This is how we entertain ourseselves at the cabin......

We jump off the couches and land on our cousins.

We play a lot

and we eat a lot more.

We spend all our time surrounded by family,

Having long discussions about the problems with BYU (that is not a joke.)And we all agree that the cabin is really the best place to be!

more celebrations

The fun never stops in July. We were able to attend the Logan fireworks at the USU stadium, because in Logan the fourth is always celebrated on the second of July.
Thanks Grandma Lorz for a very fun evening.

It's my favorite..........

Because it's a carefree holiday that starts with a big yummy breakfast and a silly parade, that ANYONE can be a part of.......
Because you get to play with cousins ALL day long, participating in all kinds of fun games and activities........

Because it's all about treats, and finding every way possible to cool off........

Because there are no presents and shopping, not much preparation, and lot's of relaxation..........

Because every year it's always celebrated in the most beautiful valley EVER.........

Because there is always a dance at sunset..........

Because there is nothing better than cuddling up in warm blankets, surrounded by family, with the cool breeze, and the beautiful scenery, to watch amazing fireworks and be reminded how blessed we are to live free in this great country.

If it's not your favorite holiday, then you haven't celebrated it here.

Oh, thus be it ever, when free men shall stand

Between their loved homes and war's desolation!

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST!"

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

- The Star Spangled Banner

a new kind of date night.

Ever since I can remember, my parents went on a date
EVERY Friday night.

I don't think these dates EVER included

ambulances and trains.

My wonderful husband has had a continuous date with his text books. So, thank you mom and dad for making us a part of your night out!

Vernal?

Not really our first choice for a family vacation, but it was a family reunion and our hotel was being paid for by my father, and most importantly it is the place where my wonderful Grandpa Noel was born. We were able to see the property were my grandpa lived, and the new house on the property that was built from the bricks of the home my grandpa was raised in.

We also saw a neat antique tractor farm that had the kind of tractors my Great Grandpa may have used. The boys loved this part of our little trip.
I asked Matthew if this was the type of house I could expect within the next few years?

He then pointed to this shack, and said........"probably more like this." Well as long as I can call it my own:)

I thought this picture was cute, however I didn't realize until later the great scenery in the background!
To have a real dutch oven dinner it MUST include four different kinds of cobbler. So good!

Nathan with his cousin Katy, and Daniel with his cousin Annie. They get a long really well with their twin cousins. It's so cute to see them play together. Thet must all realize they have something very special in common:)
The hotel we stayed at was just fine, but it was one of those kind of hotels you stay at when you are not planning on having to be there very much. The carpet was a rusty orange-ish red color, the decor was not great, the tv was old and the bathroom was much older. When we walked into the room the boys just lit up!! They went around the whole room saying "wow, this is so nice!...the tv is so nice....the carpet is so nice..ooohh the bed is so nice....oh wow, what a nice toilet and bathtub." It was so cute to see their excitement for everything. Little children are so easy to please, it was a reminder to me to find that joy and childlike excitement even in the small and simple things.