A cute little town...McKinleyville, CA

Who doesn't like to see their name on things?  Well, McKinley may have a National Park and a mountain and a president, but you don't see it too many places.  So when we noticed we'd be driving right thru McKinleyville, CA we had to stop and take a few pictures.  It was a cute little town and we drove straight through it on our way to the coast!  Fun!

 

Avenue of the Giants...Redwood Forest

Our first destination of our road trip 2012 was the Redwood Forest Avenue of the Giants.  None of us had ever been and we were excited to see this natural wonder.  And it did not disappoint.  We were awed by the hugeness of these majestic trees.  The whole forest of giant trees was amazing.  Mile after mile of these ginormous beautiful trees.

We were able to drive on the scenic highway through the forest.  We were able to tour a one log house and walk through the drive thru tree (our Suburban was too big to drive thru ;(  We hiked around a nature trail and even stopped at the side of the road to see some really big trees.

There was a couple play houses made out of giant redwoods and on the nature hike we came upon a tree that had been knocked over in a flood and you could see the giant root system and again appreciate just how big these trees are.

It was a wonderful 31 mile stretch of Hwy 101 in California and we thoroughly enjoyed our day driving through there.  Amazing!

Fourth of July Fun...Thankful for Freedoms!

 This year we went to Centerville and watched fireworks with Dave's sister and her family on the evening of July 3rd.  It was nice to be able to stay up late and enjoy the fireworks together.  We were right under the fireworks and actually had soot and smoke all around us...but not in a bad way.  It was really cool to be so close to the fireworks show.

We stayed the night there and were up and ready for the parade on 4th of July morning.  We were a little sleepy and groggy, but it was a good parade.  Evan made a killing in candy and coupons.  He was very determined to get stuff and had a blast running up and down the street to get goodies.

 Then we headed to Draper pool for a swim before the family BBQ this afternoon and the Real vs. Seattle soccer game tonight!  What a fun day.

We are so thankful to celebrate the birthday of this great country.  I'm blessed to be living here and to enjoy all the freedoms I enjoy.  Thank you to all our servicemen and women who currently serve, those who served in the past, and those who will serve in the future!  God bless the USA!

Happy Father's Day 2012

Today we celebrated Dave and what a wonderful father he is!!  The kids all made him wonderful cards and posters.  Ethan even made a gift out of his priced candy from his safe!!  Each of the kids said he was the best dad in the world and even the universe!  I have to agree.  We are so lucky to have David as the dad in our family!

McKinley's 8th birthday!

 Somehow we allowed McKinley to turn 8.  I'm still not sure how that happened, but she is growing up to be a special young lady.  She is very kind and thoughtful, very sensitive and fun!  She loves to smile and do gymnastics all over the house.  For her birthday this year she had a 2 day, 3 cake bash starting with a BBQ on Saturday with chocolate cake, Sunday dinner with cheesecake, and a family party with strawberry topped cake!  She really knows how to celebrate!

Making Memories and Remembering

 This year for Memorial day we began with a beautiful drive up Big Cottonwood canyon for a breakfast with Mike and Mischele's family.  We had a gorgeous campsite in among the spruce trees with a small ice cold river trickeling through.  We had french toast, bacon, potatoes, and orange juice.  So yummy.

 

 After breakfast we headed to West Jordan for a Memorial Day service.  It was a bright sunny afternoon and the service was perfect.  There were patriotic speeches by Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative Matheson.  There were also decorated military generals and the Patriot Brigade surrounding us with flags.  The names of 20 Utahan's killed in action this year were read and the bell rang.  Then there was a 21 gun salute and taps was played.  The ceremony ended with bagpipers playing Amazing Grace as they walked away.

 Before the ceremony began there was a riderless horse and a flag draped casket to represent all service men and women killed in battle.  It was a touching symbolic reminder of all those who died protecting the United States of America.

I hope my children will remember how important these men and women were and how we enjoy our freedoms because they were willing to die to protect them.  Freedom is not free!

Birthday, Mother's Day, More Birthday!

This past weekend has been filled with so much fun!  

 The actual day of my birthday was just how I like them...super busy!  We started the day off with breakfast at Denny's with all the kids.  They thought that was a great treat and it was!  Then we had Evan's soccer game, a trip down to Orem for a wedding reception, more soccer, and dinner at Lugano's with Dave, my sister and her husband, and my mom (who was in town!).  It was great food and great conversation.  And after our very late dinner Dave and I came home and watched the Real Salt Lake defeat Seattle 1-0.  Another great birthday gift!

 Sunday was mother's day and I was spoiled even more!  The kids made me all sorts of special gifts...bath salts, paper flowers, a necklace, cards, cake stands, and a Haiku from Evan!  I had a great breakfast, a great church meeting, and then off to the part to celebrate more with my sister, her kids, and Grandma!

 We enjoyed a beautiful day at the park with a good BBQ and watching the kids play, feed the ducks, and eat.  It was great to be able to be with my mom on mother's day.

After the BBQ we came home and celebrated with Dave's mother and his family.  We tried to spoil both the mother's that mean so much to us. 

And there's more. (no photos).  Monday morning I met up with my mom and sister to have a make up makeover.  We all had our make up done by Angelique and then went to lunch and to Sephora to buy all the make up she'd showed us!  Oh my goodness, we went crazy and it was a lot of fun.

Today it kept on going with lunch out with the Smith family girls.  We could go anywhere and have a good time and we did.  Yum. Thanks so much to my family who spoiled me all weekend and then some!  Now, back to regular life!