Memorial Day 2016

We had a beautiful Memorial Day this year! We are thankful for the opportunity we have during the year to stop and think about the courageous men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. We got some things done around the house in the morning and then we went on a fun family bike ride along our river trail. 

 We went to the city cemetery to pay our respects to all the soldiers from Spanish Fork who were being honored with markers and flags. It's always a humbling site to see how many names there are. 

We spent a fun afternoon and evening at Ma and Pa's house for a barbecue and games. Adam sang taps for everyone and at 3pm, we had a moment of silence to remember all of our fallen soldiers. I am so thankful my kids will grow up knowing and understanding why we we have Memorial Day. It's a day that we should not take for granted!

Our Trip to Grantsville

Last Sunday, we took a fun adventure after church. We loaded up the whole Lemley side of the family (those that live here) and we headed to Grantsville. This is a small town just outside of Tooele where my Great Grandma was born and raised. Our Barrus side of the family settled in Grantsville after crossing the plains with other pioneers. 

My Great, Great, Great Grandpa Barrus and his family are all from Grantsville. Grandpa Barrus has always been one of our favorite ancestors and one of my heroes. Grandpa Barrus joined the Mormon Battalion and served as a 2nd Leiutentant. His brother, Emery, was also amazing. I was able to get a lot of information on him when I lived in Nauvoo and I even found his home and property lines. Emery hid on a small "island" out in the Mississippi river and built wagons for the saints to use when they were being driven from Nauvoo. Both of these men were courageous and acted on their convictions. I have always admired them for that. I can't imagine the hardships they and their families endured to join the church and travel to Utah. But I am so thankful for them and for their sacrifices so I can have the gospel in my life and teach it to my children. 

 One of our very special family members is buried in Grantsville. Our Great Uncle Paul, was shot down in WWII. It took a while for his body to be shipped home to the United States, but eventually it was and he was able to be buried next to his parents. Uncle Andrew is named after him. 

 Caleb's middle name is Barrus. I want my kids to know and understand the sacrifices made for them. I want them to be proud of their heritage and to have the courage of their ancestors. They have so many great examples of courgeous men and women from all sides of their family. 

 We had fun roaming the cemetery looking for other relatives. And Tessa loved to carry Gia around with her. 

 Before we headed back home, we stopped at a park for a picnic dinner. The kids had a ball playing and we loved hearing their happy noises and seeing their happy faces. 

Our Hike to the Y

Last Saturday, we loaded everyone up and headed to Provo to hike to the Y. We have been wanting to do this for weeks and were glad to finally have some free time to do it. 

 It was a warm day with lots of hikers on the trail, but the kids were troopers and made it all the way. 

 Caleb sat happily in the carrier until the second switchback, and then he refused to stay in it. He walked up that whole mountain all by himself. We couldn't believe it! 

 He also liked to stop and stomp on any bugs he saw.

 With Caleb walking, it took us forever to get to the top, but we made it!

Right before we got to the Y, Caleb decided he was tired and went back into the carrier. 

 It was a good workout for all of us. Caleb fell asleep on the way down the mountain and wasn't happy about waking up. The older kids were so proud of themselves for making it the whole way! 

Adam Turns 10!

On May 25th, our baby turned 10! Double digits! He was thrilled. Mommy...not so much. My babies need to stay babies longer. The night before his big day, we went out for a special birthday dinner with just Adam, Mom, and Dad. He picked his traditional spot of Iggy's, so he could get a yummy burger and watch some sports. Lucky for him, a basketball playoff game was on and he was in heaven. 

 As soon as we sat down, his eyes never left the giant screen. 

 Our big 10 year old! He was so excited to finally have his birthday fall on a school day. He took treats for all of his classmates and even had a special part in the Memorial Day assembly that afternoon. 

 He was surprised to wake up and find the house decorated and a giant cinnamon roll waiting for him. 

 He asked for a strawberry cake for his birthday, so Mommy spend most of the day preparing his very strawberry birthday cake. It was yummy!

We invited all of the family over to celebrate with us. We were glad some of them were able to join us. 

 He couldn't wait to open his presents!

 The handsome birthday boy!

 He got all 10 candles with that big breath he took!

Happy 10th Birthday, Adam!! We love you and are so proud of you!