Playing with Cousins

The cousins had so much fun together!! The older cousins were at EFY together and the younger cousins had a blast at home playing. Tiana wanted more time with her friends Tyler, so he came up and joined the party for several days! They are all very creative and had so much fun playing together while we were sorting. We were busy, so I really didn't take many pictures, but here are a few!

The had so much fun running around outside. Here they are taking a little swim!
Tia, Tyler, Katie and Max

Tyler getting ready to jump in!!


My cute Tia!!


They had a blast playing just dance!!! It is so much fun!! I am hoping Santa will bring one to our house!!

They had a good time taking the Dune Buggy out for a ride!
Stetson(friend) Tyler, Larisa, Nic and Ryan

Nic is ready to go!!

Max, Tiana and Tyler had fun making up skits and performing them - I love their creative energy!! T hey all have so much fun together!!! I just wish that we all lived closer!!

Trip to Utah

On July 23rd we were supposed to leave for Utah. We were so excited to go and stay the night in Salt Lake with my sister and the go to, "the days of 47" parade. My brother in law, Donnie, was driving President Uctdorf in the parade and I was so excited to go!! Well, there was a storm in Detroit and our flight was canceled!! We had no idea that it was the first cancellation of 3!! (Long Story) We actually didn't arrive until the 25th!!! My sisters and I were all meeting to go through my mom's storage and special things. This was a hard task!! We said several prayers, made 6 piles and had many moments of tears!! We had some great memory sharing and of course, some laughter, but also a lot of missing our parents. One time I opened a box and there was one of mom's old aprons - tears came immediately!! I spent many hours by mom in the kitchen when I was little - she always called me her shadow. It made me miss her so much!!


We had pulled out several items that were things that we all loved and wanted. They were items that held lots of emotion for us! Some of the items were a clock given to Great grandpa Bennion, mom's wedding dress, a Santa my mom painted, service plaques, my dad's uniform, the flag that flew over my dad's Navy ship and other like items! We really wanted everyone to be happy and it really stressed us out to try and divide it. We called and talked to everyone about what they wanted most, said a prayer and then made the division. It was emotional and very difficult. Then, I looked in a memory book and found the testimonies of my great grandparents and read them to my sisters. I realized that the most precious gift that we can treasure every day is the gift that wanted to share most - their testimony. I have always known of my parents strong, unwavering testimonies! It is a part of my life everyday and a gift that does not need to be divided - it lives in each of us!! There is nothing more beautiful or treasured!! I am so grateful for amazing parents!! Now, the time I feel them with me the most is when I share my testimony with my children, play hymns on the piano or when I need them the most! What a beautiful legacy!!