Madison County Fair

After already going to two different county fairs, I had several people ask me why we were going to Rexburg (3 hours away) just to go to the fair. This is why...

Jared was showing a cow in the Dairy Livestock show. The cow he was going to originally show died suddenly, so he showed this one who had never been on a leash before. Jared was all business and kept that cow in line.

He won a blue ribbon and this photo here made it worth the whole trip.

Two of Aaron's brothers and their families went as well. Jared had a whole cheering section. While we were waiting for Jared's turn, AJ tried to throw his cousin Trey into the arena.

Jace had his first experience with chocolate ice cream.

We went to see the animals. (There wasn't really anything else to see.) Ayden carried on a conversation with a pig through a series of snorts.

Kayl petted a donkey.

Turns out we all ended up staying in the same hotel. It is a new hotel with retro decor. Ethan referred to it as Retroville.

The kids had fun making use of the pool. Savanah continued to practice her cannonball.

Kayl worked on his form as well.

Ethan posed for another picture.

Jace fell asleep.

I was so happy that our hotel room was facing the Rexburg Temple until I realized this was the view from our room.

(You may have heard me complain about the lone tree on a vacant lot that blocks the view of the Logan Temple from our house. I keep hoping that tree gets struck by lightning.)

It was easy enough to drive up the hill for a closer view of the temple which we did at sunset.

I returned the next morning at sun rise and got this shot of the field across the street from the temple.

We all went out to dinner that night.

Trey was ready for some grub.

I wondered if Jace ever got tired of the kids mauling him all the time.

Then, I wondered if he ever got tired of me taking pictures of him.

Too bad. I'm going to keep taking pictures. Fun trips like this need to be remembered.

Adventure!

We left early Friday morning to go to Twin Falls, Idaho. Aaron's parents and his brother John and his family went with us. We arrived in Twin Falls in time for lunch. We had a picnic near Shoshone Falls.The kids liked seeing a bright rainbow at the waterfalls. Ethan told me it was one of the coolest things he has ever seen. After lunch, we went to the Twin Falls temple open house. I was pleasantly surprised how busy it was. There were a lot of people going through the temple that day. They were taking groups in every 5 minutes. The temple was gorgeous and every opportunity to take our kids inside the temple is well worth the trip.We then headed to our campsite. For 1/3 of the price of hotel we went camping at the local KOA. They had a pool, playground, mini golf course, and a pond with paddle boats. (Where can you get all that in a hotel?)We headed to my cousin Nicole's house for dinner. All all of her family was there and it was great seeing them again. The food was great! The kids loved the Foosball, dress ups, and play area.

We returned in time for a swim in the pool. That night a thunderstorm blew in. It was the first time it had rained in Twin Falls all summer and of course it's the one night we are out in tents. I just started laughing. (Sometimes that is really the only response). That night we laid all of our towels and swimming suits out so they would dry. It didn't work. The thunder, lightening, and rain woke up all the kids of course so, lets just say, none of us had a very restful night sleep but, we saved money, right.

The next morning we headed back across Idaho. We went through Carey, Idaho the birthplace of my Grandpa. It remains a small ranching community like it was back in 1910.

Next, we went on to Craters of the Moon. This is a national monument where Aaron's parents worked when they were first married. They seemed to enjoy being tour guides for their grandchildren.Craters was a lot of fun and I found it fascinating. I loved the stark contrast of the black rock with the green vegetation. This type of lava rock is called pahoehoe. (Can you tell that most of the study of volcanoes is done in Hawaii.) It is named for it's rope lie attributes. It is smooth and flowing.Another type of volcanic rock is called A' a. It is jagged and rough. We decided that is what you would say if you walked across it bare footed. (There is your little geology lesson for the day.)The grandparents/tour guides took us into a cave. I thought the people on trail to the cave with knee pads and lighted head gear were crazy until we were climbing through the dark cave over loose rocks. I realized those of us in flip-flops and shorts were the crazy ones. The cave just kept going
and going and going. It was more than I thought it would be and I really enjoyed it. How often do you climb through a cave? This was what it looked like above the cave as we returned to the main trail.Our final destination was in Rexburg, Idaho. We were able to see some of Aaron's cousins who we haven't seen for years. It was so nice to see how their families have grown. We were able to meet up with Aaron's brothers Jared and Mike & Melanie also. Jared was proud to give us a tour of the farm. He showed off on his new bike.Mike tried to ride the bike. You see that truck, well, he hit it and then the silo next to it. Mike claims the bike is hard to ride but when Esteban jumped on and started doing figure eights we were all doubting Mike's claim.The waterfalls, camping in a thunderstorm, the lava rock, the cave of all caves, and spending time with lots of family makes this weekend one big adventure.

(I wouldn't have it any other way. )

Jared

As most of you know, Aaron has a brother with Down's Syndrome. Those of you who know Jared, know that he is a really fun person to be around. Jared and I have always had a special bond. We are the same age (I'm only 2 months older) and we are the same height (he might be a bit taller but, I suspect it's just that his hair is poofy on top).
Jared lives in Rexburg while working on his aunt's dairy farm. He is a big asset to the farm. He helps with the calves and with milking. Jared is a walking calendar. He can spout off every birthday and anniversary for everybody in the family including cousins and their children. He also knows all the names and birthdays of the cows. He know the cows pedigrees as well. If you name a month for him, he will tell you all of the birthdays and anniversaries in chronological order. Who needs a PDA when you have Jared?

Jared is not only an eagle scout, he also holds the Priesthood. He loves to assist in baby blessings, confirmations, and ordinations. We wanted Jared to be here to participate in Esteban's ordination last weekend. Aaron and I drove to Rexburg on Saturday to get Jared. I took him back on Monday morning. Jared and I jammed out to the ipod on our way back to Rexburg. He is a great dancer with some awesome signature moves. Jared needed to be back in time for his volleyball practise. That's right, Jared is a Special Olympic champion in multiple sports. He is one of the main players on his volleyball team because he can serve the ball. The coach says, "If you can serve, you can win." Jared is also a great bowler. He averages around 130 in bowling. (I'm happy if I hit triple digits and that's only happened twice).

Jared is truly amazing. I love him and I'm grateful to be a apart of his family. I am a better person because I know Jared.

The Live Nativity

After church on Christmas Eve, we drove to Rexburg, Idaho to see Aaron's brother Jared, who lives with their Aunt Janis on her dairy farm. A few years ago, one of Aaron's cousins lost a son to cancer. He was Ethan's age. Starting that year, and every year since, their aunt has put on a live nativity in memory of her grandson, Dallin.

Janis's family even built a real stable for the performances. Neighborhood kids act out the parts and sing the carols. It was fun to see Mary ride in on a real donkey while the sheperds were out in the field with sheep (one of which tried to eat the microphone). I have to say, my favorite performer was Jared as the innkeeper.
After the show Aaron's mom took the girls to pet the sheep. (I think the sheep was more nervous than Vanessa).
We huddled together while sitting on straw bells singing Christmas songs. The Christmas hymns brought tears to my eyes. I thought it was the most appropriate way to remember Dallin, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who made it possible for all of us to live again as eternal families.