Fireworks and President's Club #9

We started out July with a bang-Fourth of July Fireworks included! Jason, Paige and kids, Shannon, Grandpa and Grandma all came over for dinner and we made our way over to the city park. 

Every year Dave asks how early we are going to the park and after our answer, he acts shocked every single time.  As if he hasn't spent the last decade doing the same thing...

We love sitting for hours and playing games.  But, the heat is not always so bearable, so we enjoyed the umbrella shade!

Celebrating with family always makes it fun!

  

We love the lazy days of summer! 

Not every day was lazy, of course.  Grant busily worked on his Eagle Project.  He loves working with special needs kids and people with differing abilities.  He decided he wanted to benefit the Kauri Sue Hamilton School where he has been volunteering the previous 2 summers.  After meeting with the principal, he came up with a plan to construct a set of corn holes for the kids to use during PE and also to spend a couple of days there during the summer bringing activities and youth to help.  

Grant's troop earned money by working for an old neighbor sorting nuts and bolts.  

It was a hot day and they busted it out!  My job was to replenish the beverage supply and bring treats.  They did great! One little bolt at a time...it took hours, but they earned all the money Grant would need for the construction. 

On to the building...

Grant is lucky to have some handy leaders and they helped him and the fellas build those cornholes like it was no big deal.  We aren't skilled in any sort of building so I was impressed. 

The volunteer mornings turned out great as well.  

One day the kids did a reading day and took books to different classrooms to read to the students.  The other day was a sensory activity day.

Katelee enjoyed helping out as well.  There was pudding finger paint...which maybe was a little bit of a messy idea!  This poor guy had choc pudding for days in his beard. 

The other table had sensory objects to play with.  Grant definitely has a gift connecting with kids with different abilities.  It was neat to see him in his element.  Everything turned out great.

Next step...paperwork and interviews.  This eagle business is no joke!!

Katelee participated in a theatre camp that did a mini musical-Annie.  

Not only did our family particpate on stage in a production, we made our way to view one-

NEWSIES! 

Hale Center Theatre did a great job with the show.  I was nervous, since it's pretty much my fav, but it was awesome.  It was particularly fun to see a familiar face from some Riverton Jr shows.

She got to be Grace and had a fun time with that!  I went on Youth Conference to Snow College with the youth in our church and taught them very vital things-how to macarena, electric slide etc  I think it will impact their life greatly.  Ha!

Shortly after was the 24th of July.  We always go to the 24th of July float preview.  This year we met up with Paige and Co.  We love hanging with her and Porter and Jaylee.  Harrison asked me recently,

"Do you know what I am a fan of?"  I told him I did not and he replied with "Babies."  So, there you go.  Our baby fan was able to hang with baby cousins.  

This part of the 24th was delightful.  The actual 24th of July; however, was not.  We hosted a firework show in our neighborhood and there was a huge mishap.  A firework flipped over, shot out into the crowd full of kids, families, etc  One piece of the firework got stuck in a woman's shirt and she pulled it out with her hand.  This caused 3rd degree burns on her hand, shoulder etc  and she spent the evening in the emergency room and then follow up visits at the Burn Unit up north.  It was a terrible experience and everyone there was pretty shaken up. 

 A couple days later we were off on Dave's ADP trip, so we had a lot on our minds as we embarked.  

While we are so lucky to go on these trips with Dave's work, this one I may have had to force the smiles some of the time...

ADP rented out the entire ship and so some of the entertainment wasn't offered, or wasn't geared towards families.  I would accurately describe it as being trapped on a Spring Break Girls Gone Wild boat. Yikes.

But, we did get to enjoy some time at the different ports: St Kitt's, Antigua and St Lucia.  St Lucia was my favorite with the gorgeous views of the Pitons.  We took a relaxing catamaran ride on that island and enjoyed it a lot.  We also did a chocolate making tour.  

Pretty sure they just ran up to the local Walmart like store and grabbed some ingredients for us to play with, but hey, we got some fetching hair nets.  

