Summer Highlights - Part 1

This summer we were able to do so many fun things. I didn't get all the events blogged that I would have liked to so I'm going to try and do a little catch up and post some of my favorite memories of the past three months.

At the end of June, Dennis and I got back from Europe, Mindy and Jeran flew in from North Carolina and Jessica flew in from Virginia. We loaded up all our gear (thanks to Andrew and Alyna who did most of the gathering and preparing) and the whole family headed down to Lake Powell. The Pace family joined us which was wonderful since they are very experienced at boating and camping at the lake.

We had lots of toys and ways to enjoy the water. Here, the girls hang out on tubes

while we wait for everyone else to arrive and choose a camping spot.

Lisa and baby grill us up some burgers.

The guys work together to get the island anchored.

Dinner time and time to sit back and relax.

We had our very own island which provided a nice spot to cool off, visit, and sunbathe.

Jeran taking an early morning run. The lake was perfect.

Mindy trying to stay cool.

Jeran had to forgo some fun after a trip to the emergency room with a broken finger

and many stitches. He keeps an eye on the hikers. Jamison and Rhett are out on the jet skis.

Cameron, Tina, Jessica, Lindsay and Andrew hike up to some Indian ruins.

Climbing up the crevice

Jessica doing a little cliff jumping. (Dennis and Cameron were also brave enough to jump.)

While all the men and teens were out water skiing and hiking, a storm blew up and we were lucky to keep our gear on shore. Our little island was blown over to the other side of the

bay but some nice neighbors were kind enough to bring it back to us.

The rainbows at the end of the storm.

In July we hosted the Briscoe family reunion. Everyone had a great time just being together.

We started off Friday night with dinner and games.

We played a crazy game of reverse charades designed especially for our family by Andrew and Lindsay. Here they are trying to get the audience to guess "Katie's first date."
Andrew rigged up a large outdoor screen (two king size sheets) and we had a movie night.
We worked on our quilt blocks for Kimberly and Anya.
We played our own version of "Win it in a Minute." This was one of the most hilarious games.


After the game, we moved to a park for a picnic lunch and a huge food fight.

Katie and Alyna showing off the latest look in spaghetti and mashed potatoes.
Luckily for us, the splash pool had just been completed and everyone was able to clean up a bit.
Sunday, we had dinner and then each person got a chance to share

"One Shining Moment" that had happened to them that year. Here, Anya tells about earning a school award. It was her mom's shining moment also since it took a lot of family support.
The family quilts were given to Todd (space themed),
and Seth (birds).
It was a fun reunion and it was wonderful to be able to spend time

creating memories and renewing friendships.