Independence Day 2020

We are usually on our own for Independence Day. It was fun this year to be with family. We started the day by doing Part 2 of Baylie's Hunger Games party.

We had similar food to the original party.

We had the bow & arrow challenge.

We had the ping pong ball shooting challenge.

We don't have a zipline so we modified the target shooting and moved it to a floating pool raft.

We spent the day playing in the pool

and then let off some fireworks.

Sparklers!

Tiffani made some boomerang videos.

This has been a very unsettling time in our country. In my lifetime, I've never experienced anything like it. Below is a social media post I made about my feelings.

I love this country. I have traveled across the globe and lived in two other countries. There is no place I love the way I love the U.S.A. It is not perfect. We have problems. But I am proud to be an American. I am teaching my children to also be proud. We can learn from our past and we can move forward and build from mistakes. Seeing the flag and singing the national anthem make me emotional. Seeing the world the way I have makes me even more grateful for this amazing country. Driving across it this summer reminds me of what a remarkable place it is.

Our founding fathers were complex individuals and I don't agree with everything they did, but I will not negate the fact that they fought against incredible odds to create a foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today. I don't agree with taking today's lens and placing it over choices of the past. Slavery is and never was justifiable. I don't know how some of our founding fathers could speak about the importance of freedom while enslaving others. These are complex issues that can't be resolved on social media. There are sins for which they will have to answer. That being said, I still consider the U.S. Bill of Rights and Constitution to be inspired documents. I still respect the work and sacrifice of these men even while I fully recognize their faults.

I believe in the Freedom of Speech. I believe in the Freedom of Religion. I believe in the Freedom of the Press. I believe in the right of anyone to disagree with me. I have come to realize that I have to fight for my right to disagree with some of you because there is very little tolerance for a conservative view point these days. That's okay. I'm willing to fight for it.

I have great hope in the children of this generation. They are more tolerant than the adults that surround them. They are more accepting of diversity - of race, religion, sexual orientation, and more. They seem to understand that we can disagree and still be friends. Hopefully they are able to stay that way as they grow up in an increasingly complex world.

God bless the U.S.A.

Las Vegas - Week 1

We have spent a week in Las Vegas. I love spending time with my sister. I wish we lived closer together. Tiffani has been my longest and most faithful friend. I never get tired of being with her. And I love that our kids get along so well. I'm not sure our husbands enjoy it as much as we do, but I'm grateful they let us have these long visits without complaining.

I also love that she has a swimming pool. 

The girls all went for pedicures.

I love having someone rub my feet.

And I love my pretty toes.

Masks are required in all public places in Las Vegas.

Things can get a little messy.

And some kids need hygiene reminders (foot in the sink??!!).

Crafts abound (tie dye bags).

Hiding in the closet?

Making home videos.

These girls love to bake.

We still joined the weekly family meeting, but we had a change up this time with everyone acting out a section. My brother, Clark, is very committed to his role.

Simon was also very much in character. 

Ammon and the Lamanites were also very intense.

My kids love having so much pool time. We really need a pool. Life goals. 

Her pomegranate tree always reminds me of the Garden of Eden.

Bathing beauties.

Muscle Beach

Today we went to the Aqua Park at Lake Las Vegas. It was awesome. I decided not to try it because I was afraid of blowing out my knee. I was tempted because I know I'm finally in good enough shape to do something like that.

Everyone had a blast, but it wore them out.

It's been a wonderful week. The time is going too fast!