THE PARK POST

We spent a week with Nikki's family at a camp in Utah by Sundance called Aspen Grove. We had a fun filled week of activities and relaxation. The kids had their own age group activities they went to during some of the day and that freed up the adults to be able to go do things together as adults. They provided all of the meals and clean up, so it truly was a vacation. We had no TV, but plenty of stories to tell and memories that will last a long time. One of the most beautiful places I've been. The whole dang family (minus Matt, Lexi, and Jenessa) Nikki rock climbing for her first time. These outfits are not flattering, but there needed to be proof that I actually did it! Sydney and Alaina Sydney on Morgan's shoulders at the Family Olympics. We had to all stand on a little box and sing "Row, Row, Row your Boat" without falling off. We didn't do too well. The kids getting ready to throw the balls into the bucket on Taylor's head. Jackson was the off...

While in Utah we were able to be a part of Amy's grave dedication. Nikki's parents decided to exhume Amy's body from Richfield and move it to Sandy where they live. Amy drowned when Nikki was only 2 months old. Even though most of us didn't know Amy, we feel a bond with her that is eternal. The ceremony was very spiritually uplifting for all of the family and grandchildren. We were able to go through the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house just before we dedicated the grave. It was an emotional day, but we know we will see her again and be able to get acquainted then. The new head stone in Sandy. (Larkin Memorial) Jackson putting flowers on the grave with Melissa and Brox. Paige and Lauren. The cousins enjoying a funny comment during the ceremony. My mom telling us about Amy and showing the grandkids pictures of what she looked like.

We packed both cars, cleaned up the house, said goodbye to some of our friends and hit the road for our first stop in Utah. It was a little sad seeing the house so empty, but we will always have great memories of our first little home in Washington. When we first moved to Washington, Paige was starting the 3rd grade and Sydney wasn't even born yet. A lot of growing up happened in that place. We really enjoyed our time living there and will miss it a lot! While in Utah for 2 1/2 weeks, we partied hard with both of our families. The first party in early July was with the Arnell side. Roger and Tamra had us all over to their house in South Jordan. It was a fun time and we appreciated them planning it and letting us use their house. Intense badminton game Jackson in on the action All the girls Paige and Mike Natalie, Jake, Paige, Ashlyn, Katie and McKell All of the adults played the b-ball game where you try to make a basket before the person in front of you does so you can...

The movers came and packed us up on a Friday, but weren't loading the truck until Monday, so we decided to go to Seaside, OR for the weekend. We had a really good time. We played at the beach and actually could get in the water because it was warm enough. Mike and the kids rented a paddle boat, we went on the bumper cars and the Tilt-a-Whirl, and the kids played at the arcade. On the way home we went to Mt. St. Helens. Mike and I appreciated it a lot more than the kids. They thought the playground in front of the Visitor's Center was the best part. Mt. St. Helens in the distance. This is an old shipwreck near Astoria, OR. Michael has a picture of himself as a kid here in the same location. It was pretty windy so we didn't stay long. McKell and Jackson don't seem to be doing much of the paddling here? Michael with the kids. Before departure. Paige and McKell on the Tilt-a-Whirl (That's what they call it at Lagoon anyway) McKell playing some air hockey at t...