6 ft. Alligator from Jupiter Trio

In Utah we celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24th. For many it's just another day of fireworks, for most it's a reminder of our ancestors pioneer trek in search of religious freedom. For any who don't understand what religion I'm talking about it's the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

Anyway, many cities in the Salt Lake area have their own "whoop dee doo" parade, carnival, fireworks. Cottonwood Heights has Butlerville days; named after the Butler brothers that founded the area a long time ago.

Mormon history lesson over...

Brett and his friends got the chance to "entertain" the masses...Well, ok the teenagers and any adult daring enough to come within 100 feet of the stage. So here we go.







The sound Guys
Mike and Nate













My son Brett plays the drums. He sat back and smiled while Andy and Mike Schmidt acted totally dumb...which was hilarious!













Andy Hulka and Mike Schmidt

Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore Jr. the boys old bishop and friend of the boys.

MOM! Can I please go over there to the play ground? This is boring!!!

The 6 ft. Alligator from Jupiter Trio Fans!

Brett laughing again. How do you not!? Mike (lead vocals)is so bad, on purpose.

Three of the most patient, proud and loving Mothers in the world. Mikes Mom, Me, Andys Mom.

This is Brett with his study Buddy (cough, cough Girlfriend) Audry...did I say that out loud??? :)

It was a good day. The guys had fun and that makes it all worth it!

Pioneer day Fireworks

Like I said in the 6 ft. alligator post, it was a fun day. before dark I got a few interesting shots, and after dark we watched the fireworks show.

If you look closely you can see Morgan looking up AND looking down. It's hard to catch her sitting still. But aren't the colors cool??


These are giant balloon arches...they look like they're attached to nothing in the air.

Brett and Audry graced us with their presence, that was nice.
Morgan swinging around glowing necklaces.
And, well you know...

She's a Butterfly

She remembers when she first got her wings
And how she opened up that day she learned to sing
Then the colors came, erased the black and white
And her whole world changed when she realized
She's a butterfly, pretty as the crimson sky
Nothing's ever gonna bring her down
And everywhere she goes Everybody knows she's so glad to be alive
She's a butterfly


Like the purest light in a darkened world
So much hope inside such a lovely girl
You should see her fly, it's almost magical
It makes you wanna cry, she's so beautiful
God bless the butterfly,give her the strength to fly
Never let her wings touch the ground

God bless the butterfly

Martina McBride

Oh Man...Stephanie is going to kill me!

Sorry Stephanie, my sister Stacy demands to see more pictures. Especially of the people I was talking about in the Texas post. But girl...you do know how to duck and weave for the camera!

Down the Road a Piece...

...is where I went last week. Texas, to visit my oldest daughter Bethany. I had a lot of fun with her. She's growing up so much. She volunteers at the San Antonio Childrens Museum. That's a great place. Tons of stuff to do.


We celebrated Cades 7th Birthday at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. That was fun! The weather was pretty good and Stephanie got a "Family" Picture of Jim, Beth and I. Stephanie thinks she's funny. Thanks Steph!

We watched a few movies, watched her Dad do some team penning. I got on a horse for a bit. I won't show you a picture of that. I was NOT impressed or impressive, on a few different levels! Can you say rusty?! But Jim was fun to watch. After awhile Stephanie and I took Cade and Skylar home.

Beth and I went shopping with Stephanie for a bathing suit for Beth. I think between the 3 of us we found a pretty good one, with very little frustration. My daughter's too good lookin' for her own good! Then we went to Lunch/Dinner.

On the last day Beth and I went shopping and saw The Devil Wears Prada. At the airport I cried. On the plane I cried. At home I cried. I miss her.

They live in a beautiful place. They've done a great job taking a piece of land and making it Home.

I think Bethany's in a good place. She's made a few good friends and seems to be settled into the family as much as she wants to right now. I'm home now and I've been thinking about the trip and Bethany pretty much every day. Did I say I miss her? My sweet girl.