A lot to say today

Man, it's been awhile, and a TON of stuff has happened in the past few weeks. I'll start with Panguitch...

Panguitch Lake was, as always, a blast. We fished (although we didn't catch much), camped, shot guns, ate good food, hung out by the fire, and spent lots of great family time together. Steve and I stayed in the tent that we got for our wedding, and it was cold!!! We decided to stay at Grandpa's Brian Head condo for Saturday night, it was a wise decision on our part. It actually worked out well for Sunday, so we weren't trying to get 7 people through a shower the size of a postage stamp before 10 a.m. church. Speaking of church, it was awesome! Last year when Zach was ordained an elder, we did it at the Panguitch Lake Branch. Well, the branch president overheard us singing a song as a family (we're moderately vocally inclined) and decided that this year we'd be in charge of all of church. Ma and Pops spoke in sacrament meeting, along with Mac and Josie. We did a choral number as a family, which brought several women to tears (I hope good ones!), and then we dismissed for auxiliary meetings. Maddie and I were in charge of primary. There were so many kids there! It was great to be in a primary where the kids actually know the songs and like to see them. We did a little Father's Day activity with them, and then headed back to camp. All in all, it was a great trip, and a much needed vacation for us all.

After we got home I got it in my head I needed to go to the temple. I wasn't sure why, I just felt like I needed to do a session. So, Thursday morning I decided it was time. I got all ready to go, and started to drive. About halfway to the Jordan River Temple I thought, "Hmm, I hope it's not closed for cleaning, I forgot to check." Well, I got there, and lo and behold, it was closed for cleaning. So I made a snap decision to head for the Draper temple. I couldn't remember how to get there, so I pretty much just drove toward the steeple on the hill. I finally made it, but had just missed a session. I didn't mind, though, one of my favorite things to do is sit in the chapel and listen to the music. As I was sitting there the organist abruptly shifted (mid-song, might I add) from hymns to primary songs. It was just what I needed. I felt so spiritually uplifted and rejuvenated for the days to come.

Lastly, my mom informed me this past week that in September there was going to be a girl's trip to New York City to see Wicked and for my Grandma Mary's 70th birthday. She invited my sister and I to come along and we readily agreed. Well, this weekend we started shopping for trip packages and I quickly realized that I wasn't going to be able to afford the trip. I decided to take a night to talk it over with Steve and to sleep on the decision. This morning upon waking I let my mom know that it just wasn't going to be possible for me to come, we had too many other expenses to cover this summer. My parents looked at each other and said to me, "We'll cover your hotel cost. All you need to worry about is your airfare. We're proud of you for thinking it over and making a wise decision, but this is a once in a lifetime trip and we want you to experience it." Ok, seriously? I have the greatest parents ever! They've even offered to give me a monthly payment plan to pay off my airfare a little at a time. So, come September, this little girl gets to visit the Big Apple!

Mac and I started our weekly field trips today... more on that later. I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine (finally) and having a fantastic summer!