Happy Halloween

Here's a cute picture that I stole from Greg and Jessica's blog of Dylan and Adam in their costumes. Thankfully they have a blog so I can keep up with them. They had to brave the snow as part of their Halloween, but it looks like they had fun, anyway.

Here we had beautiful weather, that's why we live here, huh?! Anyway, because we have a new baby this year, that makes everything just a little more fun. Julie orchestrated a little get together for the California cousins, for pictures and cupcakes. It was a fun little get together.

It was really warm and very sunny when we tried to capture this years choice of costumes. It was hard to get all of the kids to look at the camera as they were looking directly into the sun.
Parker didn't like the sun much and was pretty hot in his costume.
Abby and Ella had a hard time with the sun too. We said, "everyone close your eyes, until we say "open them", then open them and say cheese!" That worked for the older ones, but not the littler ones.

Cute Abby, not in the sun!

Happy Parker, when he's not facing the sun either, with our beautiful Ema.

These are Brandi's kids, poor Dane was a little miffed because he didn't have his costume yet, but still had to join in, in the picture taking.

Kylie, Weston and Payton, Jenny's kids, minus Wade who was sleeping in the car. He totally missed out but was a cute "Buzz Light Year.

Another Trip to Utah with Ema This Time

Because of our impromptu trip in July, all of our other summer plans had to be reconsidered. Our attendance at the ward youth activities and whatever else required Gene taking time off work had to change. I was back to babysitting Parker, Julie and Dustin's baby full time so if I was going back to Utah for Kyle's wedding it would have to be a very short trip and without Gene. Originally we had planned to drive to Utah in August and Ema had asked if she could go with us. She always wants to go with us to see everyone there but because their Clear lake trip always conflicts with our trip at the beginning of July, she never gets to go. This time she was going to go with us. Long story, short, she was my traveling companion for this trip. It was so fun, to take her and show her off. She loves her Haws family relatives so much and was really anxious to go. We were able to fly, since our time was short and we didn't want to spend most of it driving there.

Such a beautiful girl, but better than that, she's even more beautiful inside! Just like the temple. I was so happy to take her to this sacred place so she could witness the love and joy of a temple wedding day.

During the wedding Ema watched Dylan, Adam and Wade. There were many other little cousins who waited outside the temple for the ceremony to be over. Here we are all gathering to welcome the newly married Kyle and Kimber Haws

We are getting better at making sure the brothersare included in our family photo shots Ah . . . The bride and groom, so happy

My beautiful Ema with her great grandparents, Wayne and Marjorie Haws, at the reception at the Pope Cabin in Hobble Creek Canyon.

I hope she got a very clear picture once again, (this is certainly not her first rodeo) of what a wonderful and special day a temple marriage is.

Funerals Are Always Impromptu Family Reunions

Through the years as I was growing up I remember that whenever my mom and her sisters would get together they would take a picture of themselves. So, as we all got older we took on the same tradition, never meaning to intentionally leave the brothers out, but believe you me, we hear about it, from them, taking pictures as if we don't even have brothers.

So to prove that we do indeed have brothers we try to include them now and then!

All of us with Jim

All seven of us, left to right, Jim, me, Karie, Krista, Connie, Laurie, and Steve.

Why did we leave mom and dad out?

I love my Brothers and Sisters and miss them dearly, as they all live in Utah.

The Main Reason for Going to Utah, a Funeral

Uncle Erwin, dad's younger and only living sibling proceeded him in death and will be sorely missed. He and Dad were very close all throughout their lives and dad is taking his passing very badly.

Funerals are always a very sad occasion as well as an opportunity for families to gather. In many ways the funeral service itself are the most spiritual meetings we get to attend. Both my brothers spoke at the service and did a masterful job in representing our dad, as he didn't feel able to comfortable in speaking himself as Uncle Erwin had requested.

This is the Erwin and Martha Haws family, Jill, Mark

Aunt Martha, Tim, Marla and Jay Ann.

Some of his grand children.
The graveside service was very fitting, with military honors.

Retired Veteran's served as Honor Guards.

The flag was folded and given to Aunt Martha.
21 gun salute

Mom and Steve

Sisters Krista and Karie with longtime friend Lyle Raymond

Haws cousins

Our Un-planned but very Special Concert

When we heard that Carrie Underwood was the headliner at the "Stadium of Fire" this year, we really wanted to go see her, but our plans were already made for our trip to be in August. Once we were in Provo our desire to see the show grew by the day. On one of our stops at Del Taco we ran into a family there for the show. They had several sons and 3 or 4 of them were recent Eagle Scout rank achievers. They shared with us that that night at the "Stadium of Fire" there was going to be the world's largest Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Oh, man, that sealed the deal. Tickets were found and we decided that we had to go! That show did not disappoint!

Finding tickets on the day of a sold-out event isn't always easy but we really scored! This is where we sat, so close to the field and in seats with back rests, at the BYU football field those are wonderful seats.

Several hundred dancers had practiced many hours for their performance that night, it was beautiful.

Then out came the flags! Every unit of the military service, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marines all had representatives in the ceremonies on the field and filling the stadium. Everyone present receiving their just love and respect!

The stage began filling with over 150 Boy Scouts who had recently qualified for the rank of Eagle Scout with their moms. The largest Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held. Can you say, AWESOME?! Then the National Anthem was sang by, the one and only Carrie Underwood!
Amazing chill and tear producing jets flew over head, directly above the stadium.

The Stadium's Big Screen showed a direct feed from the lead pilot who shared the fact that all of the pilots flying in the formation were indeed very honored to also be

Eagle Scouts. The Scout oath and the Eagle Charge was given by the oldest living Boy Scout who is 92 years old. He is also the founder of the Cub Scouts, so cute!Eagles in stadium - under all of the seats were programs that had the Eagle Scout Rank Emblem as the centerfold. If you were a Eagle Scout you were asked to stand and join in the largest "Eagle's Nest" ever assembled.
Again on the Big Screen we watched as the moms on stage pinned their son's new rank on their uniform. It was very sweet! And that was just the Opening of the show!

Along with some local artists who performed, the concert by Carrie Underwood was awesome and lasted at least ah hour. Then on to the "Stadium of Fire!" These pictures don't even begin to do justice to the fireworks that he event is named after.

We were so glad we continued our 4th of July tradition

and went again and enjoyed this fantastic show!

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!