Family Vacation

With my husband between classes in school and no school for our daughter, our family took the opportunity for a family vacation. This is a significant event for us, as Jason has been in school since we were married, and because of our three young children. But we did it. And it was great! We went to Bryce Canyon last Saturday and "hiked" what our 4 and 6 year olds could handle. We also rode on the ski lift in Brian Head on Friday. It was a lot of fun. We managed the long hours on the road without too much trouble. The most important part is that, now, after the fact, the kids keep talking about how great it was. I was most particularly struck by the importance of spending such time all together when, on the morning we planned to leave, JoAnna (our early riser) ran to wake Hyrum up shouting, "Hyrum, Hyrum, get up! We need to pack and DADDY'S COMING!" I hope these are the experiences that stick.

Becca, granddaughter of Rose

Summer

My fondest memories of summer were of driving from Cache Valley to St. George to visit my Grandma Mary and my Aunt Jean, and Uncle Lewis and their families. I remember the feeling of stepping out of the car and being enveloped by warmth that went all the way through you. Then I remember playing "No bears are out tonight", "colored eggs", and hide and seek with my cousins while the adults would all sit in the living room laughing and talking. Our family always went to the Riding reunion and I could feel my Mom's (Maxine) excitement of coming home. She would tell of the boney horses they used to play with and of her sister and brother climbing up the red hill and making a fire and cooking breakfast. She would tell stories of her very much loved Aunts and Uncles.

I don't think my summer is ever complete without driving again to St. George and seeing family. I think that is why I love the Riding reunion so much. I feel a part of a big family that loves me and my kids start to love the tradition and begin to understand what a wonderful family we have as descendants of the Riding family.

New school year

Yesterday was my firstborn's last day of Kindergarten. It wasn't any big deal to me when she went to Kindergarten, but, for some reason, first grade seems huge! She's going to be at school all day five days a week! My own daughter will be a stranger!! I only hope that the things I've taught her thus far will stick some. I know I can't keeping her from learning a lot of things the hard way. I do hope, however that I'll be approachable for her to come to in the midst of such lessons. I guess we'll have a month of summer for me to practice being approachable (not my strong point). My poor guinea pig first child....
Becca G. Granddaughter of Rose