Another day at the YMCA

Yoga - inspiring isn't it? I had to get back to my yoga class. It had been ohh at least a month since I've been to my favorite yoga class at the YMCA. So even though we got there 5 minutes late, I sunk right in and started breathing away. At the end we conversed and one of the ladies was shall I say it - boasting - about working at the YMCA. I said, "That's what I need to do. I need to work here." My beautiful teacher with whom I've discussed my economic woes with in the past said, "Yes! You do!" I confided that I've not had much luck elsewhere apply as I might. She said, "Because we need you here of course!"
I inquired further and filled out an application similar to ones I haven't seen since acquiring my Bachelor's degree. You can't imagine how excited and relieved I could be about getting hired for slightly more than minimum wage. Never thought I'd go back to that day. I couldn't even put down a reference to my former employer for the mockery I'd sure to recieve. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
However I'm not too proud to say that it's the perfect job for the here and now. I can take my kiddos with me and I'll actually be doing something productive for my part time hours. After looking at my application, my other friend and teacher of the last kickboxing class I attended said, "I've got plans for you!" At my interview if we can call it that - she informed me almost before I could sit, "You know I want you, so you're hired if you want it." YES! I've been wanting to hear that for a while now. I know, I know - David and Sharon are still asking, "Why? oh why? oh why?" Afraid I have no answer to that. . .
And though the pay isn't exotic, it's sufficient for my needs and the hours are flexible enough for my tastes. So look out YMCA - here I come! And the best part - I get to keep my MOPS membership current.
Motherhood is so underrated. Good thing I'm not too proud to accept the perfect situation to continue my PhD in motherhood. Lovely expensive masters degree - someday you'll come in handy again. . .

Next Stop: Family Reunion followed by Utah detour on the way home

Lily, Sydney, Samantha, & Jessica playing in the SLC Temple fountain
Smile, Lily. "I am!"

President Hinkley's podium

Jessica in the "I am a Child of God" Exhibit

Lily had a little lamb

Gavin is a Child of God

Church History museum

Boat bunker in Church History museum

Reception tent after Temple open house

Oquirrh Temple Open House

My sweet kids

Lily

Gavin

Wesley, Jessica, Lily, Lily, Maddie

Floating the Canal

Garrin getting ready to float the canal
Gracie, David, Julianne and the baby Sylvia, Kevin, Jeff, Diane, Mindy, Stefanie, Garrin, Chris, Randy, Grandpa Ellis, Grandma Ellis, Harold, Merrily, Kim, Lanet
Kevin, Garrin, Grandpa Ellis, Randy, Grandma, Merrily, Lanet, Kim

Shelley, Samantha, Spencer, Sydney, Chalice, Jessica, Mom, Jhonny, Lily, Gavin, Dad
David, Gracie, ?, JulianneLily, Aspen, Troy, Elden

4th of July Flag Retirement ceremony Retiring the Red Stripes

Retiring the White stripes

Retiring the StarsSalute

Friday night FHE

Listening to Grandpa's stories

Spencer, Barry, Sydney, Samantha, Shelley, Dad, and Dawson
Jaycee, Jessica, Sydney swimming Competative Ellis Volleyball Tournament - Janet, Garrin, Matthew
Lily, Jessica, and Wesley

Listening to Reality CSI - Idaho per Sherriff Ellis

Great Grandma Ellis

Gracie and Preston

Some have said Gavin has Cody's eyes. Mom said I needed a picture to compare. I don't know. Maybe. . .

Grandpa takes Gavin for a ride on the old tractor. Look at those country boys!

The two Lilies

Gavin and Maddie

These are just the highlights that were caught on camera during our family reunion and trip to Utah. Other memorable moments were putting up our tent in a thunderstorm before leaving for a temple session with the family in Twin Falls. What a beautiful experience to be in the temple with so many family members. Also we had the chance to stop and visit with Grandma and Grandpa Wickham. Tyla and her kids came over too. Jessica and Lily had a great time playing with Kaylee. On Sunday we picked up Tanya and brought her to Spencer and Shelley's house where we ate dinner and hung out. Spencer shared a little bit more about his work in the Church Philanthropies department. Very interesting stuff. We managed to stop and see Fred and Trudy just before our deadline to leave for home Tuesday morning. I wish we could have stayed longer and visited with more friends and family. We miss you all so much and enjoyed the time we spent up north. We especially didn't miss the HEAT down here in Texas. Back to 105. Hope that fast for rain last week works soon. . .

What a Trip

First Stop: Lava Hot Springs

Views of the Port Neuf River from our camp site

Fishing with Grandpa Ellis

Jhonny's veggie catch of the day The fish that didn't get released in time.

The yellow rose bush across the river

Bunk beds at the KOA

Cooking S'mores over the firepit next to the Port Neuf River
after playing at the waterpark and relaxing in the natural hot pools.