Williams Family Reunion...

This last weekend we had our annual Williams Family Reunion. Each year we go somewhere new, depending on where the person in charge chooses. (Each year one of the eight children in my dad's family is in charge and picks the when, where, and what.) This year we made it to Bear Lake for family gathering.

In preparation:

It takes a lot for me to get my family ready to go camping. I have to cover all my bases when I am preparing for such things. You can't forget things like, snacks in the bag, lots of diapers, blankets, life jackets for the lake, and a cooler full of cold drinks. (Not to mention all the stuff you need to camp with.)

Bear Lake:

We arrived at Bear Lake Thursday afternoon and quickly set up camp, so that we could let the boys enjoy a little of this:

We camped right near Rendezvous beach. What a great place for little ones. The beach is super shallow for a very long distance out. We played a little water softball with floating bases, and the children also did a lot of this:

What child doesn't love playing in the mud? They made a little water course where the water flows in and pools up. Of course, Carson found a ping-pong ball down at the beach and had to keep it within his reach at all times. If you know our little Crash - then you know that balls are his ultimate favorite thing in the whole world. (He is much like his brother was at this age.)

While there we had some good fun. We played a good game of bingo with lots of fun prizes. We had lots and lots of yummy food! We had our annual night of skits, and marshmallow roasting for S'mores, and the most beloved family meeting. But, alas, some of the best fun witnessed was of all the grand kids, and great grand kids swinging their foam noodle swords and whacking each other. It was a sea of bright flashing colors. Fun, fun, fun! (After we left, a boat was rented and lots of rides were given to willing children and parents.) It was definitely a great time had by all! We definitely look forward to next years reunion!

Home again:

We arrived home to a 92 degree house. We thought the air conditioner had given out while we were away. We tried everything: the reset box outside, the circuit breaker, the filter, and even the flux capacitor.



But, what we failed to check was the switch to the furnace. (Which one of our children messed with while playing down stairs in the basement.) So, after a night of 80 degrees and four fans running, I called my dad to walk me through the basics of the furnace. And, it came down to a flip of a switch. And...Viola! There was cool air!
I couldn't ask for a better ending of a great weekend!

A Little Reminder...

Okay, so I have read about five people's blogs that have started this fun little memory game. And, to join the crowd...because I'm really interested in hearing what people remember or think about when they 'remember' us...I'm going to issue the same challenge to all of you who are reading this.

Here's what you do:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Happy Memory Finding!

So Blessed...

Last night Aaron enlightened me and my small, bubbled world to a very fun and creative blog written by a young woman who remains mostly anonymous. But, boy is it hilarious to read! Check it out by clicking on 'Seriously, so blessed!' on my side bar.
You will definitely get a good many laughs out of the posts you read. Her purpose is to make a little fun with the blogs all around us. (By using her own life experiences.) I wish I had such witty and funny things to say on my blog sometimes. Happy reading!

Keep An Eye Out...

We had our family pictures taken about a week and a half ago by a wonderful young lady in our ward. (Thanks Tiff!) I am so excited to see more of them...that I just can't contain my excitement! I can't wait for everyone to see the wonderful work she does! If you want to get a sneak peak now, and check them out again later, after she's downloaded more...click on the title of this post.

Freedom Festivities...

We had quite the busy week of fun! Can anyone say 'parade?' I think we have had our share of parades for the next year. Our ward had the opportunity and challenge to put together a float for the Lehi Round-up parade, the last week in June. The theme was "American Tradition." Our ward chose to focus on America's History. (And what better way to celebrate the independence of our nation...then with a little history.) Friday evening Jake dressed up, representing a little tradition, as a baseball player and rode on the back of the float.
Aaron had the privilege of pulling the float of 20+ kids with a few other members of our ward. (Namely Jordan.) How can you go wrong with this man? And Carson and I got to walk behind the float.
Saturday morning Jake got to ride on the float once again, but this time as Paul Revere - riding the rocking horse he was on to the ground. (Or more importantly, spraying everyone -who was within his reach -with water.)

And then, to top off all the parade-ness, we went to the Provo Freedom Festival Parade as a family on Saturday morning. We brought along our little cooler of Popsicles to stay cool. I think Jake enjoyed the parade from this view a lot better than from the view on top of a moving float. (And, I think I'd have to agree.)

After the parades Jake and I took a trip to the Movie theater and watched Kung Fu Panda. It's a fun movie to take your little ones to. Jake and I enjoyed it. Afterwards, we had family over for a BBQ, with fireworks later that night. Nothing says freedom to me more than the opportunity to light little pieces of cardboard full of gun powder and glowing colors in front of my own home. I think fireworks are the best part about this holiday! (Other than the fact that we celebrate the freedom we have in this promised land!)

Many thanks to all those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for the freedoms we possess today. None of us would be here without you! Happy freedom to you all!

Four Years Down...

Four years ago we moved into our wonderful little home here in Lehi. Since then lots of things have happened. Today I feel grateful to share with you a few of the happenings we have been blessed to encounter since we've been here.

Timeline
May 2004: Blessed with our little Jakers.

June 2004: Moved into our home.

September 2005: Jake's first trip to the fair.

November 2005: Jake burned his hand on the oven rack.

September 2006: Our little Crash is born.

December 2006: Jake and Carson meet Santa for the first time.

January 2007: Carson's comb-over.


January 2008: Carson broke his arm.

February 2008: Started our basement.


May 2008: Jake graduates from his 1st year of preschool.


With hopefully lots more memories to make in the coming years...

Crafty...

I am in no way a designer or decorator. In fact, the one thing I have in my home that is home made was made by my very crafty and creative sister, Amy, as a house-warming gift when we moved into our home. So, am I crafty? No! But, I am very excited and pleased with the first (and maybe only) project I've ever really taken on to decorate my house. Will I be doing much else decorating any time soon? Probably not! (Unless I can talk Aaron into letting me paint a few walls.) But, I will definitely enjoy what I have completed.
What do you think?

I painted the letters, bought the decorative balls, and picked and put together the flower arrangement. Not too shabby, ey?