Fourth of July Fun!

We took the opportunity to go up to Idaho for the holiday weekend. It was fun to get up to the "farm" to visit Omi and Opa and the Barker clan. Friday we had dinner with the Hansens (friends from here that moved there) and on Saturday we went to Porter Park for the festivities. It was so enjoyable to just wander around, get free otter pops and cotton candy. We ran into old friends and just sat around having fun in the not-too-hot sun. Then that evening we had a BBQ with some of the Barkers friends and had our own fireworks show. The kids made their own floats (we missed the parade in the morning) and they did a little parade and we threw candy at them! Here are the boys floats--I love Weston's "scout" float--how ingenious! And Aidan carried his around with him all day.

Sunday we went to church--it is so interesting to go back to Sugar and see old friends. I have a wave of happy feelings, but also of disgust with myself and how dumb I was when I was young. There are some wonderful people there who have always believed in me, though. My neighbor, Brother Grover, gave me a momento --a 1881 dollar coin. He is so sweet. I am so glad he was our home teacher for a million years and was and is so nice to the family and me. He is a good man. I also saw Brother Mortensen, who remembered me after all these years. It sure made me feel good to have him reach out and say hi. Sugar City is such a wonderful place!

We had a delicious dinner and then had dessert with more neighbors and they told lots of fun stories. I love to sit around and tell and hear stories. I learn so much about people... Monday we packed up and came home. It was a good trip. Thanks to the Browns and Barkers for their hospitality.Elise was all decked out in festive dress and Brennan is showing off his MESSY face--too much cotton candy!