A Fabulous Fourth & Vivacious Vacation

Happy 4th of July! As you can see, Lydia celebrated in style. She calls these tap shoes her 'slippery shoes' because, well, they're slippery.

Here's Alex showing us his apple baseball moves.

We celebrated Independence Day with a shindig at the Gordon's home. Brother and Sister Gordon were out of town so we threw a wild and crazy party at their place with the assorted Gordon children/spouses and their children (Scott & Ruth Potter, Wendy, Grace, Chris & families). Craig & Lindsay Newman were also able to come and Monte and his friend Carly (Karlee, Karly, Carlea, Carrley ???) joined us later that that evening for a rousing game of watermelon football in the pool. The Gordon's were irrigating that day which worked great for our giant slip-and-slide. Apple baseball was also on the agenda. 

Sunday the 5th we were able to attend Anna & Adam Stephenson's ward for little Emmeline's blessing. We left immediately after for Flagstaff to stay a few days with our friends Ben & Tami Stark from dental school. Our other Oregon friends, Morgan & Rebecca Selph were swinging through Flagstaff on the tail end of their vacation so we all gathered at the Starks for a quick, little reunion. The kids enjoyed a few games of Stratego and Alex & I were introduced to The Settlers of Catan. Very fun. We also got to enjoy Ben & Tami's fabulous food. Monday we headed up to the Grand Canyon. It was the first time our kids have been there. Brad and Carter earned their Junior Ranger badges and were very excited about them. Lydia especially loved the squirrel that followed us around at one of the viewpoints. Gratefully, no one fell overboard and a good time was had by all. We ended the day by watching the IMAX Grand Canyon movie. 

Tuesday we headed to Slide Rock. The water was, well, as cold as I remember it being.  Alex, Brad and Carter all did the slide a time or two. Carter even jumped off the cliff with Alex.

Lydia and Amber Potter had their own watermelon football game going on.

We had two kinds of homemade icecream for dessert. It seems that Eve didn't want to miss a drop.

Here's my cute Junior Ranger Carter.

Eve (hiding), Alex, Bradley, Carter, Julie & Lydia.

Rangers B & C.

Soren, Caden, Morgan, Brianna & Rebecca Selph.

Here's my first attempt at the slide. My second and third runs sans shoes and glasses were a little more successful.

Alex fighting hypothermia. The jumping 'cliffs' are on the right side of the picture.

Ella Stark and Lydia

Brayden, Bridger & Tami Stark

Soren Selph & Bradley at 'headquarters'. They had a rescue mission going on and saved several toys and shoes from floating downstream.