If wishes were fishes....

....we'd all have a fry and that's what we did on Saturday; fish tacos, yum....

..'cause the boys went a fishin'......(click HERE to see more)

....we had a party; call it a fish fry if you'd like but anytime we can gather in Pine Valley, it's a party.

There's always food.....plenty of leisure......

...and an added bonus, RAIN. Never a better place to be than Pine Valley when it rains. 

Let's back up a bit now and go back to Monday, our 12 year anniversary of when the patriarch of this family left this world. We try to honor him by being together. He would always take us on vacations during the week of the 24th of July and he would want us to all be in happy places remembering him on that day. The boys were happy in Alaska....so I decided to trek across Nevada and be happy with Traci (Lauri and James were happy in Henderson doing something fun). We used to go to Disneyland when it was just me and the girls....I digress. Anyhoo, I met up with Traci. Scott and Jakey were in Logan so we got a sitter for Max and headed to downtown Salt Lake City, dined at "The Garden" then shopped at City Creek.

Always a favorite. Good food and great views.

We visited Russ' work then enjoyed an awesome meal at The Mandarin in Bountiful then enjoyed the evening watching the kids and this beautiful sunset. I headed on down the road to home to catch the 24th of July parade in Washington. George was in the Stripling Warrior march. You can see Joel smiling....George is behind him not smiling and not looking at the camera.

Elder Holland and his wife, Pat were also there. Nothing like a "Stars Hollow" experience with all the Washington City folk....

They do put on a fine celebration. Enjoyed hanging with JoEllen and the kids.

This celebration is put on by the Washington Stake so they got the missionaries to man the stick pulling booth. Each of the kids could pick a prize. Evan chose a Book of Mormon....good for you, Evan....and speaking of Evan Kyle Wells....it's his birthday on Wednesday and I won't be here but we'll celebrate today with lunch and shopping.

On the left he's ready to be dunked and on the right he's posing with Moose. Evan is really an awesome kid. Wishing you a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Keep the "Evanisms" coming. I love everything that comes out of this kid's mouth. Never a dull moment.

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I'm not done yet. I should have another contest....to anyone that makes it through this post, let me know and you could win a pair of socks. Congrats to Melia Solstad....the proud winner from last long post. 

Probably one of my favorite places to be when the clouds roll in....Mason and Mandy's deck. Aw....I can just smell it, can't you? I do love a rainy day.

I've just got to document that we finally found the elusive geocache by Dixie College. We tried to find this one a couple of times last winter. I finally got notice that it had been replaced so I got the kids to come with me and help turn over rocks to find it. McKay was the one. One more "find" on my record. Thanks kiddos. Love my little GC buddies....and speaking of buddies.....

...I was able to hook up with Carol Ann and Ruby at Heritage Days in Pine Valley. Good friends, food and fun. I'll stop here but I just want to add one other little tidbit. This little quote that I love....thanks Jon B. for sharing this. It's certainly something I'd like to live by.

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Mother Teresa

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Have a great week. If you got this far, let me know. You could be my next winner. Life is good. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Oh, and thanks to my good husband, Randy for letting me have this week with my family. He never reads my blogs so if he gets this far and reads this, he will for sure get a hand-knit pair of socks. 

Before he died.....

...he survived, and I'm grateful for Traci's post and the tribute she paid to her father and me, but I must add my two bits for what it's worth. Twelve years ago this week, we were gathered as a family planning his funeral and that memory often over-shadows the fact that 16 years earlier, in 1985, he was a surviving "down-winder" as he conquered Leukemia. We were featured in an article in the "Inter-mountain Healthcare Report" in 1986 and I just wanted to share it here to be recorded for posterity.( I think Mason was at Cub Scouts this day and I'm not sure why we couldn't locate Kyle for this picture.)

I'm just grateful that we could be a part of history as Scott was the first cancer patient to be treated by Dr. McMahill here in St. George. We have an awesome facility here that saves a lot of lives and I'm so thankful we could be one of those saved lives back so many years ago.

