Weekend at the Ranch

So, I'm combining this first picture with those from the Ranch. Adam had gone with Stuart to do a roofing job at the south rim of the Grand Canyon and didn't get home until late, so I left the kids at the flat with Phyllis while I went to mutual and she had Ben bring them home. This is how Tyson arrived in the car...wiped out. He has a very difficult time staying awake in a moving vehicle.
These other three pictures are from East Zion. Tyson sure is funny to watch. I couldn't keep myself from laughing as I watched him run from where the guys were at the zip line to the house to retrieve the two little shovels Heidi has. His short legs would be going so fast and then his arms looked funny as they would be swinging back and forth about as far out as his legs. I grabbed my camera and managed to snap this backside shot of him in his haste with the shovels (he figured out how to carry them both all by himself, smart kid), to take to one of the twins (he usually only says Emily's name). Then after he was almost there I managed to get the side view. You can see the excitement on his face. I don't think this kid could ever have a miserable time at the ranch...I guess I should say these kids, huh! That would be Adam on his umpteenth time on the zip line and he just runs up with great excitement, comes down with a grin on his face, and is laughing at the end. Don't know if I've ever seen this Big Kid so happy! And yes, he did talk me into going, which I just kept responding, "I don't know why it is so important that I go down this silly thing that is liable to hurt you." But he was just so excited, so I couldn't reject his plea. Aren't the colors beautiful up there this time of year? A great place to go, especially for boys.

A Trip to the Cabin

This afternoon it was decided to go to East Zion and do some work up there. Adam worked in the morning and helped me get the house cleaned up in the afternoon to get it ready for the Sabbath tomorrow and then we hopped in the truck and headed out. It was so green up there and we enjoyed some rain showers. Adam, Tyson, and I had gone on the four wheeler to see where Stuart was with the trackhoe and on the way back they stopped in the rain where they were going to be working so Tyson and I took off on the four-wheeler to the cabin with the rain pelting us. Pour Tyson was sitting in front of me, but he didn't seem to mind it one bit. We went back later to take pictures and went on a 4-wheeler ride. It was funny because when we moved Tyson from the front to being sandwiched between Adam and I he closed his eyes and went to sleep. It was fun and relaxing most of the time. I did realize that I can't plan to prepare any Young Women lessons up there as I just get too distracted and can't focus. We headed back before dark.

4th of July

The 4th of July was very fun...well, the more exciting part was when we went to the cabin on East Zion last night. We didn't get there until late, but we had a really enjoyable time with friends and one other family member. It was nice to be away from all the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives and spend this holiday in a more secluded area. It allowed me to be reminded of what really matters in life and to remember how many have layed down their lives for the freedoms that I enjoy. We all took care of our own dinner and visited outside on the porch area the remaining of the evening and then everyone took their time getting up this morning. I was laying in bed wanting to get up and get going since you could tell that would be the best part of the day before the sun came over the trees and started beating down on us. I just didn't want to miss the outdoors with the crisp morning air, but I didn't want to wake anyone up so I just layed there until Tyson was ready to get up and go. I just packed everything right away so I wouldn't have to worry about it later. Adam and Tyson and Matt and Collin went for a quick 4-wheeler ride while Jaymie and I got breakfast . We had yummy freshly grated hashbrowns (Adam's and my favorite), bacon, and then a sausage/egg mixture. It turned out to be quite the morning meal so we left out the pancakes. A few of the others went for a ride while the rest of us cleaned up and chatted. We headed back home just shortly after the sun hit us. My brother Tarek came to visit for a short while but headed back to Las Vegas early. Adam, Tyson, and I took a short nap and then headed to the city pool before watching the nearby fireworks. I guess you could say I am sort of a stick in the mud when it comes to fireworks because I just don't get as excited about them as most do. I feel that if you have seen one then you have seen them all, but I must admit that it just doesn't feel like the 4th of July if you don't take in a few pretty fireworks. It was definitely a step from last year since then I was still housebound from delivering Tyson.