Cousin fun

Canada Day

Good friends invited us to spend Canada Day with them in Waterton!  It was so awesome.  The weather was perfect, the hike to Bertha Falls was great.  Spencer even walked most of the way.  Not bad for an almost 3 year old.

 AND  Happy 4th of July too

With all the busy stuff of the week, we decided  to keep it low key.  We had a delicious dinner and dessert and sang the Star Spangled Banner together.  Next year we might go to Great Falls, they have awesome fireworks. 

I'm so grateful to be a citizen of two wonderful countries, where I enjoy many freedoms, especially the freedom to worship as I choose.  It is a huge blessing and one I probably don't think about enough since I've never lived any other way.

A quick trip

My sister was visiting Utah, from Texas, so, naturally, I had to go see her.  And my gracious sister-in-law was willing to keep Joel for a week to play with his cousin.  So I loaded up Joel and Macy and went on a road trip.
First stop, Idaho Falls:

Then a family reunion with my mom's family

We then drove down to Utah, dropped off Joel and continued on to Lehi.  We stayed with my brother that night.  Sunday morning we drove up to SLC to attend Music and the Spoken Word, in the conference center.  It was the Independence Day special so that was really awesome and patriotic.  And I just have to say that Richard Elliot is amazing on the organ!  His solo was outstanding.  There is nothing like being there in person.

Family time was fun.  Macy and I drove up to Brigham City and stayed with a foster sister there then we drove home all day Monday, just in time to spend Canada Day in Canada.

Running thoughts

This morning, as I was jogging, I was thinking of the reasons I jog.  For exercise, to keep in shape, but mostly for mental reasons.  It helps me cope with stress and anxiety and is a good antidote for depression.  I NEED the endorphin rush.

On another topic, here are some pictures from the last day of school.

We are so pleased with how the school year went.  Great teachers, staff, and school.  Brynn is learning that friendships are tough.  Especially at her age. Brynn is pretty loyal and doesn't understand the emotional ups and downs of junior high age friendships.  She is learning some good lessons and it has been great for our relationship, as she has chosen to confide in me, on occasion.