More July 4th Celebrations in Utah

Another day, another chance for the BALLOONS! Because the actual 4th was on Sunday, in Mo-town they put off the parade until the 5th. That makes for a very long Independence Day Celebrations. I was really glad to be there this year.

It's early, a little bit chilly, the grass is wet, and it's crowded, but sooo fun!

All is ready! Patriotic music is playing and the lead balloon goes up with a beautiful large flag, for the Pledge of allegiance. By now, the tears are flowing freely!

Even with a slight wind, the race was on!

Then of course there is always the parade. The whole county usually turns out for this event, with over-night camping to stake out the best spots and everything. To be honest the parade isn't all that good, but if you are lucky enough to have teenage nieces and nephews who are willing to brave the masses to save the nicest spots that they know will render the best morning shade, you are in luck. Most of our big willing young men are now married, returned missionaries with their own families and they really aren't into that assignment anymore.

Here's our group, minus the Pope family. Sonny (Lewis Pope) was always our "main muscle" in saving the family plot here on the parade route, but after a few near death experiences he has sworn off the parade all together. They were sorely missed.

Cute family!

These two darling girls, Kimmy and Aubry Pixton, (Connie's girls) were our over-night campers who got us our usual favorite spot for the best viewing.

There are a few inflatables in the parade, and they are always a hit.

One of the best things this parade always has are the missionaries, who are in the Provo mission, marching in the parade. That always brings a tear to my eyes. I don't know why I missed them with my camera.

And . . . of course you have to at least do some sparklers in the front yard.

I asked Greg, as he was lighting the little fireworks they had purchased if he felt like he was "lighting his wallet on fire?" The small little things that you can afford with out major guilt are so wimpy, but the little boys really had fun doing them with a couple of their little friends.

Did I ever tell you that sparklers really make me nervous?

I almost have to just go inside when the sparklers come out.

My big boy, now a daddy!

4th of July Celebrations in Provo

Every year in Provo they have the "Freedom Festival" It is for several days leading up to Independence Day. They have hot air balloon races, a down town street fair with live entertainment, fancy banquets and firesides, pancake breakfast at many church buildings, the parade and the crowning event, "The Stadium of Fire" which is always a fantastic show. We weren't going to go this year at all because of family wedding that we wanted to go to in August. We were disappointed about that but excited to go for Kyle and Kimber's wedding.

Well, unfortunately we got a phone call informing us of Uncle Erwin's passing and we needed to go to Utah to be with my parents for a while. Soooo that meant being in Provo for my favorite time of year. (there, any way)

They have hot air balloon races for several mornings in the first week of July. They do it in a park behind the hospital that is within walking distance from Greg and Jessica's house. ( Notice the blue flags on this balloon) This first morning it was windy but they filled the balloons anyway, hoping for the best.

It's amazing to watch the process as they lay out, set up, and fill the balloons. The whole park is filled with familys and equipment, huge fans and fire blowing tanks.


This showes a little bit of the process, notice the helpers. It gets a little hectic and they sometimes recute those standing by on a moments notice.

Look who they recuted, it's the Duclos Brothers Racing Team. They were awesome helpers.
On this day, after all of the balloons were filled, they determined that it was too windy for the balloon to be launched. Oh well, it was a fun morning anyway.

Silly, silly Wade

The other day Jenny sent me this picture. Wade looks like he doesn't quite know what to think of his new Halloween costume.

His face is just so funny in this picture.

New Family Portrait 2010

Our kids decided that for Father's Day they would pay for us all to have family portraits taken. So, with Greg and his family still here it was a perfect opportunity. Jenn King, Will's wife was our photographer and had us meet her at a beautiful part in Orange.
This big tree provided the first spot.

Then we went over to this step hill to all teeter for the next set of shots. It was very precarious. Aren't these stairs a great spot for a picture? Cheese . . . close up time!
The whole fam . . . then just us with all eleven of our grandchildren

Another great spot!
It's pretty hard to get everyone to be serious in a picture,

there's always someone goofing around.
Steve and Jenny Stockard with Weston, Kylie, Wade and Payton
Dustin and Julie Boling with new baby Parker
Greg and Jessica Wilson with Dylan and Adam

Kevin and Brandi Romberg with Dane, Abby, Ella and Ema

And here's just one of the many silly ones!

