Pioneer Parade

The 24th of July is a state Holiday in Utah.  It is called Pioneer Day and it commemorates the entry of the pioneers into Salt Lake Valley.  It is celebrated much like the 4th of July with parades, bbq, and fireworks.  Lexi, Eden, Corban, and Jordan LOVED watching the parade in Spanish Fork.  The best part for them is that they got lots of candy and treats that were thrown out.  We are staying with my friend, Annette, and her family.  Her relatives have been sitting on the same corner for the parade for about 30 years.  We happily joined them.

Grandma Margie & Uncle Alma

Lexi caught an otter pop

Picture of Annette & me

We went to Glades, which is a burger joint that has been around forever.  My mom and her friends used to walk there for lunch in high school.  It is still as popular as ever.  Right after I took this photo below, I turned to see my mom's cousin and his great nephew walking up.  Of course, I led him back to talk to my mom.    

Hiking to the Y

BYU has a huge Y painted on the mountain near it.  I have been wanting to hike to it for a while and thought it would be a good activity on our vacation.  My brother, Alma, and his kids are staying nearby, so they came with us.  It isn't very far, but it is a steep hike.  On the way down, Alma entertained the kids by telling jokes.  

Lexi, Eden, Jordan & Corban

YMCA

BYU Campus

We went to the BYU campus today.  Both Lexi and Jordan have said that they want to go to school there.  I'm all for it especially since it is cheaper than most other options.  I also bought scriptures for the kids.  I promised Lexi that I would get her one with her name on it when she was baptized. 

Family Reunion - Brian Head

Our family reunion continued today in Brian Head, Utah.  It is a ski resort in the mountains and is much cooler than Zion.  I think the high was in the mid 70s.  Two of my mom's cousins rented a huge cabin there.  We got to hang out and chit chat while the kids got to play and get to know each other.  My Aunt Sue taught them how to twirl a baton.  She also had several of the girls pose in her dresses that she makes and sells on Etsy.  My aunt uses vintage fabric.  The girls loved modeling.  Paige put a little make-up on them to really spice it up.  

We really enjoyed the reunion.  I just wish more people would have been there.  I have 15 first cousins on my mom's side and only two were there.  One of the ones that didn't come is a grandpa.  That means we could have had 4 generations.  Fortunately, I did get to catch up with two second cousins that I hadn't seen since I was 14.  There were only 6 of my mom's grand-kids there (four of Lexi & Jordan's first cousins), which means only half of the grand-kids.  Hopefully, everyone spreads the word and more come to the next one we have.   

Little Generation

Middle Generation

Older Generation

My Family: Grandma Margie, me, Uncle Clay, Uncle Alma & Paige (missing Chris)

Family Reunion - Zion National Park

We spent the first day of our family reunion at Zion National Park.  The picture below is of Lexi and Jordan with their first cousins that are their same ages.  The eight year olds are standing in the back and their 6 year old siblings are sitting in front of them.  

Waiting for the shuttle

On the shuttle - Eden, Lexi & Rachel

Lexi photo-bombing  a picture of Eden and me

Lexi and Eden

Hiking