Memorial Day

Russ and I drove to Ivins for Memorial Day! We stopped in Twin Falls, Idaho for the night and visited Shoshone Falls just outside of town.

 We took a hike to Scout Cave in Ivins, pretty much right outside our back door. It was about 3 miles long and had a great view over looking the valley from the cave.

 We were so excited that Tyrel, Lindsey and their kids came down for 5 days to hang out. The previous owners left lots of swim toys for the grandkids.

 We were all cracking up when Lindsey got Tyli ready for the pool!! She was so good about keeping her swim hat and sunglasses on. She loved the water. Our pool is heated by solar and got up to 80 degrees one day!

We were so happy Jared came down and spent a couple of days with us. Maren went to NY for a couple of days to visit a friend so he came to hang out.  

I love that St. George has paved walking & biking trails all over.

 I took some family pictures for Lindsey's family. Their dog, Mator hopped up on the bricks & just sat there!! He knew he was meant to be in the picture.

 Little sweeties

 We celebrated Halter's 4th birthday. We actually celebrated on Karen's birthday!! Its nice to see Jeff and Karen more often now that we have houses 10 minutes from each other!!

Russ made homemade ice cream on Memorial Day. We still use the recipe we got from Jan & John.

The boys loved licking the LARGE dasher that mixes it.

 We left Ivins and drove to SLC and visited my mom in the hospital. She had a total hip replacement done. She's home now and doing really good. 

From SL we drove to Rexburg and picked up Tytyn and Halter and took them to Ririe, Idaho (outside Idaho Falls) to go camping. I was glad I reserved a cabin because the weather was quite rainy & cold at night!

 Right outside our cabin was a pond for the boys to go fishing. It was catch and release, but they had a great time and caught several!

 We went on a 1 1/2 mile hike with them and they did great! It had some beautiful views of the valley and Snake River.

 Look at this mischievous little guy!! Russ always calls him a "rascal" and Halter calls papa one right back!

 As we were out and about one day I got a warning on my cell phone that a tornado was in the area and to take cover immediately. Wow, who'd of thought. I did snap a few pictures. We were headed the opposite direction it was going so we missed it!!

Fall Creek

 Stopped and had some famous "square" ice cream in Swan Valley.

 We stayed in the cabin two nights and it rained both. Unfortunately, we didn't get to make a bon fire and have smores. The good news is we had a microwave so made them in there!!

 After camping we spent two nights with Jacob and Janette. Janette was working one day and Jacob had two tests to take so we got to watch Zayne. He's crawling all over now and is SO cute!!

 While we were in Rexburg I visited my dear friend, Joyce's grave. 

She was more like a sister to me.

 On Saturday, June 2nd Tytyn was baptized. He asked Russ and I to give the talks. I talked on baptism and Russ on the Holy Ghost. Most of my short remarks were from Mosiah 18! Such a great chapter on what we covenant to do when we're baptized. 

Tytyn has always been such a sweet boy and tried to do the right thing. He's such a good helper to his parents & those around him. I'm SO proud of him.

 So happy to have family there for Tytyn's special day. We wished Kristy's family lived closer so we could see them more!

 We went to the park after and Lindsey fixed a really nice brunch for everyone.

LOVE this picture!

 A bunch of us went to Idaho Falls and went on the walking trail around the temple. It was such a beautiful day!!

 Three of my eight little angels!! I'm trying to get lots of time in with all of them, because I know we'll be going on a mission soon and I won't get to see them for a while!!

 Celebrated my sweethearts 59th birthday!! 

We got to celebrate Jacob's 25th birthday with him. We attended Stake Conference with his family and then Janette fixed us a delicious dinner!! 

I feel so blessed to have such an awesome family. I LOVE being with my kids and grandkids.

I think part of it, is that we live so far from them, that I appreciate being around them whenever we can.