A Nation Preserved

Last year, 2008, we had a wimpy fourth of July. I had gotten home from Girl's Camp, was a few weeks pregnant, and was EXHAUSTED. My mom and Anthony cooked up some BBQ for the kids and me and then I slept for what felt like a day. I didn't bring out any decor. I didn't launch or watch any fireworks. I didn't make any red/white/blue goodies. I felt a little like Jamison looks in this picture of her last year on July 4th.

This year, I wanted to make up for last year's poor excuse of a celebration. So, Thursday we headed out for a nice long 3-day weekend in Southern California. We arrived at my brother Tad's house just in time for a midnight Rhino ride. I'm not sure Tad or Tracy ever sleep.Friday we hopped in the car again and drove to my brother Tyson's house. The beach had been calling my name for awhile and I asked everyone else if we could fit it into our weekend. I am so glad it worked out because I had a blast. The water was great, the waves were perfect and the kids loved playing in the sand and, for the most part, the water. I LOVE the ocean. Not just looking at it, but actually getting in and riding the waves. Here I am with Davin, Torie and Tara. The kids had such a good time.

Here are a few pictures of the kids and me in the water. Bradley and Jamison were happy as long as I was holding on pretty tight.

"Perfect family" has got nothin' on us, right mom?
Here are some miscellaneous pictures of our group. We had a total of 23 people at the beach.

Some of the boys did a little surfin'. They had fun. Yes, those are Brent's legs dangling after a spill!

Bradley and Jamison both loved playing in the sand. I think they mostly loved that they were allowed to get dirty.

Conley wasn't a huge fan of the water. But, as always, he spent the day content and smiling.

After the beach we made our way back to Tyson's house to wash the beach off our bodies. We had some delicious dinner and a show. There were about 10 hot-air balloons flying right over Tyson's house.

After dinner we walked over to the high school for fireworks and ice cream. It was such a great show and a beautiful night.

Saturday, the 4th of July, we started out with a little family photo-shoot. When I asked Bradley what was on his shirt he told me, "It's the flag of the United States of America."

I could fill a whole scrapbook with the pictures we took of Jamison. She is such a ham.

Adorable Conley had a very patriotic day.
After breakfast we headed up for Rhino ride number two. It was a blast.

Next up came a fun slip'n'slidin' event. The water was a little cold. But, that didn't stop most of the kids (including Anthony and Tad.)

Then it was time for the 4th of July dinner. What better than Chef Tad's tri-tip!? Oh yeah, it was delish.

Why the peanut M&Ms you ask? I just wanted a little reminder as to why I probably didn't loose any weight this week.

We finished off the day with a game night. The Vidals were declared the Sequence winners while Tad beat us at Settlers. I was most upset about that as he pulled the carpet out from under me on that game. (I was on my way to victory!)

The last day of this jam-packed vacation was Sunday. We enjoyed church at the Running Springs Branch. Loren and his family were read in over the pulpit as the newest members of the ward. They are lucky to have them!

After church we were able to enjoy another fabulous meal prepared by Chef Tad. Then, we loaded up and headed back home to the desert. A wonderful vacation had come to an end. But, the summer has only just begun.

I'd like to thank the Academy . . .

Anthony for being a wonderful husband. Vacations can be hard work with kids. It's much easier with help!

My mom for always helping with the kids and for always being a part of our fun.

Tad and Tracy for letting us crash at your house, for feeding us and providing non-stop entertainment.

Tad, Tracy and Brent for our Rhino tour. It was a blast.

Amanda for watching my babies while we were on the Rhino ride.

Tyson and Kari for the beach, the food, the show, the fireworks and for letting us trample through your house.

Sonya for moving closer. This is just the beginning.

Eddy for letting us borrow your awesome lens. We got some GREAT pics, as you can see!

Happy birthday America! Thanks for being born!