Very Into Volleyball

Brayle is on the freshman volleyball team.  We attended a tournament this weekend to see them play.  Henry, Breann, Jory, Sarah and the whole clan attended.  This fast moving game has changed since I was a girl. 

 Many rules have changed and others remain the same.   A point is scored every time the ball is served whether it is played or not (new).  A served ball can hit the net and still be played (new).  No one can touch the net while playing the ball (old).  The winning scores are 25, 25, 15 and the winner is still the best two of three games. 

Their team won some and lost some.  It was fun to try to snap a photo before she moved to set-up, spike or serve the ball.  Clearly my camera wasn't fast enough.

40 Fine Ones on Friday the 13th

We celebrated our 40th anniversary on Friday the 13th by staying at the Atomic Chalet Bed and Breakfast and feasting at the Huntsville Barbeque Company just ahead of the crowds.

It's hard to imagine forty years together.  I love you Al.  You are terrific.

It was fun to stroll around the quiet streets, admiring yards with lawns bigger than most parks, count sand hill cranes, geese and herons at Pineview Reservoir and pedal these rustic bikes down a quiet lane stopping on this old bridge to snap a few pictures. 

Our Newest Member

August 31st Kade was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his father.  Grandpa Allan confirmed him.  A small group attended the service from our family, but the important part was that his special day finally came.  No one was more excited than he was to have this ordinance performed since his birthday in May. 

We were able to travel there to be with the family for the special occassion.  Congratulations, Kade!

 Look at these great picture he posed for at our family reunion in August.  I can't say he doesn't smile or cooperate for photos.   Just look at this one goofing off with brother. 

 It is hard to believe he is eight.  A great student and athlete, he's a real sharp kid.  We love you. 

Siblings Smiling Together? Rare!

 With full tummies and expert photographer, Sarah Schmidt.  Add to that Jory saying just the right things, we captured some amazing smiles from these favorite siblings.

 Henry said, "No way am I going to smile.  Someone has to be cranky." 

Little Joshua and Grandpa spotted some horses by the Water Conservancy Park. 

Craving a Cuke? Come on Over!

My lemon cucumber bush is taking over the back yard.  The seed packet said to plant 3 to 5 seeds per hill, then choose the two largest that germinate eliminating the rest.  I failed to snuff out the others.  Now I have a plant/s taking over the whole garden spot. 

These plants are awash with blossoms and now fruit.  It was foolish to think the two of us could eat all 100+ of them.  The good news is that I love lemon cucumbers.  Fortunately, many others find they like them too, when sharing the tasty healthy treat.  "Just eat them like an apple," I say.  No need to peel or even cut them. 

Some were missed on previous pickings, making them very large and unappealing when I came across them.  I was glad they also disappeared from my basket at work.  Skip the crackers, chips and candy come on over for a cute little cuke.

Ten Angels Together

Ten angels took a ten minute break from four-wheeling, exploring and playing to try on some blue duds I selected and let us take their picture.  We rounded up a few more at another location for this bear bench photo, too.  

Grams was in grand (angel) child heaven and will cherish these precious pics forever. 

Pre-Parade Party

We went to the free Days of '47 Parade float show a the Expo Center that Okland Construction sponsored.  We selected and voted for our favorite one.  The theme was "Our Anchor for the Future".

Games and prices were offered at many to collect more votes.  What talents the people of Salt Lake Valley have. 

 This is the West Jordan Stake float that won the Legacy Award and the one I  voted for.  I liked the farm theme and the crowing of the rooster. 

  This float had the children already on it smiling and happy while on display.

Allan voted for the Riverton Utah Stake Noah's Ark float you can see in the distance.  The ark swayed back and forth and represented how the prophet Noah's example anchors our youth.  It was dedicated to the memory of their late stake president, Jim Mickelsen, who died of cancer last year.  People kept walking in front of me as I was ready to take pictures.  It was very crowded.