Family and Pioneer Parade

Our wonderful neighbors invited us to the parade and picnic for pioneer day. I noticed they had bike decorating and ride for the kids. I remember decorating my bike and riding down Garrison Ave in Battle Creek, MI for our annual block party. It was so awesome. Daron and I have been celebrating pioneer day for the past six years with our Kanab community. Here is a little bit about it. Pioneer Day is an official holiday celebrated on July 24 in the U.S. state of Utah, with some celebrations in regions of surrounding states originally settled by Mormon pioneers. It commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois, and other locations in the eastern United States. Parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities help commemorate the event. Similar to July 4th, most governmental offices and many businesses are closed on Pioneer Day.

ZB

Zeena B passed away on Friday afternoon, July 20th.  She was with Jennifer and I surrounded by the love we had for her.  I'm going to miss her dearly, but she wasn't having all that much fun on this earth at her age and with her medical issues.  After I got back home I was sitting out back thinking (crying) about her.  It was one of those humid still evenings.  I looked up to the heavens and said God, I'd sure like to know that there is a place for the souls of such loyal, trusted, loving companions.  I said "you think you could give me a sign that you have her?"  "Like maybe a gust of wind?"  Not half a second later the 2 trees in the front yard started rustling and a pretty substantial gust of wind shook them wonderfully!  Then it was gone and right back to stillness.  I KID YOU NOT!  This has helped me immensely in dealing with losing my pretty girl.  Selfishly though, I'm still gonna miss her. 

When Work is your Oasis!

Imagine watching TV and during the last few minutes of your show the channel changes.  This can happen when you record television shows with your DVR. This morning my mom told me she heard Daron grumble "Mary!" last night when he finally got Addy to sleep. You see when Daron gets home Addy "wants Daddy" every single minute.  When I call them in for dinner she says "I want to sit by Daddy" and when I ask her if she is ready for her bath she says "I want Daddy to give me a bath." Then when I get in bed with her to read her bedtime stories she says "I want Daddy he's my favorite" and out the door she bitter patters.  Anyhow, back to the beginning of the story when Daron grumbled "Mary."  Throughout the day we have to cancel the recordings if we want to watch live television.  You would be amazed how many times Master Chef and Hell's Kitchen (two of Daron's favorites) are televised throughout the day.  If you are still following this story - congratulations!  The bottom line is Daron needs to thank us.  I am sure you are asking "Why? You cancel all his shows, he get's no down time after work, his in-laws are here for six weeks and his wife is of absolutely no help!"  We told Daron this is great because now he looks forward to going to work. In fact, it is probably the best part of the whole day!

Yesterday Addyson and Mimi were on the couch watching Ice Age.  Eventually, Mimi fell asleep and to wake her up Addy started kicking her in the thigh.  I asked Addyson "How did you wake Mimi up after the movie yesterday? Did you shake her arm gently?"  Addyson said "I don't remember."

Backyard Bounty

Deck is Done!!! Addy Painting Animals!

Addyson saw one of her friends older sisters painting her toy horse and when she came home she wanted to try it. Immediately. She started with the horses, moved to the giraffes then went on to any animal that was made out of rubber or plastic.

Apricots are in season here in Kanab and thanks to generous neighbors I have been able to dry apricots after apricots after apricots. 

The deck is done. The deck is done!