He lived 16 years before being diagnosed with Hepatitis C, which finally took his life. We are grateful for Gawain's bone marrow and many pints of blood that got him through the Bone Marrow Transplant and for the many prayers and faith of family and friends. It truly was a miracle that I don't ever want to forget. We have all gone on with our lives but I choose this week to pay tribute to him.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

SCOTT GORDON WELLS  

1949 - 2001

Surprise...............................................................

I’m hijacking my mother’s blog today. Twelve years of hearing about dad from her perspective. I thought I’d put it in my perspective this year. Last night I stayed up late watching Red. My mom watched it with me, which is shocking if you grew up with the lady. Never once do I remember her sitting through an entire movie much less an action flick. She didn’t even pull out her knitting, though she had it by her the whole time. During one of the more intense scenes where Bruce Willis is stepping calmly out of a moving car, shooting a gun at another car heading towards him, mom asked, “do you think Dad would have liked this movie?” To which I replied, “Heck yeah Dad would have LOVED this movie.” I’d even go as far as saying he would’ve come joined Russ and I at the Imax for Red 2. Mom says that she regrets that part the life we used to know. She says that she wishes she would’ve sat and watched more movies with Dad. She says that he mastered the art of idleness during his long weeks in the hospital. He was really good at sitting back and taking it easy on a regular basis, but I don’t think that it is something my Mom should regret. Evening movies was our time with our dad. Dad rarely watched a movie by himself, and while Dad was mastering the art of idleness, mom was going insane adapting to the necessity of multi-tasking. While Dad was recovering, Mom was leading a triple life, of supportive wife, devoted mother of 5, and business extraordinaire. Someone had to do it all, and she really stepped up to the plate. I’m positive that there was some major divine intervention for this young family as Dad struggled and then triumphed through so much illness.

Today I remember a Man that could do anything. Never was there such a goal maker and achiever. Never was there such a kind and devoted Father, loving Husband, wonderful Doctor, son, brother, and devoted servant of God. My Dad was so many things to so many people but behind this mountain of a man there was always a steady and able woman, and I know he would agree with me when I say, that he never would’ve achieved what he did without the patience and tender love from his incredible wife.

We all love you Mom, Dad left this world on a pedestal and we know that sometimes it seems unfair how highly he is regarded while you were left behind to carry on alone, but you are right up there with him.

I just have to say....

...I was not a "Happy Camper" yesterday....

Plans changed and we quickly loaded up and headed to the hills to cooler weather (Gerle Creek, free camping)... but, you can only guess, every camp site was taken so we found some wilderness area near by....it was very beautiful but right off, the guy in the camp next to us started shooting a gun.....

I was pretty nervous but we fixed dinner and when I prayed, I said...."please help me have a change of attitude about this camping trip." Earlier that day, my sister had asked me if I like to camp and I told her "yes" but then I started to wonder if I really do like to camp. I've come to the conclusion that there are parts of it that I do like....but not the shooting of guns near to me.....but I did have a change of attitude when we ventured down the hill toward the sound of a band warming up. Anyone that knows me knows that there's not a whole lot I like more than to be entertained....especially by a really good band.

O.K. folks....what are the chances of this????? We had front row seats and they were really, really good. (Click HERE to learn more about them). Apparently, a guy invites all of his friends for three days and has a different band every night and it seems to be o.k. with the park rangers and all the other campers 'cause they played 'til midnight. We were invited very warmly to stay and join in (everyone was warmed up because of the freshly brewed beer that was passed out)....so you can see we were entertained by a lot more than the band. Meanwhile, back at the camp, my air mattress wouldn't hold air so I just read all night but the shots woke us up in the early morning hours and I was plenty ready to pack up and get outta there.....

We headed on over to Loon Lake and took in some beautiful scenery, some sun and a swim. It was a gorgeous day up in the mountains.

I just wanted to add a few pics I took that I think are pretty cool. This was taken from inside the tent.

These kayaks were calling our name....one of these days we will answer the call.

Not crazy about dogs but I love this picture....and, what would a post be without a geocache adventure?

