Our Last Parade

I love parades. And I LOVE Provo's fourth of July parade. Fortunately for us we hooked up with the Ashtons for the perfect parade set up. We drove to the Ashton's home and then to their friend's house, one block from the parade. There was no traffic at all and when we arrived Gary had a tent and chairs all set up for us. Annette made some delicious cookies and the kids were so happy with cousins.

I say it was our last parade because I don't think Aaron wants to go back again. The space between the floats made it a little long, but still enjoyable. We left a little early so we ended up missing all traffic entirely. Our favorite ones were the missionaries, Jimmer, and Studio C. And then the song God Bless the USA always tugs at my heart. What a blessed country!

Once we got home the Nadaulds had just finished the annual triathlon. We played and and swam some more and then had a tasty barbecue. We were going to head up to Midway for fireworks but we had so much fun last night at our outdoor movie night that we felt a repeat was needed. We watched Here Comes the Boom with the same concession stand. After the movie we put all the kids to bed who fell asleep (everyone but Cameron who napped for four hours today) and then we gathered around the fire with the adults for some serious entertainment. I love just sitting and chatting with all the family.

Fire Pit, Slides, Boating, Crafts, Movies, and Uncle Adam

The fun is non-stop around here. The finished slide is a huge hit. Besides the bees at the top, the kids are in heaven. The men finished the fire pit yesterday. It's super cool and at night us adults gather around it while chatting. The families went boating today. Noah got up on the surf with Nick. The kids did crafts with Susan and we prepped for the big family movie night, August Rush, under the starry sky. We used the reclining pool chairs for some comfortable seating.

I love watching Nicole and Matthew play and swim on the steps all day. I overheard Matthew say something hilarious today..."Do you want to know why I want to get married So, she can answer all of my questions and I can pick off her plate."

Cameron spends most of his day following Adam around. He really likes him, that "other daddy". It's so interesting since they know that they are different, but they still feel totally comfortable with each other's twin.

I remember one reunion in Island Park, when Noah was little, he would get upset anytime he saw Adam holding Cole or Dane, because he completely thought it was Aaron. Now that the kids are older it's easier for them to tell and thankfully Adam doesn't mind a few extra little shadows.

There IS crying in kickball!

One of the first things we did besides swimming, train rides, and visits with all the cousins was play a round of Nadauld family kickball. Some adults played, but most of us watched while the kids created teams. This was the first time Matthew could play without being held or using a wheelchair. All of his surgeries on his hips and legs now allow him to hold up his body with the use of his crutches, something he couldn't do before the beginning of this year.

Matthew is strong enough to balance his body on the crutches and swing his lower body forward to whack the ball. It was quite a miracle watching him. We all cheered with excitement. He used his crutches and made it safely to first base. Because crutches require so much effort Adam came and helped him run to second and third.

When it was time for him to head home he started on his crutches. But because it was slowing him down too much, a few feet from home he threw his crutches down and flung his body forward. Then he crawled a little and stretched his body touching the plate with his nose.

There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.

More Family Time

We continued swimming throughout the day. There were lots of workers at the house finishing up the pool, cement, driveway, garage...we had a front row view on the pool lounge chairs. I know Margaret and Steve have been working so hard to prepare the house for this week and have spent a lot of money on our entertainment. I feel really grateful for all that love and generosity.

We watched U.S.A. lose in soccer this afternoon. Since we couldn't be in Brazil for the World Cup we thought we would head to Tucanos for a real taste of it. And of course, it was delicious. I understand why children, six and under are free. They pretty much ate their favorite salad bar toppings...olives, sunflower seeds, canned peaches/pears. pineapples, and grapes. They did like the sausage they brought around...or hot dogs (as Cameron called them).

Then the kids played around with Rebecca and James' kids until bed. They all get along so great. Mary's tooth fell out as she was brushing her teeth. I'm so glad because she was feeling a little bit worried about it and it was affecting her ability to eat.

It's been another wonderful day for this sun-burned lady. 

