24th of July

Happy Pioneer Day!!!!

This post is late in coming but we have been keeping busy with the remodeling of the home and an unexpected funeral trip to Montana but I thought I would share some of the fun things we did over the Pioneer Day Holiday weekend. Marks parents have a beautiful condo in St George so we packed our bags and headed out for a four day weekend of fun and sun. Mark's brother Phil and his family came up from Las Vegas to spend the weekend also. We were sad that Val and Benda could not join us but they had to head to Montana as Benda's dad had taken a turn for the worst as was not expected to be here on the earth much longer so they went to see him for one last time. We missed them but had a great time anyway.

On Wednesday we went to the Bees game with John, Tracy and Addison to start our weekend of fun. It is always fun to spend time with them. On Thursday morning we headed off to St George. We stopped in Beaver at the cheese factory. Once in St George Mark had an appointment at a clients home so we headed there then after we went to Target to by some supplies for the condo then had dinner at Chili's. Upon returning to the condo we went to the pool then relaxed for the rest of the evening until Phil, Emily and the kids arrived.

On Friday the 24th we all headed off to a parade and carnival in Ivins. It was a small town parade so needless to say it was short and sweet. Just the way I like them. The kids got lots of candy and we all had our share of ice pops. Nicole, Natalie and Ben loved seeing the floats, getting sprayed by the firemen and of course getting all the candy.

Nicole and the camel from Tuacahn Outdoor Theatre

After the parade we headed to the Ivins town carnival. Both Natalie and Nicole were brave enough to be dunked at the dunking booth. We asked Nicole if she wanted to do it again and she said know that the pool was 10,000 feet deep. The looks on their faces was priceless as they went into the water. Ben enjoyed the slip and slide and of course we all enjoyed the Navajo Tacos for lunch.

Natalie getting dunked

Nicole's turn to be dunkedBen on the slip-n-slide

Mark, Natalie, Ben & Nicole at the park in Ivins

After the park we stopped for a tour of the Jacob Hamblin Home. He was one of the first settlers to the St. George area. Then we headed back to the condo for a little rest for the kids and pool time for Mark & I. Later that day Mark and I headed to Mesquite for a dinner at a buffet which we ended up eating at the coffee shop at Casa Blanca instead which made us both sick. Phil, Emily and kids met up with Emily's family and spent the rest of the weekend with them.

On Saturday we spent time at the pool then had lunch at the Pizza Factory before we headed off to see Foot Loose at the Tuacahn Theatre. There were thunder storms that evening and we were afraid that the play would be canceled but the show went on as planned. It was a great production and one of the highlights of our trip. On Sunday we got up early and cleaned the condo then headed home. We had a great time and enjoyed getting to spend some time with Phil, Emily and kids. Thanks to Val & Benda for letting us use the wonderful condo.

Memories

When I was a young girl my mom and dad and sister Cynthia, were away cleaning the department store JcPenney's in Midvale and I was home with my sisters Michele, Kristine & Annette. We were fortunate that the power went out at the home that night so my sister Michele decided that we should read this amazing book to pass the time by flash light. I remember the feelings of love that she would be so willing to take time from here busy schedule to share this wonderful book with us. I often have wondered if I loved this book because of the time I got to spend with my sisters, the atmosphere that was created with no lights as we read it or if it was the truly wonderful story. I really think it was a little of all three. I remember that my parents came home and wondered why we were reading with the lights out but we made them leave them off until we finished the book. It is a wonderful & special memory that has been ever ingrained in my mind.

The other day I decided to read the book once again and was worried that I might not enjoy it quite so much but I was pleasantly surprised. As I began to read all the wonderful memories of that night so long ago with my sisters came flooding back and I was once again so grateful for them and all that they did to shape me into the person I am today. I could not put this little treasure down and read it again in a couple of hours. What a great message of hope, to look for the good in our surroundings and to reach out to those we meet throughout our lives. I will always cherish this wonderful book and am so glad that it is once again in print.

Grandpa Ben Evans

On Sunday evening Grandpa Ben passed away after 98 incredible years. He as an amazing man and lived an incredible life. He has touched our lives in so many ways. We will truly miss you but are so grateful for the love and example he set for all of his family. He played football when he was young and his team he played for was never scored on, served his country in World War II, enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family but most important served Heavenly Father faithfully. He was the most kind and loving person and we are so blessed to have had him in our lives - mine for a short time but Mark's for all his life. We love you and will miss you but are so happy for the wonderful reunion you are having with all those who are on the other side of the veil.