We were yelled at and chased by the man with monkeys because we didn't want to pay him when he placed his animals on us 

We did pay him a little and then we tried to escape

 

by going on an island tour of St Kitts with the Bevans. 

 We were bummed because we had plans to attend the branch on St Kitt's but our boat did not reach the port in time to get there.  We were able to find the meetinghouse while we were on our little tour so we jumped out to feel some peace and connection to these island saints.

 We just love that we can find our place everywhere in the world! 

 No matter the trip, whether it is an incredible European experience or an MTV shocker... it's always such a huge accomplishment for Dave.  He has done so well in his career and it is great to see him recognized at these events.  

While the kids didn't get to join us on the boat, they had plenty of activites going on here at home:

Their first ever sleepover at a friends (I guess Grant had one last year), 

Airborne: 

 Leatherby's 

a bike parade

and the zoo...so you can't feel too bad for them!  Summer lovin had them a blast indeed!

Busy Busy Busy

Just because school was out, we did not get to kick our feet up and chill for the beginning of summer.  One week into our June, I had girls camp.  Girls camp may be a time of kicking it for some people...but not so much for the camp director...which was me.  

This was my second year for the position so I knew it was a big job and I knew the girls are awesome!  We had the theme Bee His Hands and it was so great!!  We had an epic lip sync, canoeing, hikes, crafts, service project, devotionals, camp fire singing, delish meals cooked on a smoker, marshmallows, smores, testimony meeting and so much more.  Phew...it was a great and exhausting time! Thank heavens for an awesome assistant-Tristen and the other leaders.  

I honestly have learned that when we are turning to the Savior we can Be His Hands as we interact and go through this world.  Last year after camp, I came home crashed and maybe cried...ha!  But this year, we had family in town.  So, no rest for me!  It was Michael and Hayley's wedding so there were people all over.  It was a lovely wedding, but I got no pictures. 

Grant went to Scout Camp the following week with his troop.  They went up to Bear Lake where he earned his Small Boat Sailing and other badges.  I am sure a good time was had by all.  The same week, I was out the door again.  This time to New York tagging along on ADP business.  Dave had a work trip and I got to benefit from the hotel room! I went to the Met, explored the city and saw shows while Dave worked.  It was pretty much a dream come true!  I got to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 

which was pretty much the most amazing thing I have seen on stage! I was scared, I cried, I was amazed by the magic.  Wow!!  

I usually would spend every minute in a musical, but this production was worth every penny and moment I had.  It was done in two shows, so part one I saw right when we arrived in New York and the next day I wrapped it up.  

Dave and I did get to spend a little time together one or two days.  We walked Chelsea Market, went to a session at the Manhattan Temple...

This temple amazes me at how all the outside noise is not even a faint sound as you sit inside.  Man, how we need those peaceful places where we can let all the chaos and distractions go.  We also spent hours at the 9/11 museum.  It was quite the emotional experience.  

New York is so fun!!!  Till next time, Big Apple! 

When we got back, it was Katelee's turn for a Hogwarts experience.  She and her friend Emily had a magical time at the library day camp.  

 They learned spells, drank butterbeer and were sorted-Gryffindor for these brave ladies! 

 Because why not have another crazy week?  We left a few days after that for a small get away to Colorado. We wanted to go visit Brad and Angelique and family in Castle Rock, so we drove out there way.

 First stop was Steamboat Springs.  We took a cool short hike by a waterfall that had tons of butterflies.  We stepped gingerly around the rocks and slowly would extend our hands hoping to catch a Monarch.  We all got to hold one!  It was a pretty exciting day! 

We had a fun hotel in the middle of the ski resort and dined before we hit the hay.

 On our way to see the Colorado Petricks, we drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. 

The elevation in Rocky Mountain is so high, we were driving right through the clouds.  We tried to keep everyone awake the whole time...but the boys snoozed for a bit of the drive.  

We walked out on the tundra and experienced the cool temps and thin air.  It was awesome! 

We took no pics of our time with the family...but we really did go!  Harrison was scared of Jax and Maizie, the new additions (dogs!), but everyone else had a great time together.  We ate, went to a park, attended their church and hung out.  It was so good to see them!