We have a pretty great family circle if I do say so myself.
It was a fantastic afternoon which we followed up with a trip to Cafe Rio for dinner.

A Long Time Coming

Anyone who has had to wait for blessings to be fulfilled, or has had to watch someone they love wait, knows that it can be very painful indeed. Knowing the joy that awaited all of my kids as they grew and became parents themselves I was so anxious to see those blessing fulfilled. It has been so wonderful to watch all of them take upon themselves this divine role. Julie our newest mommy has waited longer than the rest but has bloomed so beautifully into this eternal role.

This picture opportunity has been a long time coming but a joy for this grandma to behold and be there for. Oh, the joy!

A New Picture sent to me by Dane

Several weeks ago I received a picture on my phone sent to me by Dane. No words, just the photo. I thought it was so sweet, and showed how excited he is about this giant step in his young life. He is such a fantastic young man and a blessing to all who are able to know him.

Parker's Blessing June 2010

As we were all gathering at the Westminster Ward Building, and all of my grandsons were enjoying being with each other again I couldn't help but snap a few pictures. This is the best I could do, seems they weren't very excited about holding still. I totally missed Parker all together.

Well, in this picture I do have them all, silly Wes is goofing off, laying down and that's Dustin holding Parker in the background. I was going to try to get this pose better but, I started getting looks from everyone. You should have seen the looks I got for taking pictures in the Chapel. I didn't see anything wrong with it, it was before the meeting. Such handsome boys!

Dane, having been ordained as a Deacon in May was even able to participate in the ordinance by holding the microphone for the blessing as it was being said.

Parker Dane Boling with Great Aunt Jan

The traditional photo-op after the blessing outside the church
All of the family priesthood holders (that live near by)who joined in the blessing circle. Left to right - Grandpa Gene, Great Grandpa Bill Wilson, Great Uncle John, Daddy Dustin w/Parker, Great Uncle Merrill Baily, Uncle Kevin & Dane, Uncle Steve, Uncle Greg & Cousin/Uncle Jay Shean.

They will all be awesome examples as worthy priesthood holders to Parker, as he grows and matures.

It's quite an ordeal to get that large of a group all together for pictures

Dylan and Wade
Cute Abby

Darling Ella & Ava

Sweet cousins, Payton, Ella, Bailey, Kylie and Weston

Future gymnasts???

We Had a fun Summer - 2010 - still in June

S'more's in the backyard is always a very fun activity
The fire pit was a Christmas present from Kevin and Brandi and is so fun.

Happy sisters, Ema and Abby

Ella and Kevin with Greg and his flaming marshmallows.

Straight to the chocolate for Dane and Jess capturing it all on camera.

So much fun!

No blogging means that I've been really busy . . .

This summer has been crazy busy and has just continued to become busier. I love blogging and it's as close as I get to journaling, so I need to repent and catch-up. At least I did a little housekeeping by making my blog look a little better.

Paying it Forward

Look what Julie brought to me

on her birthday!

I never really got what it meant to "Pay it Forward"

Well, I kind of did but not completely, until just now.

Several years ago I started the tradition of sending my mom flowers on my birthday. I just really wanted her to know how grateful I am for her as my mother, Not only for the fact that she gave me life, but for the life that she enabled me with. When I became a mother myself and matured in that roll I really started to understand a "Mother's Love" and I could truly say, "I know" whenever she would remind me of how much she loves me. For it was then that I really did know in the marrow of my bones, that she did, with all of her heart.

The birthdays of my children are always such special days to me as I recall the day they were each born. Life doesn't offer anything else that compares, unless it's the birth of a grandchild, and watching your own grown-up children fall in love with their own brand new baby!

Parker Dane Boling

Here's my newest little love, that I get to enjoy each afternoon when his mommy and daddy's work schedules overlap. Boy, do I love him.