July 2nd ws an "empty" day on our calendar so we took a little family trip to Mantua to see the beautiful lake and play and picnic. We found a great rope swing and everyone had fun with it.
July4th and 5th was spent in Star Id. for Cache's baptism. It was so exciting to see him get baptized and confirmed! We are all so proud of him and happy for the great choices he is making! We had a wonderful time with the Olsens! Grammie and Grandpa C. were there and Uncle Will made the trip from Ca! It was so much fun to be together! The whole valley celebrated that night and we could see at least 6 different fireworks displays from the Olsens deck! (Unfortunately, my camera got left behind in Tremonton! Hopefully somome else will post some pictures of this fantastic weekend!)
On July 10-11th our family joined with some cousins for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on the USU campus in Logan, Utah. We have all lost loved ones to cancer and have many family and friends who have been touched by cancer. We gathered sponsors and had various fundraisers to help raise money for the fight against cancer. With help from Heather and Ginger's employer (Impact Commercial), who made a large donation, and assorted other donations, lemonade stands, and craft/cooler sales, etc. our team raised almost $4,000!
We spent 24 hours taking turns walking around the "quad" and celebrating life. There was great food, entertainment, and inspirational moments. It was a great way to remember those who have fought the battle against cancer and pledge to continue the fight!
Eric's sweet sister, Sonja, finished her battle with breast cancer this month. We will miss her greatly,but we are so thankful to know of our loving Heavenly Father's plan of salvation and know that we can be with her again someday!July 14-17 was our ward's YW Camp at Cinnamon Creek. It was a beautiful place and Janelle and Rebecca had a great time hiking, exploring a mine, playing in the water, doing crafts and all the other fun camp activities! We have fantastic YW leaders and a wonderful group of girls. Eric even got to go help for a couple days.
Following girls camp, Janelle spent a few days in Alpine Wyoming with a couple friends. She hiked to periodic springs, played at the lake, rode (and drove!) a 4-wheeler, floated the river, and relaxed with good friends!
While Janelle was gone, the rest of us went down to SLC for a day. We picniced and went to the Zoo with Brianna. Then we met Bethany and Stetsen and played at their apt. and went to dinner and a concert in the park by temple square.
We went on a fun trip to Sun Valley to visit Papa and Nana. We hiked and swam. We went to the pool near their house, we also went to Redfish Lake. Janelle did some woodworking with Papa. Spencer, Rebecca, Janelle, and Joseph, all learned to shoot from Papa. We had fun checking out the Shoshone Ice Caves too!
When we got back from Hailey, it was time for the play! Spencer, Rebecca, Sarah and Joseph have been working all summer with the Garland Children's Theater. Spencer and Rebecca were in "The Pirates of Penzance" and Sarah and Joseph were in "Of Mice and Mozart". They had 6 performances last week with great audiences each time! They loved performing and making new friends, and we all LOVED watching them share their talents!
Well--- there's a look at a some of the fun we had in July! Summer is not over yet and we have big plans for August...
What a month! If you're not exhausted, how come? I love it that your family has such fun together! We are lucky to live close enough to be a part of some of these eventful moments with you. Great job updating us with this post. I'm so glad that you share your good times! Today was wonderful, and we made it to the concert just in time. Next year we'll do them together! Love you all!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the update.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Sonja. My heart aches for you all, but rejoices in our testimonies that hope is not lost. I love studying that photo of the young Stamps family, and knowing that mother and daughter are together again. I'm so impressed with your relay for Life! Good for you all!
The pictures from Idaho are wonderful and made me miss Dad and Bev even more...
The rest of your pictures are joyful, I love studying each one. I glanced at a tall pirate and tried to find which Stamps I was looking for, I gasped when I realized he was the one! And Meagan, wow! She is so darling and growing up! I* think it is awesome that your kids can participate in such a neat play program each summer! How talented are they???
I am moved with emotion when I look at that picture of the young Stamp's family, of Eric, his parents and siblings. It is a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteAnd all those great family pics you shared from your great July...
It all makes me think of Enoch. He didn't understsnd why the Lord wept. Then upon gaining understanding he was so sad that he was sure he could never again be happy. The Lord chose to show him one thing to bring him comfort:
" the Lord spake unto Enoch, and told Enoch all the doings of the children of men; wherefore Enoch knew, and looked upon their wickedness, and their misery, and wept and stretched forth his arms, and his heart swelled wide as eternity; and his bowels yearned; and all eternity shook...he had bitterness of soul, and wept over his brethren, and said unto the heavens: I will refuse to be comforted; but the Lord said unto Enoch: Lift up your heart, and be glad; and look.
And it came to pass that Enoch looked; and from Noah, he beheld all the families of the earth;..."
FAMILIES!!!
and secondly, I'm reminded by your post of the hymn that says something about "life is as a dream"... which one am I thinking of?
P.S. AWESOME - We think you are all awesome for your involvement with the Relay for Life!