August

August 1 - Family Search Discovery Center

We enjoyed a Family Day with Kelsey and her family at the Family Search Discovery Center in Salt Lake City. It was their first visit and Dave's too. It was like being in a candy store for the first time. "Mom! Carol! Mom... Mom! They were so excited to see themselves and our ancestors in full view across the wall... spanning continents. We pulled up stories of our deceased family members and recorded stories of our own. 

The biggest surprise of all was Dave finding out he had both Bates and Bird in his family lines! He almost panicked thinking about being related to me in that way.

Before we left, we dressed up in clothes from other countries and had our picture taken on the dock of Ellis Island. Oh... man were we loud! We laughed our fool head's off getting into the scene of it. 

After our visit to the Family Search Discovery Center, we went to the new Church History Museum. I was so surprised at what they had done. It was interactive and up-to-date. For a minute, I thought I was in England or back east. It was there that I had experienced interactive history for the first time. 

We ate lunch at the Lion House.... always a winner. Their food is home made, filling, and so delicious. 

What a great day and a fun Family Home Evening. I hope to make this visit at least once a year.

August 3 - Thanksgiving Point Prehistoric Museum

Tera and Tianna came up to spend a few days with us. I picked them up at Thanksgiving Point and that is where our adventure began. We saw dinosaurs and other creatures of long ago in the Museum of Ancient Life. 

August 4 - Water Park Birthday

Alia turned 8 years old today. For her birthday we went to Burger King and ate lunch. Then it was off to the water park on Riverdale Road. The kids played in the water and on the slides for a few hours. Being the grandma, I looked after James for the most part. He is a delight to watch. Always smiling, squealing, experiencing new things, and loving every minute of it. The kids enjoyed snow cones at the end of the day. What a fun birthday for a special 8 year old. Happy Birthday Ali Bear!

August 5 - Hanging out at grandma's

Tera and Tianna spent the day helping grandpa pick blackberries in the orchard. Tianna picked a bucket full to take home. Tera went for a ride on the 4 wheeler through the orchard and saw some baby birds in a nest. 

I cooked crepes for breakfast... Yumm! The girls liked that. They spent some time in their mom's garden enjoying the beautiful flowers and relaxing on the glider.


August 6 - Baptism Day

Today was Alia's day! She looked like an angel. The light that radiated from her was heavenly. Her baptism was very special. When I asked her what her favorite part of the day was, she said "when all my bad memories were washed away".

As I watched her that day I could tell she felt pure and clean and that she wanted to be so 

good. It brought back memories of my own baptism day. I remember that feeling of cleanliness and purity. I wanted to be perfect! 

August 8 - Sunset

Forest fires create the most beautiful sunsets.

August 10 - Splash Pad

There is nothing more fun that kids and water in the summertime. Today Audrey and I took the kiddos to the Harrisville splash pad. They had so much fun. 

Every day is a new experience for James and he is truly a delight to watch. He would run through the water, soaking himself, freezing... as he ran around and around with a smile that would not end.

August 10 - Pink Zinnia's

Love my Zinnias! Especially the pink ones.

August 13 - Farmer's Market

We're on our 20th year of going to the Farmers Market at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City. It's always an adventure.

Quick trip to Price 

After the Farmer's Market I went to Price. Clint was asked to talk in the adult session of Stake Conference. He shared the testimony of his conversion. It was very nice and his story is so powerful. I am so proud of him. He truly has a testimony of Jesus Christ. He is building upon the "rock". 

Audrey and Mike made it down for Stake Conference. They are always so good to give support, as well. 

Amie has a new shop for her business. It is nice and will give her something to do and to look forward to every day. 

I have to admit, I forgot about mine and Dave's anniversary today. Happy Anniversary to us!

August 19 - Hailie and Nicole

Hailie and Nicole came up for a visit. We first went to Seven Peaks Water Park in Salt Lake City. I enjoyed watching these two monkey's on the slides, swinging on rope swings, and just being goofy. 

Dave put them to work on Saturday. They helped us at the Farmer's Market. Both girls were quick at sales and bagging fruit. They were a great help at the market. It was a good way for them to earn some extra money to buy school clothes.

Before they left we went out in the yard and I took pictures of them in Shaniel and Steven's gardens. In a way it broke my heart thinking about Hailie. Thinking about Steven and how much I miss him and how much his children must miss him. Oh... his poor children.

August 23 - First day of School

Alia's first day of school. She is in 3rd grade this year.

August 24 - What you do at Grandma's

You pick out peaches and nectarines and eat them! Run in the grass. Climb the rocks. And swing in the glider. And... let grandma take lots of pictures. I sure do love my grand kiddos!

August 31 - First day of Kindergarten

Ben's first day of Kindergarten. He loves his suspenders and he already loves school!

Nectarines

A customer at the Farmer's Market told me their favorite canned fruit is nectarines. I had never thought to bottle nectarines before, so this year was a first. During the processing, the skins seemed to disappear and the juice turned a pretty red. I can't wait to try them! We also froze some to use in smoothies. Ben was a big helper!

Bracelet for Grandma

I love the bracelet Alia made for me. Grandma... it's perfect!

Building the Cooler

Finally! After 20 years, Dave is having a cooler built on our property. It will cut down on work, on time, and expense to have a cooler here at the farm. We will miss Dick and are so thankful for all the years he let us use his cooler, but it was time to do this. Dick is a good friend and we will continue to visit him and his wife, Pat, often.

In the Orchard

Dave usually has the 4 wheeler in use, but he is gone right now. I hopped on the 4 wheeler and drove through and around the orchard. I enjoyed it so much. At the bottom of the trees I spotted some bug catchers. Interesting! The tomatoes are doing well. I haven't cared for their taste this year. I don't know if it is the variety or from the soil where they are planted.

Cockle Burrs

I love Spackman's horses, or at least I love to have them nearby to watch.This horse had his head over the fence. Maybe he thought I had an apple for him. I noticed his hair was all matted down with cockle burrs. It reminded me of home and our horses. I thought of the times we would get the curry brush out to detangle our horses' cockle burr matted hair.

Birthdays and a Baptism

Month In Review