While We Wait

July was spent in Utah, and these are a few of the things we did. Milky Falls, up Manti Canyon. I think 3 separate visits were made during the month, each time with a variety of people. Any and all climbing that was done, as well as putting heads under the falls, was instigated by Uncle Bert. No surprise there. The water was so cold, but what's not to love. While attempting to get the picture with the yellow flowers, my foot sunk into some quick-sand-like mud, and my shoe was a gonner (didn't get a picture of that) - it was maddening and hilarious at the same time.

Box Canyon. Unfortunately we didn't get all that far, because there were a TON of wasps. But it was still fun.

The 4th of July was spent in Manti with a LOT of people. Joe's mom had her way, and got one night alone with all the grandkids, while the adults got rooms a hotel. We enjoyed the local festivities, including a parade and fireworks. But mostly we were there for the family.

We were able to meet up with some dear friends from Germany (the Browns, Andersons, and Petersons) - and Cora got to spend some extra time with Ellie. Also, I got to have lunch with my trainer from my mission, Aleath, who I haven't seen in over a decade!

We got to go to the farewell for our niece Abi, and be there when our other niece Tessa opened her call. We haven't been able to do things like that for a VERY long time. I especially love how close Cora has been able to get to her cousins her age since she moved to Utah. Abi even talked about how important her relationship with Cora was in her talk. Tears may have been shed.

We tried a few new food places that we were told we HAD to try. I don't think we were disappointed by any of them.

And finally, I spent some quality time with my sisters, which included talking, eating, bowling, games, a personal fireworks show, and going down a roller slide in various positions, which made us laugh until we almost peed. Typical sister stuff.

I would say that it was a pretty successful month, even though Joe was in Las Vegas and missed a lot of it. Are we all ready to move on? Ready or not, here we come.