We were out on the trail this past week and ran into some friends from church and introduced them to geocaching. We were having a hard time finding it but Tammy sat down and it was right at her feet. I always love a "find" but especially when it's somebody's first time. I've learned this past few days that everything can be an adventure if you just change your attitude. It's just as easy to be a "happy camper" as an unhappy one.

It's all fair....

...at the fair except the prices but we weathered it and resisted a lot of the temptations; we enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds of the California State Fair, right here in our own back yard. We saw everything thing from bacon wrapped "everything" to deep fried bacon wrapped cheesecake (what's up with the bacon craze)...and there's nothin' I love more than "fair food" but we settled on a simple corn dog and lemonade and finished off by sharing a chocolate dipped cone.

We didn't see everything but we did see some very interesting stuff....

I liked this crocheted bike...actually, crochet coverings for a bike (bottom right). Not sure I'm going to try that one any time soon. We saw some pretty interesting art and gadgets in the exhibit halls. Passed on the bacon-wrapped goodies but enjoyed a Four Tops concert....and in case you were wondering where the CALIFORNIA letters went that were in Disneyland.....

...they are right here at Cal Expo. I was so sad the last time we went to DL and they weren't there so it was good to see they had a new home....and speaking of treasures....

...did a little caching on our recent hike to Dave Moore Park. Found a couple...actually, 2 for 4 on the day.
I posted a picture of this little dress I made for Molly. Not a good picture but for the record, it really fits her, for a little while, anyway. I hope Lauri will take a better picture of this and send it to me.

It's been a "fair" week so far. Summer's winding down quickly...we're enjoying some cooler weather here so I hope to get out on my bike a bit. Have a good one....and stay cool.

First and foremost....

....it's all about the pictures so here they are. The reason we have family reunions, right!!!!

...and I am so grateful to Lauri and Traci for pulling this one off. 

The shirts were a hit (thanks, Lauri) and this grandma especially loves it and I'm grateful for daughters that would feel it important enough get the family together. Everyone helped and it was a wonderful day.

I love them....each and every one. But this reunion really did start on the Fourth of July. Those that could make it, gathered at Pine Valley during the day, supposedly to cool off but when it's really hot in St. George, it's hot in Pine Valley but we had a good time.

Then on down the road for the usual pizza party at my mom's....some of us ventured over to the Udvar-Hazy Building for fireworks but most stayed in the usual spot, out in the road. It's still one of our favorite family traditions. I think this year we downed 15 pizzas....and we had an added bonus, RAIN.

Friday morning found my boys and their wives hiking the Subway...Shana won the lottery...so they left all the kiddies at Spencer's.

I jumped on that opportunity to be with my favorite little people and joined them for a pool party.....(they are not allowed to swim without an adult; I was that adult and it was a blast). For a glimpse of their Subway experience and another take on our reunion,  click HERE.

Saturday was the Scott Wells Family Reunion in Pine Valley. We all showed up for a work day in the morning then organized activities in the afternoon and lots of really good food.

The cabin needed a little TLC and it certainly got it. This has been in our family since 1983 and we all love it so. Everyone pitched in for a bit of a facelift.When the work is done, ya gotta take a trip to the dump....

The men piled in Kyle's truck full of trash and came back with big smiles.....and this!!! In Kyle's own words..."I couldn't not take that". So there she is in all her glory, and in Spencer's words... "200 pounds of saintly cement"....in her own teepee. Not sure what else to say about this.....

Some of the little ones came up to Reber's cabin to see the gold fish. Lucy came back with a little more than she bargained for.....a wasp sting. Oops....the only injury of the day that I know of. While at the cabin, Harry discovered the hammock.....

He actually fell asleep and as long as someone was rocking it, he stayed right there for over an hour. Russ assures us, that will be their next purchase for their back yard.

Before the fun and games, we headed over to enjoy the zip line at Mark and Marian's. Always a fun place to kill a little time on a hot afternoon.

Meanwhile, back at the cabin, the games were waiting. Traci organized a Minute-To-Win-It competition....a big success. Chopstick Challenge, Marshmallow Challenge, Booty Shake, Kleenex Pull, Mummy Wrap, and I don't know what the one on the top right is but Russ ruled that one; ya gotta wiggle that cookie into yer mouth. The favorite was the Cheetos Throw...top left. Emily and Scott put on a shower cap loaded with shaving cream and everyone threw Cheetos at their head.

