Horse Update

Alice got a new horse and the three horses got a new home. She was able to lease a 3-acre pasture that belongs to a gated community (in the background of picture 3) near the Temple. Picture 1: The pasture has a pond in the middle that is spring-fed, so the horses will have water all year round. Picture 2: This is a view of the pasture from the northwest corner -- which is the highest spot. Picture 3: Legend and Beauty running free in their new home. Movie 1: Alice's new horse, Misty, is a Tennessee Walker mare -- about 7 years old. (Notice that her gait is so smooth that Alice doesn't even bounce.) Alice bought her so that the grandkids or kids in the ward can ride with her. Currently, Nikki Searle, a Laurel in the ward, is Alice's riding buddy. Movie 2: Beauty is still Alice's riding horse.

Grandkids

We had a portrait taken before Michael and Emily left town. Since Trent was working out of town, we decided to have it be of us and the grandkids. Yesterday, Alice and I took Justen and Maryn to do baptisms for the dead in the Salt Lake Temple, then saw the Joseph Smith movie.

Best Family Reunion Ever

Wednesday evening, July 21st, we met at Lava Hot Springs (about 35 miles southeast of Pocatello, Idaho) for a Dodge Family Reunion. Teri and Kristi's family were all there. Michael's family drove out from Georgia and were all there. Suzi's family was all there except Trent (who is working in Ohio for the summer). We stayed at a KOA on the Portneuf River, which included a cabin for Alice and I (Picture 1) and a group tent area for the others (Picture 2). Brianne provided games in a "special game tent" (Picture 3) and "cousin bracelets" (Movie 1) and some treats for all. The river cascaded beautifully beside our camp (Picture 4) and there were even fun diversions for little boys (Picture 5). Most of Thursday was spent tubing on the Portneuf River (about a half mile from our KOA (Pictures 6-9). There were a few spills (Movie 2), but everyone had an enjoyable time with minimal scrapes and bruises. After breakfast and bracelets Friday morning, we packed up (Picture 10) and went home.

Bauer's Birthday

Bauer went bowling and to Chuck-A-Rama with almost all of the cousins.

Chase's Birthday

For Chase's birthday, he rode a carousel at the mall, then enjoyed lunch and the playland (not necessarily in that order) at Burger King. He invited Kelsey to go along and he "personally posed" the second picture.

Justen's Birthday & Ordination

On Saturday, June 26th, we took Justen to dinner and a movie for his birthday. On Thursday, July 1st, he went with us to do baptisms for Alice's ancestors at the Draper Temple. On Sunday, July 4th, he was ordained a teacher by his father.

Fireworks

Maryn, Nikkail, Draeden, Liam, Jackson, Maggie, Jada, and Bauer spent the night last night and we did fireworks before they went to bed (except Liam, who was already asleep). Maryn assisted in lighting them (the second picture).