Independence Day with Family

(Picture taken by Deborah: Justin, Sean, Nikkaila, Kirsten, James, Ammon, and Steven)

Happy 4th of July America!

I didn't get many pictures of this holiday. I woke up feeling horrible; stuffy and congested along with plugged ears. Thavee (who was also sick), Dad, and I stayed home with the babies while the rest of the gang drove back to Pacifica. Douglas had missed out on our earlier expedition and wanted to show his kids the area. The fog and cold weather along the coast quickly drove them all back to hot San Jose. The kids spent most of the day swimming. We had a traditional American barbeque with S'more Bars and Peanut Butter Bars for dessert. Then we had to say good-bye to Douglas and his kids as they headed home to Utah.

Once dark, we walked around the neighborhood taking in all of the illegal fireworks going off. 

(Thavee holding Dave-o)

It's been a very long time since I had the pleasure of spending a holiday with my side of the family. Even though I was sick, I enjoyed the day. 

Rooted Where we Stand

When planning for the WFR, I came up with "Rooted Where we Stand" as the theme. Just as Moroni took the opportunity at a critical moment in his life to take a stand for those beliefs, testimonies, and virtues he valued most, so must we. I know that as we stand firm in our faith as a family, we can get through anything.

 (Mom and Dad with the grandkids, except for Aaron who was having a bit of a melt down. I couldn't see Dad's face in any of the pictures I took.)

 (Deborah, Douglas, Mom, Dad, and Me)

(Douglas' family: Nikkaila, Douglas, Malena, and Ammon)

My family: Steven, Justin. me, Dave-o, David, Kirsten James. Thanks for giving me this picture, Mom.)

(Deborah's family: Thavee, Leeah, Aaron, Sean, Kamea, and Deborah)

 Dad read Pres. Hinckley's story of the Walnut Tree.

 (Nikkaila and Kirsten)

 (Kamea and Malena)

(Steven holding Leeah...Mom with Kamea and Malena)

(Ammon was always making goofy faces when the camera was pointed toward him)

 (Deborah and Leeah....Douglas)

A Family Grove

Per Douglas' request, we drove to Saratoga to lose ourselves in the Redwoods that Northern California is so famous for. 

(Ammon and Steven)

First things first though. A walking stick must be chosen

(Justin holding a sleepy Leeah; James; Grandpa, Kamea, and Malena

Dave-o; Deborah and Leeah; Kirsten and Sean

Douglas, Ammon, and Nikkaila; Aaron; David and Dave-o)

(Me, Douglas, and Deborah...We missed you David!)

Kamea and Malena; Mom and Dad

Aaron and Steven hiked down into the San Andreas fault to explore.

Isn't this a funny boulder that we discovered on our hike back to the car?

James and Kirsten are doing a great job mimicking it.

It was such a hot day (in the 100's) that we went back to our house where the kids and some adults spent the rest of the day in the pool.