2000 Stripling Warriors

Chills ran up and down my spine as the crowd rose to their feet, and lowered their voices, as the 2,000 Stripling Warriors walked down Main Street Bountiful during the Handcart Days Parade. If you were not among the many taken back in awe from them, you may not be familiar with the story they portrayed.

The story is found in the Book of Mormon (Alma 53-57). “Nearly 10 years after Captain Moroni raised the Title of Liberty the Lamanites and Nephites were once again at war. The people of Ammon desired to help the Nephites. But, they had made a vow to never to take up arms again.

Their sons had not made this vow. These young men entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites. They were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. They were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.

These 2,000 stripling soldiers had been taught by their mothers that God was with them, that He would not let them fall. Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did not think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their own lives; they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

Being led by Helaman, they were in many battles, but none died. The Lord rewarded and preserved them; for believing in Him, for having faith, for obeying His commandments, and for striving to serve others.”

Cory Hanks, (Quinn’s uncle), was dressed as Helaman, and led the 2000 young men, dressed as warriors,  walking in unison, down the parade route. Each young men carried staff-like sticks hitting them to the beat of their marching feet.  It was last parade entry of the night, the most anticipated one, drawing the crowds, and making a spectacular finale.

Pictures by Russ Biehn.  Mine didn't turn out.

Handcart Parade

The Bountiful Handcart Parade was held on Friday, July 20th. The parade was scaled down from over 135 entries last year to only 85 this year. It was the perfect parade, not to long, and not too short.  The "fatigue factor," as Bob Rose stated, didn't set in due to fewer parade contributors, and higher quality of entries.

The weather was ideal: Warm, mid 80’s with a slight cloud coverage. It made sitting amongst the many viewers bearable. I have never seen so many in attendance at the Bountiful Parade. The grand finale- The 2000 Stripling Warriors- must have been a draw to the parade. I must say, it was for me too.

The Mueller Park fireworks was a great way to windup the evening.  The skies were eliminated with colorful designs, that were launched into the air by the professionals.  A fun way to cool down, and enjoy the final festivities.

Photo by:  Russ Biehn

Teared me up!

My cute little parade goers!

My favorite floats!

Mueller Park Fireworks!

Lizards

Ben, Ella, James, Brad and Audrey, loved looking for lizards in the camp grounds before dinner. They were very successful with their lizard hunting. Fortunately, Brad had brought ‘lizard lodging’ for the little critter. I’m not sure how this went down, but they let all the captured lizards go, except one. Were all the mom’s secretly plotting to get rid of the lizards before leaving the Gorge? Was it a ruse against me? One mom leaned over at the end of the trip and quietly whispered, “Don’t worry, they don’t last long.” The one remaining lizard became our new pet ‘George From The Gorge’.

I must admit, I’m not like my sister (see photo below). When Ben let George out when we got home, and he got lost in my room, I was screaming and standing on a chair. Wimp, yes, I know, and I don’t care. I don’t like lizards or bugs. Ben was frantically running around looking for his lizard. As he turned I saw George on his back. “He’s on your back”, I scream from on top of my chair.

Ben has been an exceptional pet owner to George. He used his creative juices to find a way to heat his new habitat. He has been earning money to buy live crickets (that’s what George likes) from Pet Co. (.15 a piece). One day, we had just returned home from buying George’s food, when Ben noticed a problem. “Mom, I bought six crickets, laid the bag on the floor, fed George one, and now I have four.” (Remember my dislike for bugs, and lizards.) “What,” I barked. “You better find the lost cricket.” Five minutes later, all bugs were accounted for.

Phew! This lizard thing is getting emotionally exhausting!

Ben, James, Ella, Brad and Audrey

Ben caring for George from the Gorge.

My Sister in Belize.

The Rope Swing

Last year's Scout Camp was at Flaming Gorge. They boated,  fished, and found this fabulous rope swing! It must have been a hit with the youth, because Mike gave us great details on the time spent plunging into the depths of the pristine water on the swing.

On our family vacation, Mike took us down to the same rope swing. The only problem was, that this year has been somewhat of a drought, therefore the water has receded over 10 feet. The once not-so-frightening rope swing is now a little intimidating.

Someone had attached a man-made ladder to the rocks to access the use-to-be starting point. Mike went first. Have you ever seen the stunt men in action films running in the air? That’s what he looked like, until he hit the water in a belly flop mode. Ouch! 

