Not What I Expected

I had a super fun 4th planned. We were going to start the day out early at our Ward breakfast. Then, Hope was going to bring the kiddos down. We searched Pinterest and found some cute ways to paint toe-nails, red, white and blue. We were going to spend time in the kitchen whipping up delicious foods while jamming to 80s songs. We were then going to go watch Robb make a fool of himself in a hot dog eating contest and then head over to Everitts for a night of food, games and finally end the night at the park to watch the town fireworks display.

Well, the day started off as planned, minus Jazz and Robb at the breakfast. Jazz stayed at a friends the night before and Robb decided that his bed was way more fun than breakfast at 6am, on his day off. I got teary-eyed watching Bobby do the flag. I get very emotional when it comes to our country and my kids. Put them together and I am a weeping bag of blubber.

Hope called a little later than planned for us to come and get her. By the time we got back to Mesquite, we were rushing to get everything done. We probably listened to maybe 3 or 4 Monster Ballads while trying to frantically cook with two screaming children wanting their mommy.

I did get my toenails painted but Jazz, Hope nor Kai were able to.

We did make it over see Robb finish 4 whole hot dogs in 6 minutes. He didn't even come close to winning. The winner ate 11. He was a monster. Robb was too worried about having the hot dogs come back up in front of the crowd. Kuddos to him for trying something new, though.

We also did make it to Everitts for about a half hour.  After Bentley fell in the kiddie pool and got his clothes soaking wet and since it was 3 hours past Kai's bedtime, we thought it best that Hope and I take the munchkins and leave. 

I was planning on getting a ginormous amount of pics: of our cute toes and the food we made and tons of pics from the party of the grand kids, but, this day just didnt turn out as I was expecting.  I didnt get to set off one smoke bomb or draw my name in the air with a sparkler, BUT, after Hope and I got home and the kids were asleep, we got some one on one mother/daughter time that I realize I had been missing.  We got to talk and laugh for almost two hours, just the two of us.  To me, that is so much better than any picture or food or even the largest firework display could ever be.

Bunkerville Water Fight

Every July 3rd for as far back as maybe 30 or 40 years, I was told, Bunkerville has a town water fight.  This is a little town that reminds me of Cowley.  I wanted to buy a house here but, at the time, Robb didnt. After being here a few years and seeing how much of a family everyone in the town is, Robb changed his mind.  A little late, babe!

I wish I could have gotten a picture but as your entering town there is a huge red sign that states "WARNING! TOWN WATER FIGHT"

And it is true.  EVERYONE in the whole town comes out of their houses for this.  It was a blast!!  Sorry there are so many pictures of me.  I forgot my camera so I had to steal these from a friend.  (Thanks Heather!)

No one was exempt, either.  If you happened to mistakenly drive thru town, you were pelted.  We saw this nice UT plates car drive down the street. They were clearly not there on purpose, but no mercy was shown. 

 Even the Elders got involved!

I dont know how we have lived here for 3 years and not participated ever.  I cant wait until next year!  The whole afternoon was perfect.  After the water fight, we headed to friends to swim and bbq.  Food was great and we were even serenaded by an amazing family of singers.  At the end, everyone that was there was loudly singing together, "Toni-i-ight, we are young. So I set the world on fire. . . "  It was a great ending to a terrific day.

Angels Landing

Yesterday, Robb, Bobby and I bucked up and attempted Angels Landing.

This sign made me extra excited to do the hike.

At this point, I was thinking, "What the hell have I gotten myself into?"

The hike is 2.5 one way. If you look really close at this photo, you can see the crazies climbing this .25 end of the climb on this crazy thin mountain.  We made it until this far and then Robb, who is absolutely terrified of heights, decided that he had gone high enough and I was not going to let Bobby do this.  One of these days, I want to go back and finish. 

Amazing views from where we climbed. 

I thought Robb might have actually pooped his pants from fear, but it was only dirt and sweat.

(Warning: Please put on protective eye wear before viewing this next picture.)

Robb cooling off in the river. 

Yes, a job well done.

I have to mention one instance during the climb or I know I will forget.  I was a lot slower than Robb and Bobby, so I told them to go ahead of me and I would meet them at the top.  Well, about 1/4 of the way up, I ran out of water.  The temp was 97 and this is a very strenuous climb.  I hate being a quitter and pushed on.  At one point, I was really feeling faint and said a little prayer to Heavenly Father to please help me.  I started to walk on when out of no where, a young lady came up from behind me and said, "Excuse me, can I give you one of my waters." I couldnt believe it.  I graciously accepted and then she turned around and was gone.  I am so thankful for little answered prayers.  I am thankful for the beautiful earth that we have to enjoy and that even though my body is getting old and I am definitely feeling some pain today, that I am healthy enough to enjoy these kinds of activities.  I am thankful for a husband and son who will, sometimes reluctantly, come with me on these adventures.  

YOLO, right?