Till we Meet Again

Devin's Grandma Hyatt passed away August 19 at age 91. She was a remarkable woman and we were blessed to know her. All of Devin's siblings were able to attend the funeral this weekend. I have been reflecting on how blessed I am because of not only my good posterity but my husband's. September's 1st Presidency message by President Uchtdorf is entitled "The Influence of Righteous Women" As I read this article this morning I couldn't help think of Grandma Irene Hyatt. She left such a great legacy of faith for me and my children to follow. Some of the things I think are her influence has blessed so many.

1. She served of approximately 80 years in the same calling, Ward organist. That is amazing to me. How many of us get burned out of our callings after a couple of years?

2. She raised four children, had 19 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. As far as I know all the boy grandchildren went on missions and I think got there eagle scout awards. All of those grandchildren who have been married were sealed in the temple.

3. She was such a hard worker. She kept up an active lifestyle until the last few months of her life. She would be seen out in here well kept garden everyday where she had the most beautiful rose bushes.

4. She loved life and made everyone around her feel special and needed.

I was never an in-law in her eyes. She treated me like one of her own and I really appreciated that.

(The above picture is the last time we spent with Grandma, Easter weekend. The boys were able to play there instruments for her. She gave them many encouraging words which we will treasure forever.)

First Steps

While off at Danny and Melissa's and Grandma and Grandpa's this weekend, Abigail got really good at walking. Here is a little video of her showing her moves.

The Grand Tetons

For our 11th Anniversary we decided to do a backpacking trip to the Grand Tetons. Here are words that try to describe the beauty.

Quiet and Regal Beauty--Grand Tetons

Picturesque Skies with fast moving clouds
Wildflowers daring to grow mid rock and stream
Pikas scamper and screech at passerby's
Musty smell of wild game
Watching out for hidden danger
Hidden lakes, streams and waterfalls on every turn
Majestic and jagged mountains
Huge Boulders and tiny slate
One step up at a time, reaching great heights
Soft snow falls while safe and warm
Friendly hikers, encouraging words
Taken by the scenes before me
Grateful for God who created it all


A huge shout out to Melissa, Danny, Mom and Dad for watching the kids so we could go!
P.S. This park is an amazing place for families. Lots of picnic areas, beautiful small and large hikes, great bike/rollerblade trail, you can rent canoes and boats. We will be back for more fun with our family next year!

Real Soccer game

Devin got tickets through work to a Real soccer game. We were way excited to go! Both Devin and I are soccer fans. I like to watch it but I would rather play. We actually didn't see the Real team play. Instead it was an All star game Everton vs. MLS all stars. It was an exciting game which ended at a tie 1 to 1. They did a shoot out which happened to be at the goal we were closest too. Everton ended up winning but I think the All stars played a better game.

We had my mom watch the kids and we decided to take the UTA front runner from Woods Cross into Salt Lake and then take the TRAX to the game. They are running a summer special so for both of us to ride round trip it was only $10. It took about an hour to get there which was great because then we didn't have to worry about parking, which a lot of lots were $10 or more. I was impressed that there were quite a few soccer fans riding the bus. The only hangup is after the game we got to the TRAX great and once we got to the front-runner station we had an hour wait until the last front-runner left. This way they get all the late owls in one train. Since we were going home that night with the kids we thought we better call Dad. So he came and rescued us. So much for saving on gas, but it was a good test to see if we would do it again with the whole family. We definitely will when we can. The kids would love it-no seatbelts. We were thinking of Bonnie and David in NY who travel this way everyday and it's not a big deal. I hope it becomes more popular to ride buses in S.L. and in Logan. It takes a bit of planning but I think using the busing services is a great way to travel, not to mention it's better on the environment. Devin said this would be the only way he could survive if he lived in the Wasatch Front-he hates the traffic and congestion. He would get a good book and read while he traveled to work.

Summer Fun

We went camping with friends up Green Canyon. Wow it is so nice up there. So green, shady, and free! We loved it. Abigail with Westwood's boy (sorry Sandra I can't remember which one, Luke?)-getting really dirty camping with friends
Abigail is getting really close to walking. She has taken a few steps, Ohh big girl!
Grandma and Grandpa came for a night stay last week. We took them to Tummi Yummi's. This is a place you have to check out next time you need a cool treat. It's in the corner of 14th north and Main. Close to Little Cesears Pizza. They have self-serve frozen yogurt plus tons of fun toppings. The great thing is you pay by weight. The treats are good but that's not all. They have a game room with basketball, fooze ball, and shuffle board. Be sure to check out the bathrooms as well-they are really cool.

The whole family (well almost) enjoying the bean bag fun.

This week we have had Danny's kids with us. The cousins have had a lot of fun playing together. We will get a return favor in a week when Devin and I go backpacking in the Tetons for our anniversary. 11 years of marriage--Pretty Awesome! Have a great day!!

P.S. Thank you Vance Family for the photo tips--I love the format!