We had a great time in Utah on the 4th of July. I think mom and dad had a good time too. I'm glad we could all go to Dan Clingo's together for the second year in a row, it's nice to have so many family members in one place. The adults had an enjoyable time talking amongst themselves and the kids loved having so much room to run around and be loud. I'm just glad that it was Dan's house and not mine.

Bryce Canyon Trip

We went to Bryce Canyon in June, and despite the weather, we had a wonderful time! We went to Inspiration Point, hiked up to a cave, and had fun with the girls on 4 wheelers.

Our trip to South Dakota was filled with fun things that we didn't do when we lived there. Like the Alpine slide, riding horses and doing tourist things with friends. Courtney and Spencer loved riding the horses (as we narrowly missed a severe thunder storm, but it smelled great). We don't get nearly enough of that in Vegas, the random thunder storm, that is. Time at the lake, the mini golf course and the mommoth museum all added to our wonderful time there. Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park and riding 4 wheelers all were parts of our vacation that are irreplaceable.

We stopped at Martin's Cove on our way to South Dakota last week. What a wonderful experience. Realizing that the pioneers pulled the same kind of wagons without being on a smooth trail (and having to watch out for snakes). And every day for months! Well, once we really started pulling we didn't wear our jackets for long, it was quite the workout. It was a three and a half hour trek, part of the way gratefully without the handcart. The cove was peaceful and reverent and the missionaries there told us stories of the pioneers and there hardships. Courtney, Spencer and Matt all got to ride most of the way back to the finish (it actually made it easier to ballance). As we parked the handcart we were grateful for our own challenges and then climbed back in the car for our seven hour drive to South Dakota.

Elizabeth and Dani