-ma Ann.

After her dream lunch at Chuck-A-Rama, Aaron took Elsie and two friends to the local beauty college to get manicures.  Later, they swam at the pond and hung out together until after dinner.

Elsie, Sophie & Ella

Birthday treat - yummy cheesecake

Chacos, star necklace, Twinkies, dance backpack, dry shampoo
and money from g-parents - thanks!

Happy 12th Birthday Elsie!  We love you!

Cameron, Jessica, Tricia, Thomas, McKay, Heather, Tanner

 Tanner and I stopped in Murray to change clothes and jump in the car with G-ma and G-pa P.  We drove together to attend the big wedding event.  It's not every day your grandmother gets married (age 89).  We were the first to arrive at the chapel and McKay's family joined us soon after.  It was Tanner's first time seeing them in over 3 years.  Our catch-up time together was much too short but something is better than nothing. After the ceremony and a few family pictures, the large group gathered at Kelly's party barn for a taco bar dinner.

Posing with the bride before the wedding.

Harvey Tanner & G-ma Ann at the barn.

Anitra Kerr & Heather

Heather & Tricia outside barn in Mapleton

 It's been a long time since I've connected with so many extended family members.  I have a LOT of cousins and many of them were in attendance.  There was not enough time to make the rounds and get updates from most but I did enjoy talking with those I was able to.  Tanner and I had a long drive still ahead so we couldn't linger too long.  We drove back to Murray where we picked up our car, gave a few hugs and headed out again.  Jen and kids arrived after the family picture was taken but at least we thought to get one of Tanner meeting Preston for the first time.  Good times!

Youngest and oldest cousins