Lauri put together this great Family Jeopardy; the kids put into three teams. They had 3 lifelines with all kinds of questions about their family. Interesting what they did and didn't know but now they know a lot more. Lauri also created awards for each grand kid's accomplishments through the years, everything from 4.0 student, to completing various levels in swimming, Karate, to learning to stand up to a table, give up a binky and graduating to solid foods. When the ages range from 9 months to 14 years old, there's lots of milestones met on various levels.

Sometime during the day, the kids found time to put their hands to the canvas...I love it!!!

We all enjoyed Lauri and Traci's little ones. Harry and Molly got lots of lovin' from their aunts, uncles and cousins....and when the day was done, everyone tuckered out, the kids still wanted to play Wits n' Wagers.

Randy has been such a good sport to join us for this week-end of fun....

...and to be a part of the Scott Wells Family reunion. He and I enjoyed the week-end at the Reber cabin and he was able to add his expertise to the painting of my place.  He loves my kids and they all love him. Thanks again to my family. I don't know how we could have put more into a day. The food was wonderful; Mandy and Shana's Cafe Rio is a favorite. One more special huge THANK YOU to my daughters.....everyone can come and have fun but it takes someone to make the call, get it on the calendar and then make it happen. Lauri and Traci....you both rock. Let's make this a yearly event....for sure.

Oh, what do you do in the summertime.....

..when it's hotter than "h" "e" double toothpicks outside.....well, I sit in a pool to keep myself cool while Randy paints on a ladder so high.....

Is that what you do?....probably not, but I do and if there's an empty pool, the owners haven't moved in yet, well, I'm in. Randy did join me so he got to cool off too but this heat is somethin' else. Don't know how my pioneer ancestors did it but because of them, I try to not complain. Anyhoo....what else do I do in the summertime...

I like to watch the birds come to my feeder and I wait for them to pose for my camera.....

...and we go for rides in the country. Sometimes we try a little geocaching along the way. We found another cemetery one yesterday out by Ione. The cemetery is way in the background. Randy climbed the fence to go check it out.....(I opted out of the fence climbing but I found the cache.)

We also found some corn at a farm by the wayside....so y'all know what I'll be doing today. 

Sometimes I knit....I've designated this month UFO (Un-Finished Objects) month. I've actually completed a pair of socks and a little dress so far.....

...working on several other items. I'm a really good "starter" but not so on the "finishing" so this is good for me to clean out the baskets full of UFOs....then I can go yarn shopping again, whoo hoo. I like to carve out a little reading time as well.....working on this....because I read this http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/books/review/jeannette-walls-by-the-book.html

Jeannette Walls wrote "The Glass Castle" and I loved it so much that I've been waiting for her to write more so when her new novel came out "The Silver Star", I immediately ordered it and started reading it but in an interview, she was asked what was her favorite book of all time and she said "The End of the Affair"....so I immediately got it and started reading. I wanted to know why it would be considered her favorite book of all time. I had a hard time reading it so I rented the old movie made about the book with Van Johnson and Deborah Kerr (click HERE). I really liked it and can see why it is a favorite...but, still not a favorite of mine. Mine is still "Some Wildflower in my Heart" by Jamie Langston Turner (click HERE). So, what's your favorite book of all time? I'd really like to know so think about it and if you feel to answer me, I would really appreciate it. wells@infowest.com. I'm not an "avid" reader. I do like to read but the book has to pull me in immediately and if it doesn't, then I put it down. I prefer to have books recommended to me and I'll give anything a try...but I do like to always have one that I can't wait to get back to...so let me know what you've been reading lately. My Jody Picoult novels that my sister got me onto have really been good to listen to as I've driven back home a couple of times......"Nineteen Minutes", "House Rules", "Vanishing Act" and "The Storyteller" (click HERE).
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....so, if you swim in a pool to keep yourself cool, or read a book or knit a sock....well, so do I.