Oh The Places You'll Go

visited 16 states (32%)
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I think I need to work on the East...

Water Slide

Stacia had Monday off of work, and so she and Brilee worked up a plan to go to the water slide. Stac, Bri, Amanda, and JayLyn got all geared up and headed to the slide before Brilee's nap. Unfortunately, something was wrong with the chemicals and so the morning session was closed. I was super happy because it meant I got to go with them! So after Brilee's we were ready! We dropped our stuff off and ran up the stairs. Well we didn't know the sign that said "You must shower before sliding" really meant that you had to shower before sliding. So, we were sent back down the stairs to shower. Finally, we were able to slide. I don't know what I expected from Brilee, but wow! She is a water slide fan. I could hear her screaming and laughing the whole way down. As soon as she came up for air she was asking, "We go again?" It was a great time, and probably the best work-out available. Brilee loved the slide, but would not walk up the stairs. She would climb up mine and Stacia's legs saying, "You better hold me." We went down the slide so many times, and the next day my legs were sore! When it was time to leave Bri cried and cried. I had her call Jake to distract her and as soon as he said hello she said, "You want to take me to water slide?" He said yes, and she wasn't about to let him forget it. We checked the times and decided to go Tuesday to the 7-10 session. Jake, Stacia, Michael, Brilee, and I all showed up and the parking lot was packed. We walked in and it was a ward party. After some quick thinking we decided we were in the ward, and therefore we could stay. It was great, and free... Again Brilee loved the slide, and the diving board.

Love my Roots

Vernal is a great place. I am so happy and lucky to be able to call it home. Our community really comes together when one of our own needs help. I have seen it time and time again, and today confirmed my love for the people of the Uintah Basin. 

We lost a young man who was serving our country as a Marine last Friday. I did not know him, but from what I hear that was unfortunate on my part. He always wanted to be a marine, and he made his dream come true. He is such an example to the young and old of our town.  All week the community has been planning a way to make his homecoming special. We all wanted to honor a young man who so bravely put us first. We wanted to be able to support his family and show them how much we care. Facebook posts about "Bringing Daniel Home" started pouring in on Saturday. Everyone from Duchesene to Vernal was determined to make this a memorable day for the family of the man who will be in our memory forever.

First thing this morning I drove the route they would be using to take Sgt. Daniel Gurr "home" on. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. There were so many people out cleaning up their yards, hanging their flags, and preparing to honor a true hero. When I got to the home of Sgt. Gurr the tears flew freely. There were so many beautiful flags blowing in the wind all over his family home. We care about one another here. Today Jake and I gathered with the rest of Vernal on Main Street. Our street is beautiful and to have the whole community on it was breath taking. We visited quietly with one another until we could see vehicles coming down the street. It took two seconds and the whole street was silent. Everyone standing, holding their flags, and paying respect to our fallen HOMETOWN HERO. Soon quiet sobs filled the air as we watched the family, friends, officers, other military hero's, and casket drive by. There was not a dry eye in a mile radius. 

I love Vernal, and the community that beholds it. RIP Sgt. Daniel Gurr, and God Bless America!

4-H

Dathen, Mylee, Kinly, and Elly all participated in the 4H livestock show this week! Monday they weighed their pigs in. They all made weight, and were looking good! Tuesday was showmanship. Our sweet little Elly won RESERVE CHAMPION in the junior division, and then went on to take THIRD overall (she was competitng with like 17 year olds, and it was her first show!!!). We were so happy for her. Jake and I went on Wednesday to watch them pick the winning pigs. All the kids did great! Mylee, Kinly, and Elly all took third in their class. Elly and Kinly came back into the championship round. Elly's pig took tenth overall. During Elly's class the judge couldn't decided between the top three. He took the microphone and said, "The young lady's pig (Elly's) is the most muscular pig I have seen thus far in the competition, but it isn't as long as I like." It is what it is... Dathen showed a steer yesterday as well. I am sure he did awesome, but I haven't heard details. Today they sold all their animals. Elly's pig brought in $600, Mylee's $550, and Kinly's $750. Good job on all your hard work!

