My Cowgirl Model

 When Summer was a little girl, we would 

always ask her what she wanted to be 

when she grew up.  Her response was 

always the same.  "A cowgirl model!"  

What in the world is a cowgirl model???  :0)

 Grandad taught us all how to rope at the 

cabin last weekend.  Summer was an instant 

success.  Maybe it's the fact that she is left-

handed?  I have to blame her success on

something since none of us were as good.  :0)

 It only took her 2 tries!

We may laugh at her 'cowgirl model' answer,

but the girl may have been on to

something.  HaHa

Stewart Reunion 2011

 We just returned from the Stewart Reunion at the cabin.  Check out that group.  There are so many wonderful people, and all because of Jason's Grandad Dell and Grandma Lorraine.  Gary and Marie were in charge this year and it was flawless.  My favorite part was when Gary gave his closing remarks and shared his wish that someday, we could all have a posterity like this.  One day, Jason will be that Grandad and I the Grandma.  I love his family and I am so blessed to be a part of that heritage.  Lucky me!

 Fletcher, Brady, Tanner, & Tate

 The last photo of them together before 

Brady leaves on his mission.  How crazy

is that!?!  He was 2 at our wedding!

 Kaylee

 I officially have the worlds cutest

nieces and nephews!

 Tate and Summer get along so well.  

I wish they lived closer!  At least we

get to visit them when we're in CA now.

 Katelyn...or should I say Miss Personality!

 Guess where Ty spent the entire time at the cabin? 

You guessed it...on the four-wheelers.

I think we could classify it as an addiction!

 Was Uncle E corrupting the teenagers, or

were the teenagers corrupting Earnest?

Uncle Chris spent HOURS creating a "Who Wants to be a Stewart-heir" gameshow.  Dave, the comedian of the family, was Regis and Jason was the first contestant.  He did pretty well.  All of the questions were about Dell & Lorraine and it was really well done.  It was an awesome reunion!

Group FHE

 For Family Home Evening last night, we had

3 families over for a swim party and BBQ.

The Gordons, the Gordons, and the Backus'

all came in the rain storm, determined to swim.

Ty snuck into his room 7 times that afternoon to

quietly pray that the monsoon storm would quickly

pass so he could still swim with his friends.

Well, with the faith of the little boy, the skies 

cleared.  It was still a cold swim, but fun!

 Chad Backus just had hip surgery, so he arrived

on crutches.  He joined the other men near the

BBQ and then they retired into the family room

to bond as men while the ladies were on lifeguard

duty.  All in all, we had 15 kids and 8 adults.

The Gordon brothers are always fun to have.

We have wonderful friends and they sure do

know how to have fun.  We love our new

ward and our goofy bishop (the one on the 

right).  Black Hills Ward is the best!

Glad the clouds parted and we had some fun!

Go Angels!

 One thing I was raised on was Angels Baseball.  Not the Dodgers, the Angels!  My dad was (and is) adamantly opposed to the Dodgers.  We attended games as often as possible and now we get to take my kiddos.

Mike, Brittani, my dad, mom,  Libby, Brad, Becky, & us

We had a fun cheering section.  We have fun anywhere, but especially at the Angel Game...when they win (most importantly).

The 4th...before the fire broke out.

 We left Jason behind in Sedona while we headed to Southern California to enjoy the 4th with my family.  Last year, Jason and I were in Italy on the 4th of July and my kids were with my parents.  They went to the lake behind my parents house to enjoy the fireworks.  This year, I was able to join them.  Laguna Niguel Regional Park puts on some great fireworks.

 We spent the day riding our bikes to the beach and then we quickly showered, BBQed, and then hit up the lake.  This was Libby's first 4th of July and she was a big fan!

 Sydney said that last year, Libby was going crazy inside her moms belly during the fireworks.  Well, this time they got to pal around together.  Nobody loves Libby the way Sydney does.  They are B.C.F.  (Best Cousins Forever), as Sydney calls it.

Have I ever told you that I have the best parents EVER?  They truly are!  This trip wouldn't have happened without their help and I hope they know how much we all love them.  They are the most fun, energetic, and adorable people alive.  I'm glad I got to spend the 4th with them.  Love you guys!!!

P.S. Thanks for the pictures, Becky!

An EXCITING 4th of July!

 We are in California enjoying the 4th of July weekend with my parents.  We headed over to the lake behind their house to watch the fireworks.  Britt and Mike came too and at one point Mike pointed out a bright light straight across the lake from us.

Some 'genius' had set off some illegal fireworks and had started a fire in the drybrush that covered the hills that surround the lake.  It made for an exciting scene for us to watch safely on the other side of the lake. 

Luckily, no one was hurt and they were able to put the fire out rather quickly.  Hope you all had a safe and un-eventful 4th of July!

Shelley's Patriotric Celebration

 We have the most adorable girl in our ward.  Her name is Shelley and she is a star!  She has been inviting us to her softball games all season.  Unfortunately, she would invite us after the game already happened.  :0)   Well, on Thursday night, she invited us to come and see her in a patriotic play she was in.  She was going to be Pocahontas.

 I was so impressed by the staff and the way they cared for the kids and adults with special needs.  We were seated behind many of the other kids that came to cheer them on in their wheelchairs.  It was a beautiful feeling.  There was so much love in that room.  I know we were seated amongst, and watching, angels on earth!

At the end, they sang 2 patriotic songs.  One (which I haven't heard before) was about 9-11.  The boy on the left was singing with tears streaming down his face.  I couldn't help but cry.  Following that song, they had all military stand and they honored them by singing, "I'm Proud to be and American".  The man on the right in this photo had an amazing voice and, once again, the tears started flowing.  I was so proud of Shelley and all of her friends.  They truly touched me, and my kids.  I'm so glad we were invited.  

Next stop for Shelley...the Special Olympics!

I sure hope we can go cheer her on!!!