Utah 2008

We went to Utah last week to attend the funeral of Aunt Julie who passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. I met Julie over 13 years ago when Jeromy and I started dating. Jeromy was living with Aunt Julie and Uncle John at the time. A year later, Julie hosted a bridal shower for me at her house. She was one of the most well-loved people I have ever known. She always seemed to have a smile on her face and she radiated happiness. She will forever be an example of goodness, of kindness and of charity. One of Jeromy's favorite memories of life at the Knab home was the day he came home from school and parked his truck at the top of the driveway, just overlooking the hill down to the backyard. He went in to use the restroom when he heard Aunt Julie call from the kitchen, "Hey Jeromy, look what's in the backyard." Jeromy looked out the window to find his truck had rolled down the hill in the backyard and smashed through the neighbor's fence. Julie just laughed. This is the perfect example of how good-natured Julie was! This week, Jeromy gave a FHE lesson on the plan of salvation, and we talked about Julie and her life here on earth and where she is now. We also talked about the many wonderful things that were mentioned at Julie's funeral and the legacy she left because of the great life she lived. Her daughter, Amy talked about one of Julie's motto's: "No Murmuring!" We decided to adopt that motto for our family. I thought it would be a good thing for the kids to keep in mind. A few days later, we were meeting Rachel for dinner and as we got out of the car, I looked Jake over and said, " Your shirt is untucked, your hair's a mess, and where are your shoes?" He just looked at me and with a little twinkle in his eye, said, "Are you murmuring, mom?" Thanks Aunt Julie!! I guess the new motto will be good for me too! We miss Aunt Julie very much, but we know she lives on. We hope to follow her example and be more Christlike everyday.

We were so thankful to Grandma and Grandpa Jensen who let us stay with them under these difficult circumstances. We know it has been hard on both of them and we just appreciate them opening their home to us. Jake and Breanna adore Grandma and Grandpa and whenever we say we are going to Utah, they are thrilled at the prospect of seeing them! One of the best things about their house is Grandpa's garden. Grandpa grows the sweetest peas on earth! Jake helped him harvest the yummy crop while Luke pulled all the peas they picked out of the bucket! Luke loved to chew on the pod and refused to eat the peas. Such a silly boy!

The second best thing about Grandma and Grandpa Jensen's is the rider mower. Luke got his first ride with Dallin. Loved it! Bree tried to convince Dallin that she could handle things on her own....maybe in a few years, Bree.

Grandma snuck away with Jake and Breanna and Uncle Troy and went up to Bear Lake. We met them there a few days later and had a great time with the Jensens. Here we are swimming at the pool and yes, Luke is reaching for Grandma as usual!

.
This is the "must see" volcano the kids built. Hey Luke, the idea is to stay clean! Luke LOVES mud!

Dad and Breanna

Dallin and Clint on Grandpa's boat. The water was really choppy, so we opted for tubing. There were wedgies a-plenty, but everyone had a fun ride!Dave took Jer and Uncle Troy for a ride. We were all so glad to have Troy on the tube. He had the worst gas I have ever smelled in my life. The boat was moving forward full speed ahead and Troy was at the rear doing his thing. A bunch of us were inside the cabin (up wind at the opposite end of the boat) and were nearly suffocated by the stench. No more Tacos for Troy!!!

Dad and Jake take to the water.

Clint, Breanna and Jer get ready to ride.

There's nothing like the hum of a speed boat to put you to sleep. Luke was out!

Then it was Grandma's turn. She volunteered to hold Luke after he got off the boat. Who knew sleeping was contagious? Grandma caught it fast!

Cute Cousins! James, Savanah and Luke. They loved these whiffle balls and did pretty well sharing them.

Sinai, Makayla and Breanna were so thrilled to find out they are all cousins!!! How cool is that?? They had a ball playing together! Sure wish we lived closer!

Breanna, Natalie, Sinai, and Makayla giggled and talked while they waited for the fireworks to start. Thanks for the glow sticks, Aunt Sue!

Time for Fireworks!! Grandma, Jake and Blake get cozy and eat some treats while waiting for the big show. Our kids had so much fun, they are determined to make sure Bear Lake is a part of our family traditions! And I just want to add a special thanks to Garret, Blake, Clint and Dallin for taking Jake and Bree's abuse so well! They definitely love you guys!!!