Elly

Remember the UBIC story store where Brilee ran away? Yea... it happened again at the fari. Here she is pouting because her Daddy got mad at her for running away!

Dathen (in the jacket) with his pig.

Kinly Rose

I forgot to add this picture to my last post! I also want to include that I can gurantee my Mom was the ONLY person in the whole triathlon to have diet coke during her transistions! haha

Where did the time go?

It seems like just yesterday I was sitting here updating my blog, and dreading Brilee leaving me for a week. And BAM three weeks later here I sit again! Summer is my favorite time of year, but man is it busy! Where to begin?

Brilee had the time of her life in California. She was spoiled rotten, and from what I hear, she was a good girl! I was so relieved. Brilee loved being able to run, swim, and play with her Uncle Del. She loved seeing everyone in Lake Arrowhead, and she LOVED being the center of everything. She is one lucky girl who is loved by a lot of wonderful people. After her trip to California, GMA decided to brave the 12 long hours in a car with Brilee. GMA and Brilee sang, slept, and read stories. Brilee was well entertained. GMA you should be happy to hear stop lights have not been the same since that drive home! Jake and I were so happy to have our baby home, and so excited that GMA, GPA, and Jackie were able to come out too! It was a great visit. Vernal is way more fun when you guys are here! Come back please!?!?!?! We spent last week preparing for the triathlon and getting the most out of the UBIC weekend. Julie, Jenny, and I sold feather hair extensions. It was an interesting couple of days, but all in all a good time. Saturday my Mom and I woke up WAY to early for man kind and did the UBIC triathlon. It was awesome. You will be proud to hear my Mom and I did the whole race, and didn't cut the middle mile of the running portion out of the race like most participants. After the tri we went to the parade, and then took some long naps! Poor Brilee woke up sick. Saturday night we were busy with feathers when Jenny said, "Where's Brilee?" She was gone. SCARIEST moment of my life. Jake had been talking about popcorn and so Brilee went to find some. We all scattered off looking for her. I saw her way up the venue's and took off running. By the time I caught her Michael already had her. I didn't know if I should hug or spank her first. Our other big news is we are getting close to moving into our house! We can't wait. These five months have gone fast, but still have been challenging. I can't wait to have a house, and to get Brilee back into a normal world. We are excited for the next couple of weeks...

These pictures are out of order... they are coming from my camera, my phone, and my Dad's phone... Good luck following along!

Pioneer Day Parade

While Brilee was gone Stac, Jake, and I went to see HP7. AMAZING!

Brilee feeding the ducks.

Jens and Jake bailing the hay.

One of our crazy rain storms left the road in a mess! This is above my house.

Poor lil Chloey took a bee sting to the eye.

We had a road base put on the road into our house, so when I sold feathers Brilee and Jake got to work spreading it out!

WHOOT WHOOT! We made it to the Vernal Carnival TWICE. GMA is a carnival junkie just like Stacia and I! Thanks so much Grandma! It was fun, and way to expensive for you!

Brilee is still a little scared of carnival's. She is checking out the ferris wheel.

The candy drop was a must see! Lots of candy was thrown, lots of smiles on kids faces, and lots of tears on the poor kids without the candy.

Enjoying the drop.

hahaha Stacia took poor Lynny on a "scary ride" at the carnival. She HATED it, and cried the whole time. It was awful, but now we can laugh (I hope, cause I am!).

This ride was more up JayLynn's alley... SHE LOVED IT (if you can't tell)!

Oh man the bike ride was hard on this triathlon.

At this point my legs were pure jello... I had no feeling in them. That is the hardest thing to adjust to. I really tried to always run after I rode my bike, but it didn't seem to help.

WOW! Grammy finishes on her Mtn. Bike. I honestly don't know how (and why) she did it!

Starting the run.

Finishing!