Bikes, Trains, and Stargazing

The first thing the kids did this morning was hop in the train. We drove around the neighborhood. Jared and Christine arrived while the kids were asleep. They needed a place to sleep before the second half of their trip to Colorado. The kids were so anxious for the cousins to wake up. So, after the train ride we rode motorcycles and four-wheelers. Mary hit the only ditch in the entire field and flipped off the motorcycle. That was scary, but we're glad she was unharmed.

Once the cousins woke up they ran around the house doing every fun thing. Marcus and Noah even planned out times of what to do..from 9:30 to 9:45 they rode motorcycles, 9:45-10:00 played a game of ping pong, etc. So cute. Aaron took the kids on a train ride to the creek which they rope swung across.

At about noon Adam, Kelly, and kids arrived with lunch. It was so nice of them to come out again. Christine and Jared hadn't met Adam and Kelly's kids so it was fun to catch up and talk about all the Bountiful happenings.

The remainder of the day was spent swimming and playing on the basketball court (with newly installed hoop). Nicole spent some time without her floaties in the pool. It is really starting to click for her. Noah's eyebrows are turning white in the sun and the kids are all getting tan pretty quickly.

Just before the sun went down Aaron set the kids up to sleep out on the terrace. We told stories and watched the sun set. It was so wonderful. The kids fell asleep happily. Micole made it to about 1 and Cameron 3. I was impressed since it gets chilly out there.

Nick's Farewell, The Myers, and Lessons from Papa Steve

Nick's farewell was amazing. He spoke about the plan of salvation and as he was speaking I kept thinking about the wonderful missionary he will be. He has prepared himself so well. At the end of the meeting all the young men in the room walk to the front and sing "We'll Bring the World His Truth". It is a ward tradition and so touching. There must have been 60 young men up there.Then we headed to Steve and Stacy's gorgeous house for cafe rio food and lots of fun catching up with the Murphy's who I haven't seen in a long time. It was a perfect day.

Then we stopped at Aaron's Aunt Marilou's house to visit and spend time with cousin Nathan and his wife, who we hadn't even met! Caleb, their new baby was sleeping but we did get to see Melissa and her family. I just love that family so much. I hate living so far from everyone.

Nearly all of the kids fell asleep on the way home to Heber. It was warm and the kids really wanted to go swimming. So we took a nice Sunday walk after dinner followed by some of Grammie's delicious cake. Then we threw the ball around a little. The kids loved playing baseball with Aaron.

Just before bed Steve gathered the kids together for a little lesson. It was so lovely. I could listen to him speak forever. He took a soccer ball and drew the North and South Poles on it with a pen. Then he drew North America and showed them where Oregon and Utah are. The kids were surprised how close it was on the map since it feels so far when we are driving (which was fresh on their minds).

Then he spoke about how Nick gave a talk just before he started his mission. Steve explained where Jerusalem was on the ball, almost half way around the world. He told them that Jesus also gave a talk in Capernum by the sea of Galilee at the beginning of his mission. He told them that we can find what he said in the Bible. He proceeded to read and explain 4 important Beattitudes. It was remarkable how Steve can simplify the gospel in a way that is really easy to understand yet very meaningful. He did that at Mary's baptism. I love that he does this during our reunions. It's a very special tradition that I hope we will always replicate.

Nadauld Reunion: Arrival

We pulled into Heber at 6:20 Utah time, 5:20 Oregon...exactly 12 hours door to door. In anticipation of our arrival I thought it was best to pack all the swim gear in a separate and quickly locatable bag. The kids changed faster than I had ever seen and joined Adam and Kelly's kids who had been swimming for the first time in the new pool. The kids were in heaven. We toured the new garage and yard work..it's definitely been a big project. Then we played, visited, and ate some nice homemade dinner (a real treat after traveling and eating McDonald's food). The drive wasn't bad at all. Trips are so much easier now that the kids are older. Unfortunately for Aaron I slept almost the entire way here. He's a good husband to let me do that. I really love Utah and I'm so excited to see everyone!