Summer 2016: UTAH!

 Here's are just a few glimpses of our summer time vacations.  Just 3 days after my surgery we flew out to start our summer fun vacation in Utah.  

We stopped at Grandma B's and Papa's for some fun.

 Emee's really loves Grandma's quilts! 

Lots of cousin bonding time!

We played at Sand Hollow a lot!

Went to the gun range and I shot my first gun!

AR15 fully automatic

We got yummy cupcakes from Twenty-Five Main cafe

Hung out at the little splash park near by

Went to the lake again!

More cousin bounding time!  Bryn and Oshi!

Lots of swimming and games in the pool!

Wake surfing!

 Easton and Maycee

 Cute cousins, Scarlett and Emee!

Mr. Brooks!

Ryan has been wanting to see Garth Brook's live since he got his first taste of country music.  

This was a moment anticipated for over 20 years!  haha.  

We thought we missed out for good when we missed his show in the Dallas area, but a few months later when we found out he'd be in San Antonio, Ryan bought tickets before he could think twice and we took the 5 hour drive down and made it a fun quick get away for a night.

We got there a little early so we could stop and do a session at the San Antonio temple, which neither of us had been too!

What a beautiful temple!

We grabbed some dinner and made it to the concert with plenty of time.  We literally sat on the last row at the top, but it was still a spectacular show!

 Ryan's waiting game ---almost over.

Light out, show ON!

So fun!  Garth sang only his older classics, but every song was a hit and he had people shouting and dancing the whole time!

Kidney Stone

There are health issues much more extreme than a kidney stone, but I must say that kidney stone pain is probably some of the worst I've felt!  I've been dealing with some back pain for awhile and kept getting treated for a UTI, but when the pain returned so bad one night that I was throwing up and crying out, I knew something was wrong.  After a CT scan it was found that I had a LARGE kidney stone on my left side.  Most kidney stones that get to 5mm or larger cannot pass on their own.  Mine measured at 12mm!!!  So we went to a Urologist and decided to go with a procedure called Lithotripsy where they basically blast the stone into pieces using shock waves.  You have to go under anesthesia and the cost can be, well to put it mildly, extremely overwhelming.  After a mini panic attack and making several calls to several doctors, we finally found a great doctor who referred me to a wonderful place that took extremely good care of me and a very responsible price.  It was such a relief!  I was really nervous, but everyone was so kind and helpful and having Ryan by my side making me laugh the whole time was the best part.  We joked that getting away just the two of us, even if it was for surgery felt like a fun date.

Everything went well and I'm so thankful for everyone who has helped me.  From prayers, to meals, to watching kids, to making calls for and with me regarding doctors and treatment.  I am truly blessed with the most amazing friends, family and ward members!

4th of July!

We kicked off our celebration of this great country with our neighborhood parade.

Due to health concerns I've been having, I wasn't very prepared for the holiday, but thanks to my mom for sending some fun red, white, and blue stuff our bike/scooter decorating was saved.

Brynlee pooped out about an 1/8th of the way in, so she caught a ride with cousin Cade.  Still waving the flag!

The parade ended at the club house park with some yummy food and a dance contest.

and what dance contest is complete without a little 'Whip & Na-na!"

The rest of our celebrations included more swimming, good food, and fireworks. 

Every year I try to have a little discussion with the kids about what Independence Day is all about. And every year I cry though it.  Ha ha.  This year I told them the story about Francis Scott Key and the meaning of the words in the National Anthem.  I'm just so grateful for those brave and bold men and women who fought for our freedoms and those who still do to this day.  It makes me realize how blessed we are by our Heavenly Father to have this great nation and I hope that we as a nation never forget that America came because of a lot of sacrifice and those who listened to and obeyed God!