Mt. Graham at Labor Day

Because of the fire danger during the summer, our family did not get to go to Mt. Graham around the 4th of July.  It was sorely missed!  So as the summer ended and school began, we eagerly looked forward to Labor Day and our family time up on Mt. Graham.  At this special time we see all types of memories being made - friendships renewed, moments of relaxation enjoyed, games played, working together, and love increased.  It just doesn't get better than that!

A little competitive game of Scrabble

Working together to put the awnings up

Sometimes, it's a little tricky...but our girls are pros at this!

This dad loves that cute little boy!!

Some are very diligent in their studies! 

Newly-married Jon

Shay having fun with cousin Rebecca Hodges

Some of the best people we know

How we love Aunt Roxanne and Uncle Dennis

By Saturday afternoon, most of the family has arrived.  Around the cabin, many tents start popping up.  We call it "Tent City".  That is where the very brave and courageous sleep.  (I am not one of those!)  Those women (Roxanne, Katie, Jennie K., Harmony, LaDawn, Yvette, and our very pregnant Jenny) are troopers in the truest of descriptions.  They brave the weather, the skunks and bears, and other little necessities each night.  I am in awe of their determination to make the best of any situation.  How I love these women!

There is always a game of Ultimate Frisbee.  I have noticed that my girls are on the ground more than they are standing up.  I'm not sure why! 

There is much preparation for the dinner that evening and a few prayers that the heavens will stay the rain.  It was one of our largest dinners to date.

Jennie K. helping to prepare the food

Sunday was a beautiful day in so many ways.  It is fast Sunday, and also becomes a testimony meeting.  I had the privilege of teaching the young women.  I had over 25 young women in the front of the cabin!  It was amazing.

The make-shift parking lot...there are a lot of trucks!

Look real close at the priesthood bench in the upper left-hand corner.  Those administering and passing the sacrament always wear a white shirt and tie.

It was a very large "congregation" this Sunday....over 400 people in attendance.  The spirit was strong and our spirits were filled.  It was a wonderful Sabbath day.
And then there is Jade.....
Her faces and antics kept us all laughing the whole time she was awake. We sure had fun with her and enjoyed watching her daddy chase her all over the cabin area.  Definitely brought back a lot of memories!!

Her make-shift play-pen...the back of the truck!

She had a love/hate relationship with the swing. 

Loved it for awhile, then would get afraid, then would want to go "way high"

She figured out how to push the button for water.  Oh, she had fun with that!

 This face of content and happiness depicts how we all feel after a wonderful weekend with family.  Each night we kneel in prayer around the front bed in the cabin.  There is usually not enough room for everyone to kneel.  Our family is large and includes all who want to join.  Grandma always expresses her love and hope that we stay strong in the gospel and love each other.  Isn't that every mom's heartfelt wish??  It was another wonderful time in our very own piece of heaven.

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Another celebration in our family.  Even tho Tyler and his family are spending this special day in Yuma, I want him to know how much I love this son of ours!  I think the best words to describe Tyler would be happy - content - a true family man.I have watched Tyler love kids his whole life.  They have always felt that love and he has always...always had a flock of kids surrounding him.

Today, things haven't really changed.  Tyler puts his family first in his life and he is a wonderful husband and father.  He works hard to provide for them and in the end....he is rewarded with this:

Happy Birthday, Tyler!!
We love you - your family loves you....it can't get better than that!!

Jade = Friday Entertainment

This post needs an introduction.  Jade is addicted to Dora.  Check THIS out for a good laugh!  Jenny, Jacque, Jade and me (Grammy) had a fun excursion to Cost-Co, where Jade was the champion taste-tester. 
Warning:  When the label says "No Spoon, No Mess"....it's lying!! 
Applesauce in a squeezable pouch equals applesauce all down the shirt and around the mouth.  But Jade loved it!! That is why Jade is shirtless is the following entertaining videos. 
Tyler and Jenny went to dinner and we got to watch Jade for a little while. When they returned home, we captured some funny, very memorable moments with Jade.
We will call this:

Fun with Daddy's Hat:

Needless to say...it was better than going to the movies.  Family fun....it doesn't get better than that!

Fall Fashion Show Tradition

One of the favorite traditions our family enjoys is the annual Fashion Show.  The Sunday before school starts, each cousin going to school brings their "first-day outfit" and becomes a model.  Jacque and Chelsey write the cutest descriptions for each one and there is an air of excitement and surprise that is contagious.  This year, we had a few new changes.  Jacque became an announcer (as she has graduated from ASU and joins Aaron as the "graduates") and Tyler was a spectator as well. 

Grammy always makes the "runway" look professional with balloons and this year a fringe entrance.  Music is playing, cameras are flashing, and the poses?  Well, they speak of the personality of each cousin.
Going to School - Youngest to Oldest:

Chloe - 2nd grade - cutest thing on the playground!

Dailynd - 1st grade - coolest guy in school....even with braces!!

Cami - Hot stuff in 4th grade

Ashley - Stylin' around in 6th grade

Carlee - 6th grade - Big lady on Campus

Faye - Queen of accessories in Jr. High

Clay - Sophomore with confidence and charisma

Lincoln - Jr. in High School and quite the fashion stud

Cassie - a SENIOR!!  Rockin' it this year!!

Aly: "CGCC has its top dog back as the sleek and sexy Aly saunters the campus this year. Her sassy personality is shown perfectly in her flirty black sundress and super chic heels. And check out her bracelet. Hot mama!!"

Chelsey - Fall fashion icon going to BYU-Idaho

Dena: "is making a fabulous return to CGCC in a flirty yellow louse and incredibly stylish shorts.  Check out her awesome new gray bag and summer sandals!" 

THEN...the dancing begins and all join in for the celebration of another great school year.

Afterwards, Aaron and Savannah made a fantastic "Sunday" ice-cream bar.  Toppings, ice-cream and whipped topping...a perfect ending!