This was a whirlwind month and only possibly with some divine help!  I was praying for assistance and safety everyday.  Harrison finds it pretty comical to interrupt by prayers, so I literally have to hide in a closet in the dark while I pray.  He gets disappointed if I am successful with out interruption.  So, while I tend to be quicker than I should so I don't have an electronic toy buzzing in my ear or yelling to stop, I still rely on those prayers!!

Harrison's prayers consistently were pleading that 'Jesus would come here and hold that sheep again.' He has seen a picture of the Savior lovingly holding a lamb.  I am all in favor of Jesus coming here soon!  Second coming anytime, please!!!

Wrapping it Up

The month of May is one not just of flowers and promise of warm weather-it is probably one of the craziest months of the year!  We are all exhausted when its over, so it's always a good thing when the month finishes up.  This year, it started with a glorious night out for Dave and me-Hamilton!!!

 It lived up to all the hype for sure.  I was boppin in my seat, singing a long (quietly of course, I have no desire to be booted from a fancy theater), shedding tears and grinning from ear to ear. Glad we didn't throw away our shot to see this amazing show!

Katelee had her first tap dancing recital.  She was a tap tapping smooth criminal.  

Brenna's entire month (and April actually) was filled with dance also.  Brenna has told me that dance is life. It's a good thing she feels that way because she spends a whole lot of time doing it! We went to dance competitions where she competed with her company in Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary.

There were only minor balloon/prop malfunctions over the duration  of performances! Ha! Her Hip Hop dance was the best ever and it will probably be in my hall of fame dances that I will file away to remember.  They were little astronauts and it was so amazing- they earned a trophy taller than me! 

Brenna had such a fun year dancing and loved being with Kylee, Brooke, Kinley and Kate.  I am sure many more competitions and recitals together ahead for these cuties.  

Grant finished up his 7th grade year and was busy with soccer, scouts and YM.  The youth in our church group in the surrounding areas participated in a lot of events leading up to the re-dedication of the Jordan River Temple. They had video conferences with people in other countries, went on a 'treasure hunt', had a concert, prepared for a great cultural celebration and this photo is of them walking to the temple.

 It was a cold, rainy day, so some of them were covered with ponchos or hoodies, etc.  But, no matter their cold weather apparel, the touching effect was prominent.  It was awesome to see hundreds of youth and their leaders all making their way to the temple.  They started from their own stake centers and had time to meet.  Loved to see a literal gathering in action!

The other fella in our house wrapped up his first academic year-preschool year one graduate right there folks! Ha!!  He is quite the smarty.  Here are some conversation examples of Harrison's genius:

Harrison: (explaining to me something I clearly didn't understand) That's the ingenuity

Me: Who taught you that?

Harrison:It's just me being smarter

After playing duck duck goose and relating to me the rules of said game...

Harrison: It was SO fun.  It was SO fun, it was all I ever dreamed of.  But I didn't really dream it. 

Harry was telling me why he doesn't actually need to go to bed earlier than others in our home...

H: The sun goes down at 11

Me: oh, really?

H: Yea, I'm impressive, I know all that

While shopping with me, a kind gentleman told Harrison he was a great helper and gave him a $2 bill, Harrison was of course, thrilled.  He used his impressive preschool vernacular when he said, 'If anyone wants a $2 bill from that guy, so be it.'

His skills and knowledge are not limited to grammar.  He has talents in dancing, as is pictured below; he is a superhero in training and sings the soundtracks without words to his imaginary play every day.  When driving in the car, he sings along to whatever song we listen to.  He is a bit delusional though, I've asked him how he knows the songs and he claims he wrote them.  So, we will work on not claiming other people's work! 

 One weekend in May we were able to get together with neighbors we used to live by in Draper.  There was a group of us that lived in that ward and moved out around the same time.  The time we lived by each other was not many years, but it was such an important and fun time of life-when we were all starting families or beginning our first years of parenthood/being real life adults!  It was so fun to get together and watch our kids play.  It's so rewarding to look back and see the positive influences in our lives and appreciate relationships, even if you never see those friends anymore.  We've had some great connections over the years, and hope to make more! 

