Independence Day Evening Fireworks

Getting to know you, Grammy and Pop Pop

Joe and Dave lit off the fire works!

In the ev ening we drove to a nearby school parking lot and lit off fireworks. Everyone was surprised that Eva was not distressed by the loud noises but sat tranquily on Grammy and then Kelene's lap. Susie was somewhat shy of the sparklers but loved Anne's glowstick necklaces and bracelets--which we very handy on such a dark night.

Happy Independence Day Celebration

"Look Eva...Someday Elfi's Vampire will come!"

Connie, George, and John Hall

Some festive food.

"This partying just wears me out!"

This year we were slow getting up and going to the parade. I worried we would miss it. Luckily, we drove to within ten feet of the parade and there was a vacant spot to park. We hopped out, found a place alongside the curb, saw marching bands, balloons, floats, and the missionaries and the parade ended and we zoomed out of there and on to the Clayton family BBQ and swim party. Our annual BBQ at Aunt Anne's house in the evening included her BBQ ribs and homemade BBQ sauce ("psst...the secret's in the sauce.") After visiting, games, and fun. we went to a park for fireworks.

Eva's Blessing Day

Eva's special day... Friends and Family members come to here her father's priesthood name and a blessing and to share lunch afterward.

Dave and Kelene (getting better acquainted)

Grammy, Matt, David, Lisa, Hyea Soon and Steven, Pop Pop, Cami, and Grandpa,

Daniel, Melissa, and Katy

Melissa, Matt, Lucy, and Lisa

Stu, Ryan, and Amy

Dad, Sydne, Mick, and Anne

Aunt Anne and Eva

Grandma and Annabel

Eva all tuckered out.

Dave and Kelene, engaged.

Sleeping Beauties, cousins Eva and Annabel

Friend Ami from our Kearns Ward

Sunday, July 4th. What a wonderful day to bless little Eva...our little lady whose name means "Life" and who had such a precarious birth. We celebrate the birth of our nation and the pursuit of "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" today also.

Joe's 20th High School Reunion

THS 1990 Class Reunion... Joe's friends Matt Heaton, Matt Aaron, Suzanne Shurig, Dawn Gifford.

Joe and Eva make a connection.

We're pathetic...only one (poor) photo at the High School Reunion picnic.

I'm laughing because a six year old and then a three year old is taking our picture.

Joel Wright...Card carrying member of the ACLU and Senior Class President THS 1990.

Stu and Lisa, A THS class couple

Lisa and Little Annabel

This afternoon we had a picnic in the park with Joe's classmates of twenty years ago and our families. The messages of many were similar...thank goodness for life outside of high school and for the opportunity to grow and learn who one really is. It seems amazing that we are celebrating twenty years after high school. One gal commented that once one has children "the days drag by like years and the years fly by like days." That seems about right. In the evening, we drove up the canyon to Sundance and met for dinner in the Rehearsal Hall and a very short program. I had the opportunity to sit at the table across from my sister Lisa, her husband, and their friends. I was surprised by feeling ten years old again and like my sister's tag along. It was nice to mingle after dinner with other associates and remember good times. (Funny how once your an "adult" I assumed I would be beyond those insecurities that haunted me in childhood). Next year my twentieth reunion...then nine more years until Joe's Thirtieth!