HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!  This has always been one of my favorite holidays - it's summer and warm, and we are so blessed to live in the United States of America.  It is not perfect, but it was a nation created by men inspired and led by God, and we experience freedoms that many in the world do not.  

I hope you had a great week, celebrating the holiday with your families.  Angella celebrated the week by taking care of Ben, who got his tonsils and adenoids removed on July 1st.  He was pretty droopy at the hospital but didn't take him long to bounce back. 

There were a few moments of uncertainty about whether he would have to stay in the hospital overnight, but once his oxygen levels and heart rate were able to be maintained at a certain level, they sent him on his way.  

 Jonathan, Kate, and Sayre spent the week working (Kate and Jonathan), swimming, playing card games, and yesterday, bowling.  I think they also got to see some fireworks last night.  Kate took some family photos for a friend this week, and called shortly afterwards, looking a little bedraggled - she said it was so hot and humid.  (it reminded me a little of in the Work and the Glory when so many of the saints, just getting to Nauvoo,  came down with Malaria).  

 

 Next week, Jonathan heads to Canada for the International Trombone Festival, and Kate and Sayre are coming to Colorado for a short visit.  We are looking forward so much to spending time with them. 😄

 Adam took the kids up to the mountains this week for some ATV'ing/trail bike riding, and just had a few minor mishaps 😊 Everyone survived (even the ATV's), Lily came home with a scarred elbow, and Jake's bike needs a new part.  On the 4th, they found a spot for fireworks behind the new Ford Amphitheatre, a prime viewing location to see the shows.  

  As I am writing this, Adam, Cory, and kids are on their way to Arizona for a week of "fun in the sun.  See you soon!

 Kim sent me this photo this morning, reminding me that just a year ago we were attending Mass at St. Peter's Bacillica at the Vatican in Rome.  It was such an amazing experience.  

Chris just reminded me about how hot and humid it was, and we were so thirsty that we stopped at a McDonald's just outside Vatican City, where we got the best Cokes and some delicious cheese bread.  

ALSO, Max just got a new and better job at the MTC.  He is amazing and I know he will do great things!

Dad and I spent many days this week working in the backyard, and although we're not finished, it's looking much better.  On Thursday, I stayed with Helma, who was in the hospital, while her daughter, Donna, took some time for herself and got her hair done.  At one point, a technician came in and performed an echocardiogram.  It was an amazing perspective to see how the heart works and a testimony to me of the miracle in the creation of our bodies.  

We've also celebrated this week, watching The Patriot, Gettysburg, and 1776 - 😁

 As everyone knows, I am NOT a gardener, and most everything I plant eventually dies.  However, this summer I had these plants that started to grow - at first I thought they were weeds, but they looked like pretty weeds, so I didn't pull them out.  AND then they blossomed 😁!  I vaguely remember last year, planting some lilies (and of course they died), but they must be perennials, because they reappeared 🌼.  

 One last thought I wanted to share with you . . . 

 A couple of weeks ago, Jake was here and I asked him what his favorite Primary song was.  He said it is a song called "My Own Sacred Grove".  I had not heard of it before, so he sang a couple of the lines to me.  It still wasn't familiar, but today in our Primary, they began teaching it to our kids.  I love it and hope it will be included in our Primary program in the Fall - Please listen when you have a minute ❤

My Own Sacred Grove

"I will find my own Sacred Grove, away from the noise of the world.

I will turn to prayer, for I know He's there,

I will find my own Sacred Grove."

Primary really is the best place to be!

Dad and I are taking a break this week to spend a few days in Phoenix with whoever happens to show up. I am looking forward to NOT worrying about the house and yard, and spending lots of time reading, swimming, and visiting.  

LOVE YOU ALL SO, SO MUCH!