Grush Dairy Farm

Some of our friends from Georgia were out visiting family in Idaho, and we decided to drive up to Malta, Idaho to spend the day.  It was an easy drive.  Only a 2 1/2 hr trip up.  Such great views to see on the way.  Andrea and Alan Bake have kids almost matched up with ours, so over the years we've done several things together...this day wouldn't be any different.  It was such a perfect day of letting the kids see each other and enjoy the outdoors.

First off, Andrea grew up there on a dairy farm, so they gave us the tour of it.  This was her parent's farm.  It was so interesting.  And I loved that my kids got to see where milk really comes from.  I asked her brother Brian Grush (who also lived in Georgia for a few years--so good to see them and their family too) so many questions.  I hope he wasn't annoyed with me.  But I learned a lot and appreciated his time.  I didn't have my camera/phone with me til the end...but I was able to capture the kids with the calves.  Oh they are so adorable!  The kids liked it when they sucked on their fingers and ate out of their hands. 

Dylan Bake and Rian                                                                          Raegan and Rian

City Of Rocks

After a tour of the dairy farm, we took off to City of Rocks for lunch and hiking.  We stopped at their family bakery and got sandwiches and goodies then headed out.  It was amazing.  It was a small Zion National Park.  It was really pretty cool!

Haley and Tarin have been such good buddies over the years, I know they will always remember each other.

This looks steep, but really this isn't too bad.  As you can see, Ammon had no problem getting up there.  Tyler (green shirt) and Jarom have also been such great friends over the years, I know they will always be friends

Haley                                                     Tarin

Grush kids, Bake kids and Wardwell kids

Still can't believe I didn't get a picture with adults in it...we always get forgotten.

hiking the beautiful trails

on our drive back to Malta, Andrea pointed out some historical points in these charming little towns that were settled way back when...I loved these buildings and had to snap a picture of them...yep I finally pulled out my good camera

After a hot summer day...which to be exact, it was the first day of Summer, the kids all took a swim in the family swimming pool...or should I say the community pool.  They are the only ones around with a pool, and it comes from the warm spring.  With the cool breeze the warm water was nice for the kids.

Ammon, Dylan, Matthew, Raegan, Tarin and Haley

          Dylan trying to spray himself                                                                                        Rian wrestling Jarom...Andrea you look like you wanted to join in!

Ammon loved having his hair done by his big sis!

Andrea, Ethan and Alan having a splash competition...I think Alan won this one...sorry guys!

Ammon and Dylan are good buddies too...I love watching them play.                                          Ethan and Ammon

Tarin and Haley

Bakes and Wardwells :o)

After swimming the boys started launching off rockets.  They were able to find the first two, but the third one got away and the kids all went running to find it.  Raegan didn't have her shoes, so she didn't get too far, but I loved this pictures.  It's so beautiful out there!

Ammon didn't feel like going very far either, but rather follow the tire path of the moving sprinkler.  I loved watching him play.  Another of my favorite pictures.

After pizza and gathering up our stuff, we decided to say our goodbyes for now and head home.  It was a perfect day for all of us...Thank you Bakes and Grushes.  It was a day to remember.  We love you all!

On the drive home, I couldn't resist snapping this picture with my phone.  The Utah mountains at sunset are just spectacular!!  I think this was before Brigham City...I'm not sure.  But it was hard for me to keep my eyes on the road.  A picture perfect ending to a wonderful day.  Got home at 10 pm and the kids just snuggled into their cozy beds.

Cedar Hills Parade

This parade was a lot of fun, and literally passed right in front of our house.  The kids loved watching and gathering all the candy that was thrown at them.  This is a bit early for the 4th of July, but with all the surrounding cities wanting their own time for celebration, they had to work out different dates.  Hey, I loved it and the fireworks were really nice.

Gotta love those mountains back there!  I will never get used to them!

Different floats for the different cities in the county went by...lots of advertisements and lots of free goodies.

Tarin and Raegan were at other friends houses for the parade...but you can see we had a lot of fun.  Trent just got back from a 10 mile run...he smelled 'sweet'!

