Celebration Week!

 We arrived back from SC on Saturday evening and headed for CV.  We had missed our Sunday dinners with the C family so it was fun to have them over.  The girls enjoyed dressing up in the costumes and persuaded Jameson into joining them.  I am not sure he will be happy about this photo in a few years but we are saving it for the wedding video.

 We were back to work on Monday after a few appointments in CV.  Tuesday afternoon Tiffany and Abigail arrived for their summer visit so that meant a trip on Wed. to the newly remodeled zoo.

 Abigail loved the new splash pad area.  It was plenty hot for her to dry off afterward as we hit the bird show and the train.  By the time we got in the car, she was dry.

 The next morning bright and early Tiffany and Abigail ran in the 4th of July Fun Run.  Abigail loves this event so Tiffany obliges.  We are proud of both of our girls for their efforts in the heat.

 Abigail made a plane at the Home Depot booth and we greeted a few friends who often run the race. Then we were off to CV to catch the parade there with Hilary and Adam's family. We arrived just in time. Everyone was so patriotic with their clothing selections.  Tiffany added to the fun with sparkly headbands that unfortunately broke rather quickly.

 We took a little time after the parade for Jameson to nap and then we drove about 10 minutes to find a picnic spot in the canyon.  It was  so crowded  (ha) with about four other families that we had to go a little farther up to get a spot.  We are happy that this opportunity is extremely close to us but we have been so busy that we haven't taken advantage of it.  We vow to do this more often.

 We enjoyed our picnic lunch, did a little hiking and a lot more wading once we found a spot to get in and out of the stream.  The water was really cold so that didn't last long, but it was fun.

 We watched lots of fireworks from our deck that evening.  It is convenient to see many displays from one place.  We love our deck !
The next morning we were off to Idaho to celebrate Jantzen and Elsie's birthdays and attend Jantzen's ordination to the priesthood.  We took two vehicles since Tiffany and Abigail will be staying for a few extra days.  Tiffany, Abigail and I left early and made a stop at Pepperidge Farm to stock up on goldfish crackers.  Steve followed later after finishing up with a few chores in CV.

 The cousins have so much fun together and I love cooking for an appreciative group.

 Congratulations to Jantzen and Elsie on their birthdays.  We are so pleased that Jantzen is worthy and desirous to start his journey as a servant of God through the priesthood.

 Here is Janzten with his Great Grandpa LaVerne.  What a wonderful example Jantzen has to follow.

 Here are four generations of priesthood holders in the M family-LaVerne, Bob, Aaron, Tanner and Jantzen.

 Here is the beautiful birthday cake for Elsie made by Brinley.  Tiffany always lends a hand in the kitchen.

 Jackie and Val joined us for dinner and the celebration.  It was fun to see them.

What fun we had for the week of July 4th!  We drove back to UT Sunday evening as both Steve and I flew out Monday morning to destinations on opposite coasts.