Westward Ho!

For many, many years the McArthurs flourished with their southern charm in the Sunshine State of Florida.  They influenced their community, were caretakers, served in many capacities, but as Dave and his 8 siblings migrated to different locations, Carl and Catherine found themselves away from family.  They were exemplary in their attending to needs of many loved ones as they finished their time on earth, but recently, they became the only ones in the family still living in FL.

After consideration and prayers, we were informed that this long distance was going to be shortened and they were pulling up stakes, leaving the humid and glorious beach for the desert of Arizona!  Arizona did have a big pull with 4 of their kids there with grandkids etc to be surrounded by.  This news was met with mixed emotions by us.  We LOVE visiting Florida, but having Carl and Catherine closer and surrounded by family seemed to be the perfect fit.  Of course, we couldn't let the exodus happen with out one last Florida fling!!

We flew out for few days during spring break to let Dave say goodbye and for all of us to get one last feel of that soft white sand.  We went to the beach the evening we got there, saw a bunch of stingrays and were ready to go again for day two.

Grandma and Grandpa were busy selling house items, they were so nice to make sure the big furniture

 etc was there till after our visit.  So, Dave and I took the kids to a perfect secluded location and we played 

and played.  Because we weren't at a popular, busy location, we didn't have public bathrooms nearby.  When Harrison exclaimed that he needed to go to the bathroom and we told him, just go in the water, we maybe should have explained how that typically works when you are swimming...We just looked up from our chairs to see this:

Luckily, it was a pretty much personal beach so no one was flashed and no citations for indecency were issued!!  We enjoyed our time so much, until we started to feel hot.  In my defense, I reapplied sunscreen as instructed on the bottle, but boy that Pensacola sun couldn't have cared less about our skin precautions.  Grant did refuse to put it on when his time was up 'to get a little color' he extended the time between applications, but none of us knew how badly those 30 min would burn him! By the end of the night, I'm fairly certain there were 2nd degree burns experienced by at least 2 of the kids.  Luckily Harrison fell asleep with beach towels over him, so he did not experience the worst burn of of his life like Brenna and Grant. 

After some aspirin, aloe, water, rest, Dave and I left the kids in their grandparents' capable hands and we went to dinner.  I will definitely dream of that Key Lime pie for all my days! 

Our final day we were able to go to the Lighthouse, 

which turned out to be fairly traumatic for Harrison.  Not really a shocker though-those hundreds of spiral steps are trippy.  But he made it to the top!!  We all did (minus Grandpa), even if Grant bolted before  a picture. 

 We were really lucky because the Blue Angels were doing a practice so while we got to explore the Naval Air Museum, we also got to 

view their show!  Pretty spectacular!  Everyone's reactions were pretty priceless.   And that was that.  Many trips and memories of Pensacola for me don't compare to the lifelong legacy that Dave and his parents have in the area.  But we sure have fond thoughts when we think about our beautiful beaches there.  We probably have permanent markings in the shape of freckles from the sun damage, so we are not likely to forget them! 

Dave earned extra son points because he volunteered to fly back to Florida about a week and a half later, drive across the country with his brother Russell to deliver the Penske truck with his parents belongings as well as the car.  From what I hear it was a LONG ride! 

But they made it and experienced rural American pit stops that they probably never would otherwise, so it turned out pretty great! Ha!

After that, it was back to normal/scary life...

This is the plaster for Brenna's Native American face mask...not sure they will ask me to help out with that again...some kids may be minus some eyebrows or peach fuzz because I didn't properly lube them up with vaseline.  I'm sure it grows back! It wasn't too bad...

Dave was happy to be back to work and had his annual Saturday CPA day with the kids.

  Only the boys could help because Brenna had a dance competition.  Harrison actually ended up needing an instacare visit due to walking pneumonia, so not sure how much assistance he was.  

Katelee had a commitment for the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that she was in with her friend Emily. 

 She had a great time and it was so fun to see her tapping!!