Finally Lost Her Teeth

Raegan is about to start the third grade, but has yet to loose any of her baby teeth.  This has been super hard on her.  She's feeling a bit left out.  She has had two bottom, front teeth come in, but sadly they came behind her baby teeth and the root never disolved.  We tried for several months to wiggle them out ourselves.  Finally we decided they needed to be out.  We found a dentist and she was very good with Raegan.

Because I mentally prepped Raegan with what was about to happen, she made up her mind that she WASN'T going to laugh when they gave her the nitrious aka laughing gas.  I had told her sometimes people say or do funny things, but she was determined she wasn't going to let that happen.  She was a very brave little one!  At one point the dentist had to tug pretty hard, because the xray didn't prepare her for how LONG the root really was...the baby teeth were in the way for that story.  But Rae was glad when it was over.  She got a little treasure chest to put her teeth in for the tooth fairy.  She was ready...she's been wanting a visit from the tooth fairy for sooooo long!  Now she is part-of-the-club!

Afterwards, we went to Uswirl for ice cream!  Good job baby girl, I'm so proud of you!

Starting The Summer

The kids found a tree in the back yard that had a birds nest.  So they climbed up and looked inside.  They love to watch the bird come and go to sit on her eggs.  Hope to hear little chirps soon.

My parent's brought up a huge bag of grapefruit from their trees in AZ, but they were getting too ripe and needed to be eaten.  So I started juicing them and my little helper wanted to finish them off.  Oh the greatness of they fresh juice was heavenly!

Kids have been out making friends in the neighborhood.  Here they went with one, Noelle, to Heritage Park.  It has a creek to play in and a playground.  Best part, the kids can ride their bikes to the park!  Love how close everything is!

Driving Back

Driving back from the family reunion, we got a call from Trents' parents saying they would like to meet up in Cedar City, since they were coming back from St. George anyway.  It wasn't exactly on our route back, but with a little detour we could make it happen.  We cut through Zion National Park...a worth while excursion.  I have never been there before, but WOW it was amazing!!

The rock formations were spectacular!  My phone pics don't do any of it justice!  Oh I can't wait to come back and enjoy it!

We met up and had dinner...a nice break for the kids, since we had already done about 6-7 hours of driving already and had another 3 to go.  Thank you Randy and Stacey for a much needed refreshing.

As we headed out we also stopped in Parawon where Stacey's mom was buried.  Most of the kids do remember Great Grandma DeMille...also Ammon's middle name comes because of her.  It was a windy evening, hence the blankets and quick visit.

Palmer Family Reunion 2012

Yes, so here it is...another round of proof that I indeed come from a large, but awesome family.  We all have our quirk and gem moments, but what a reminder that we all come from a Heavenly Father that loves each and everyone of us as individuals.  We have parents that have sacrificed so much and provided abundantly through the spirit of the Lord.  Such greatness comes from those who follow the Lord.

I no longer have to drive from Georgia to attend these fun get-togethers.  But we all met up in Heber, AZ (northeastern Arizona) to Camp Shadow Pines.  It, however was still a long day of driving, especially since we did just cross the country and unpacked a house.  But it was all worth it!  This will be the last time we are together for a bit, my parents report to the MTC the next Monday.  They are going to the Kumasi, Ghana Mission in Africa.  How awesome is that?!

Basic picture, haven't put my stamp on it yet, but glad we could all make it and fit in

Siblings Altogether:

Scott, Jeff, Shanda, Dad, Mom, Dan, Ben, Me

Tim, Tana, Tony, Trevor, Traci

In case you didn't know our order...and wanted a glimps of our different shaped backsides... :o)

 

Nixon and Coleman playing a round of horseshoe

What a bunch of crazies!!

35 Grandkids and counting...4 of Jared and Shandas kids are missing.

Doing crafts, playing ball....

The kids all waiting in line for food...they would make a mad dash to be first in line after the prayer...as you can see mine made it first this time.  But it was the only time...

My brothers play a lot of Texas Holdem' back home, and decided to make a few late nights of it for us grown ups to hang out.  Let's just say I needed that cheat card to know what is a flush or a straight...but midnight called my name every time.

My Aunt Judy...always was my favorite.