Camping with the Stroshines

 

Our friends the Stroshines invited us to go on a camping trip with them to the Grand Canyon. Jon and I have never been to the Grand Canyon... Camping together... or on a trip with married friends before, so it was quite an adventure! Oh and if you didn't know, Jon doesn't like camping. I've begged him since we got married to go with me but he always replies the same, "Why would I pretend to be homeless when I'm not".
But since he LOVES me soooo much, he decided to pretend to be homeless for me for just one night.

He actually even bought us a cute little tent!

Here is a math lesson for Ya'll!

4 people - wood + cold night = Giant log in the fire

 

 Giant log in the fire + Ant log house = Angry ants - log

Angry ants on the floor + 2 boys + 2 girls 

= 2 people doing the crazy ant dance 

(And I don't mean Tim and Haley! haha)

 Angry ants + fire + 2 boys  = Burning ants

Camera + The beautiful wild = a fun photoshoot

A camera + Boys not wanting to be cute = A creepy photo

Short drive + Short walk = Grand Canyon

 Crazy ant log + Photography + AMAZING FOOD (Thanks Stroshines feeding us so well!) + Grand Canyon + Good Company - A real bed - Flushing toilets + Sling shots + Giant Smores = A really good time!

Thanks Stroshines for a great time! And thank you Jonny Boy for taking me camping!

Do I need to say more?

 Caution: This may boggle your mind.

We ate the whole thing.

Thank you California!

Califonia Baby!

Our bags are packed... We jump in the car... Snacks and good company at hand... and off we go to California!

Before we get there we must stop in Vegas for some shopping... 

and I get this!

Mason: UH UH UH... UHHHHH MMM

(Mikki! Take me on the Merry-Go-Round)

Who could resist! 

Obviously not me!

Or Jon....

He was so excited! He would wave to random strangers and get a smile out of the roughest toughest people.

Friday night we packed all the Kiddies up and walked to the Dodger Stadium for "Mormon Dodger Night".

 

 We were able to get free hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and peanuts.

YUM!

Sparks Fly on the 4th of July

We were lucky enough to be able to go to Salt Lake for the 4th of July. I always love when we take trips up north to see family. It is also fun when we get to spend quality time with Jon's parents. It amazes me how much they know. I was able to do yard work with Marsha while Jon learned how to weld with Ron. Later in our trip they taught us how to make home made bread- Which was to DIE for!

 We were able to go to a Neighborhood firework party... Twice. It was way fun.

I was always afraid that I'd marry into a family that I didn't get along with.... But lucky for me I married into an amazing family... I gained two additional parents- 6 brothers- 4 sisters - and 9 nieces and nephews. I always said I wanted a big family. Now I have one!

Jones Family Reunion

When Jon was in Texas with all the boys (Boys trip- No girls invited) - I was able to go to the Jones family reunion. It was fun hanging out with the family and remembering good ole times.

 

 I was able to capture a picture of my grandpa. I think it explains my family pretty well.  I sure love my Grandpa!

Graduation.... yes this was in May!

SIDE NOTE: Holy cow. Can you say SLACKER! I haven't  blogged forever so I hope you are ready for a ton of information at once.

Back in May- Jon graduated from Dixie State with his Bachelors in Communications. I am so proud of him! He even earned an award for being in the top of his communication track (small group communications). So if you have a small group that needs to communicate- Jon is your man!

This is Jon doing his graduation march down the stairs. It was quite hilarious- but it didn't even compare to what he was wearing. I told him he couldn't wear flip flops to graduation. I was hoping he would get the hint he needed to dress up a bit more. .. but no... I just got nice shoes and tall black socks with his plaid shorts and t-shirt. haha.

We were lucky enough to have the prophet speak at his graduation!

I just love his sense of humor and smile.

This is Jon receiving his diploma. 

I couldn't help laugh, when I saw Dr. Shamo (one of Jon's favorite teachers) running across the stage so he could be the one to present Jon with his diploma.

Jon's family came down for the occasion, and it was way fun seeing them. The middle picture has got to be my favorite... I have no idea why Ashton decided to hide Korbin... and the look on his face is priceless.

Congratulations Jonny Boy! I am so proud of you for how hard you have worked! You are such a great example to so many people- especially to me.