4th of July

We spent the 4th with the Shumway family (Katherine & Shane - friends from Chicago), who now live in Show Low (Lakeside/Pinetop), AZ.  The weather was AMAZING, and it was a much needed getaway from the heat!  We stayed at their darling home in the middle of the forest :) for a couple nights and tagged along with them to all their family events.  We went to a parade in Eagar (Mandy's stomping grounds) and then to a BBQ at Shane's sister's house.  The parade was perfect - short, simple, and lots and lots of candy thrown.  They got as much there as they do at Halloween - it was nuts!  We were happy to spend the whole day outside and enjoyed the cooler weather.  Later that night, the dads took the older kids to the fireworks in Show Low, and Brandon said it was as good as the ones in Provo.  So we were impressed with our small town 4th of July experience!  Of course we missed our family, but Katherine and Shane were great hosts and it was fun to catch up with them.  As we left, Rachel was crying in the back seat because she was sad we were leaving and said that she was going to miss Ella.  Tender little heart.  On our way home, we made a pitstop in Snowflake at the temple (Snowflake is where Brandon's dad grew up) and stopped to play at a park and enjoy the weather in Payson.  It is pretty crazy that we can go from the hot, hot desert, then up to the mountainous woods in an hour and a half.

p.s.  Katherine took me to my first Crossfit class and it kicked my butt!  I have total respect for all you Crossfit chicks out there!

Happy 4th of July!

Rachel, Ella's cousin & Ella

 

They got loads of treats at the parade - Andrew, Sam, Rachel & Ella

 

puppy love!

View from the Snowflake temple