June

June 4 - End of School Year Party

More than 40 kids came to Brayden and Makaela's end of school year party. We hosted, but Kelsey and a few friends put it together and managed the bunch. Most of the kids were from Brayden's school, a Charter School in Perry. The kids are close knit, like a family. And... so good. Making the move to a Charter School was the best thing that happened to Brayden. His academics are up... way up, he has confidence in himself, and he's made a lot of good friends. They all get together about every weekend, at someone's house to have a good old-fashioned party. But... I think this one at our house took the cake! The bounce house took up almost the entire length of the side yard. They ate, played games, sat around the camp fire, and listened to a real long scary story told by Brayden's Scout Master. By 11:00 p.m. we finally got the last out of the house. 

I'm happy the kids feel comfortable here and want to bring their friends to the house. I always loved that about mom. She loved a party and often opened her home up for dinners and parties. Mom hosted school dance dinners when I was a youth, and she did it for all the grand kids. What happy memories!

Brayden... rolling around in the foreground.

Alia got her dance moves on with the beat of the music blaring from the deck. It didn't take long for Ben and James to join in. James laughed and laughed.

June 8 - Mecham kids

I stopped by Audrey's today. The kids were just chillin'. 

June 12 - This is the Place State Heritage Park

Today was a free day at This is the Place State Heritage Park. Jon Huntsman and his wife sponsors a free day once a year, which includes an ice cream cone. It was very enjoyable. Not too hot, and not overly crowded. The best part of the day... the splash pad, ice cream, riding the horses, and the entertainment. Such a lovely place to be!

Go to http://daveandcaroldaniels.blogspot.com/2015/08/this-is-place-state-heritage-park.html to see how we spent our day.

June 13 - Baptisms for the dead

Today was such a good day. Steven, Ann, Susan, and Steven Jr., Kelsey, Chad, Makaela, and Brayden, and I went to the Brigham City temple to do baptisms for the dead. What made it so special? We did our own ancestors. About 50 in all. Half in female names, and the other half in male names. Steven and Chad did the baptizing. Kelsey and I participated in the confirmations. This was truly a special day for me. To be an actual participant, from research to the font, was so amazing. This was a first for me. My heart is so full of gratitude. 

Ann recently taught me how to find ancestors who need their temple work done, on familysearch.org. I spend a couple of hours on Sunday to find ancestors. I would like to move on the the research part of it next. Slow, but sure, I am learning. It's so very exciting!

We met our house afterwards for a bbq. Love, love, love my family. Both here and on the other side of the veil.

June 20 - Bentley Cousins Family Reunion

The reunion was held at the Wellington City Park. Audrey and I and her kiddos made the trip down. Amie and her girls met us there. There was little attendance but it was nice to visit and get re-aquainted with those who did come. The reunion committee was changed this year. I stay historian. It's overwhelming, but humbling. I have much more to do to measure up to mom. She did an amazing job keeping records and putting stories and books together. 

When it's my time to pass to the other side, I hope I have done enough. And when I meet mom face to face, she greets me with a big smile on her face and is pleased with my efforts.

  

My grandkids - Ben, Savanna, James, Alia, Nicole, Emilee

Kerry and Kelley Jensen, and myself (Carol)

Flowers for Shaniel

We stopped by Shaniel's grave on the way home. Ben wanted to place the flowers in her vase. He was so tender about it. Even the youngest of children can feel the sacredness of her resting place. All three children... Alia, Emilee, and Ben were somber, reverent, and thoughtful. 

Oh... miss my Shaniel so much!  I pray everyday she is progressing on her path towards eternal life. That she is under the watchful care of mom and dad and she lives everyday joyfully. That is what I want most for my girl. She'll always be my little girl. 

June 24 - Painted nails and cuteness

Alia does such a good job painting her nails don't you think!

James is the cutest munchkin ever don't you think!

What's not to love about grandkids!

June 25 - Swimming

Audrey's family loves their pool! They swim, dive, paddle, and practice skills they learn at swimming lessons. If they could, they would live in water! 

June 26 - Sitting up

James is practicing a new skill. Sitting up! It won't be long until he gets the hang of it.

June 27 - A new bunny

Makeala has some new bunnies. They are so dang cute. It's hot outside and this little one finds a spot in the grass to stretch his body out. I'm sure to get cool. She will be entering them in the County Fair this year. 

June 30 - Birthdays!

Audrey turned 29 years old today and James turned 6 months old. And... what a face! Happy Birthday to two of my favorite people! I took Audrey out to lunch. Afterwards we went to Smiths Marketplace and she found a couple of adorable tops and a skirt to wear. Seems like mom's are at the bottom of the list to get something new to wear. It was fun to watch Audrey shop today. It was as much a treat for me as it was for her.

Sole Apricot

Our apricots froze this year. This was the only one we found this year. Dave and I will be sharing it!

Shaniel's Garden

The Wisteria is growing nicely on top of  the pergola. I love the beautiful fragrant purple flowers that hang down. Every year brings more vines and more flowers. Can't wait until it all fills in.

I planted my own flowers this year in the planter. I saved a bundle of money and I think it looks pretty darn good for someone who doesn't know what they are doing! This year we also planted some Hosta plants along the rocks in the back. They should get plenty of shade. The landscaper fell through this year. Call's Country Nursery was suppose to come up and finish the borders of Shaniel's garden with plants, flowers, and vines after our trip to Peru. It never happened. I am a little disappointed. If we can find the right vine for the pergola extension, we will plant them ourselves this fall. I also bought a glider and had two wooden chairs re-finished for the brick floor. Can't wait until Shaniel's garden is completely done.

Month in Review