E and Big Lizzy (not my little Lizzy) were next. Their entrances to the cool, crisp water was perfect. Kate was last from our group. It took a little coaxing, but she did go. When she hit the water, we were silent. Her belly flop was much worse than Mike’s.  All we hoped for was limited injuries. Other boaters were waiting to go, so she kept her hysteria at bay. Her body hit the water’s surface with such a great impact that her legs were covered with welts. No, life-threatening injuries though, all is well!

http://youtu.be/8cbjyHdy0e0?t=1m50s

Camping

Camping with this clan is quite delightful. The kids love spending time together. They are making memories that they will last a life-time. Ben, Ella, James, and Brad, ran together. Ben and Ella - being at the top of the food chain (9)- lead the group in telling scary stories. The older kids would walk to the lake at night, and play cards together. Well at least that's what they told us. I'm sure they were up to a little mischief. It was usually around midnight (or later) before they arrived back at camp.

Dinner was a prepared and enjoyed together. The meals were fabulous!  For some reason everything tastes better when you are extra hungry, and camping.  Fresh trout that was caught that day, was seared over the open fire alongside our meal. Ben tried fish for the first time and quite liked it. Maybe it was just the idea of eating something that someone caught that he enjoyed.

My favorite part of camping is watching the kids, both young and old, take pleasure in being together.  Creativity is at it's best with this crew.  They warm my heart.

Ben and Ella - frightening the younger ones.

Dinner time.

Beach, Boating, and More

The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  Sunshine, with a little cloud coverage in late afternoon to cool you down.  Aw....pure bliss!  Water skiing and wake boarding was best in the early part of the day or later evening.  Tubing, and other water activities we an all day event.

Wayne and Janet, the two that started this big crowd, with their "favorite from her first breath" (at least that's what Steve always told me).

Uncle Jeff helping Ben and his boys' fish.  Cute little James caught the biggest fish by being real patient.  Ben caught small ones, but not large enough to keep.

The beach, playing in the mud, and the water taxi.

Ben and Lizzy giving skiing a try.  Kate skiing up a storm.

Tubing with 5, yes Bill is a sport to take so many, not me.  Is that your mama on the tube?  You better believe it!  Aunt Jen and I taking a run at it.

Ben LOVED fishing.  He could fish for hours.  I think it is one of his favorite things to do.  Ben was sad one morning when he caught the tent.  He thought it may be the end of fishing for him.  Mike to the rescue, thank heavens!

Cousin time; playing noodle wars, and Bill's awesome boat.

Mike tearing it up on the wake board and ski. 

The Annual Flaming Gorge Trip

Flaming Gorge is one of my kids favorite places. I’m not sure if the yearn to visit is innate or acquired. Steve’s family has vacationed there since they were young, and we have done the same with our kids. Whatever the case, it is a beautiful place, you can’t resist falling in love with.

The annual Flaming Gorge camping trip with Steve’s family has grown substantially. There were about 30 to 35 of us this year. That’s quite a crowd to prepare evening meals for, and boat and beach with. It was a very FUN crowd I must say. Everyone seemed to get along great and have a wonderful time.

I was pleasantly surprised that the only technical difficulty we had was a flat tire on the trailer. Compared to last year, that is saying a lot!

Thanks Mike for packing us, and making our trip comfortable.  I was so pleased to be able to sleep in a tent with the girls this year rather than the food tent that I slept in in previous years.

Someone must have been afraid of a repeat from last year.

Ben had never been to the Visitor Center or Look Out.  We went on a brief field trip to show him the beautiful sights of Flaming Gorge. To be continued......

Birthday Time

Happy Birthday Steve!

Kate planned and executed the birthday celebration for Steve. I thought she did a great job! I wasn't sure if it was legal to light candles at the grave, with the intense fire danger. However, that was part of the plan. Lizzy filled the lid of the cake with water just in case. Only one small hitch in the party. We forgot a knife to cut the cake with. Most just dug right in, while others waited for a served portion.

We love and miss you Steve!

The Hawker's Cabin

The Hawker's cabin is one of my children's favorite places to visit. The cabin is nestled in rolling hills directly North of Park City. The landscape includes towering pines, billowing oaks, and lush ground cover. Often you will see wildflowers blooming and covering the mountain side with splashes of color.

