Summer Highlights - Part 2

In mid-July, our friends Marga and Suzanne came to visit. We became friends with them in Holland and they were our hosts to many great sights and events while we were there.

We were really excited to have them come visit us and to be able to share

what our life here in America is like.

The first thing we did with them is take them to the Pioneer Day Parade.

We saw some of the sights of downtown SLC and then spent the afternoon and evening

saving our spots along the parade route. We met and talked to many nice and

interesting people. The kids slept out on the street while us old folks enjoyed the beds

in the Carlton Hotel. It was the most perfect weather I ever remember for the parade.

Suzanne especially loved all the horses.

After that, we went on a long road trip.

First, we went to see Bryce Canyon. It was spectacular.

On our way out of the area we got caught in a flash flood. Well not exactly in it but we got stopped and couldn't get out of the park for several hours till they got the road cleared. The girls thought it was wonderfully exciting.

We were just a few vehicles behind this big rig that stopped part way into the flooded road.

Then it was on to Las Vegas. The dancing waters at the Bellagio is always fantastic

and one of our favorite sights to see in Vegas.

The next morning, we headed to Long Beach. We ate at George's Greek Cafe. It was so yummy!

Dennis had meetings there and so we had lots of time to explore and enjoy on our own.

We visited the Queen Mary.

We explored the marina and beaches.

Before leaving Southern California we stopped in and visited Johnny

and some of his friends in Hollywood.

We drove up the coast. We stopped in Carmel and Pebble Beach were it was cool and foggy.

A beautiful flower near the beach in Carmel.

By the time we got to Santa Cruz, it was beautiful and warm. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and watching the surfers.

At Natural Bridges.

When we got to San Francisco it was very foggy again and very cold.

The next morning was a little warmer and we enjoyed some of the sights that make

San Francisco such a unique and loved city.

After San Francisco, it was just a long ride home.

The next weekend, we went to Yellowstone and Jackson. It was beautiful.

On August 21st, Benjamin Ralph Pace was born and finally made me a grandma.