Rainfall has been at a minimum, so the countryside was a little dry, but still gorgeous. The panoramic view from the cabin is stunning. From the top of the mountain through the picturesque windows, or fabulous deck, you can view Park City to the South, and the beautiful tree covered hills to the west. We were there over the 4th of July and were hoping to watch the Park City fireworks. They were cancelled due to the threat of wildfires. We would have had an incredible view of them.

Lightening storms are another fabulous sight.  It is a natural wonder sitting in the room with all windows looking out over Park City watching lightening dance across the dark skies.  It is stunning!

The cabin; Sunshine Cafe meal (breakfast); and lots of barbecuing. Everyone pitched in with the cooking.  Quinn cooked the sausage, and I was glad he did since he got food poisoned later that night and attributed it to the sausage.  No one else got sick, thank heavens!

The beautiful scenery.

Moose alert!

Riding ATV's. This was another first for me.  The first time I was a driver rather than a passenger, that is.  No problem, easy-peasy. Don't ask my passenger Ben though, all he remembers is the small adjustment period at the first of our ride.  Pregos (Meg) went on a ride with Mike.  Luckily, it didn't start her into labor.

A rainy day in Park City. Lunch at the Eating Establishment, and a movie.

Things we like to do at the cabin:  Hot tubbing, yep that is pregos in the hot tub.  I told her to quit cooking my grandson.  She just rolled her eyes.  Don't worry she was only in for a minute and then dangled her legs. Card games, pingpong, and scar pong and are must.  We (I) enjoyed doing Grandmotherly things like crocheting around blankets and burpers.  Yes, that is Lizzy pretending she knows how. We also watched lots of movies.  Ask Ben to do his Napoleon Dynamite impressions they are pretty great.  After watching it 4 times, he has them down.

Lizzy making dessert for Mike, Michael and their dates.  Mike and Michael preparing for their dates.

I parked the boat at the entrance of Stage Coach estates in the parking area.  Thursday we took it for a spin at Jordenell Reservoir.  We had lunch, and just boated.  No water activities today.  It got a little stormy so Mike put up the gear for Ben and Lizzy to hide from the elements

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We were so sad Kate couldn't come.  She had to work.  Kate is so fun, and helpful, we missed her!

Thank you to our wonderful friends for letting us stay at your cabin!  We had a wonderful time!

Pool Parties

While our neighbors were out of town we took care of things at their house for them.  We took great care of their fish;
and their dogs (I think Bella got a little bit jealous);
 
and had a wonderful time at their pool.

Fulk Fun

 Browns'(Don't worry Kate didn't really eat out of the big bowl of pasta salad, well at least I think)

Thanks to the big hearts, and generosity of the Gulbransen's we had a fabulous time with The Fulks' and Steve's Family!

Reese's Puffs

After a lovely home cooked meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy made by Kate, Sarah found Reese's Puffs in my cupboard. I am not familiar with this cereal (probably picked it up because it was on sale), but evidentially my kids are. When Sarah spilt it all over the floor, the crowd went wild! What cereal is good enough to eat off the floor? Blah!

Changes

Remember Sarah's bright pink and orange room? Remember how Quinn wouldn't let his son sleep in a pink room? Well.....

Here is the final product after Quinn's countless hours of hard work!

Can't wait for our little man to arrive!

Dear Pinterest,

Thank you for entertaining my children and their cousin during the sleepover at my house.  But really, honey and brown sugar for a facial?  I thought of intervening when I learned of the ingredients, but it was just too funny!  I was secretly hoping that the components would wash off easily without scaring or agitating their cute little faces. It did!

Thanks for not blemishing them for life!

Sincerely,
Browniemom

Looks like warts to me!

Primary

This weekend, Ben was called and given a reminder that he had the scripture in primary on Sunday.  He told me that he wanted me to come to Primary to listen to his scripture, and that the scripture was going to be a surprise.

Today, he surprised me.  In opening exercises for the Senior Primary he gave his scripture.  He had brought his triple combination (Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine in Covenants).  He was having a difficult time finding the scripture he had chosen.  I was so impressed with the primary children.  They sat in complete silence as he searched for the Book of Mormon. A sweet sister from the Primary Presidency came to his aid and helped him find the Book of Mormon.  Once there he was quickly able to find the scripture he wanted to recite.

The scripture was our family scripture:  2 Nephi 31:20 “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”  Tears were streaming down my face, while he was reading and when he was done.  What a sweet boy!