Over the summer I took the boys up to the high school to run timed miles. Parker loved it, Jace and James hated it (but improved and worked hard). Our biggest surprise was Pierce! One day he asked if he could run the mile too. I thought he might go about a hundred yards in his swimsuit and sandals, but instead he ran the entire lap. When he came my way, he was all smiles and so proud of himself. He asked if he could go around again, and ran another lap. I thought he would stop at and 1/2 a mile. He came and got a drink, sat a for a minute then to our surprise, took one more lap without thinking twice! Our little 3 year old easily completed 3/4 of a mile without hardly breaking a sweat. Oh to be little again!!
We were lucky that our cousins played some of their all star games in our neck of the woods. At one game, we found a butterfly that was too tired to fly. The boys loved holding it!
In July, Mike go to cash in on his Father's Day gift! He loved racing and we loved cheering him on. It was very short and sweet but a cool experience. Wish I could have purchased him 40 laps.
We love living in a spot where people pass through! Seeing the Payne's is always a highlight...they just feel like family. We had a chilly but fun night at Cherry Hill that concluded with candy bar shakes and Bowman's doughnuts and lots of talking into the wee hours!
Another summer highlight was spending one day in July celebrating Gummy and Gumpy's 60th wedding anniversary and 80th birthday. We are so blessed to come from such wonderful people. It was a beautiful day celebrating them and all they have taught our family...service, kindness, dedication to the gospel, love for each other, undying support, and the ability to have a good time...which is what we did all day and night.
It was so great to be able to spend time with cousins, aunts, uncles, and second cousins.We all have such a great time together. So grateful for all those who made such a great day possible.
The awesome water slide!
Making homemade ice cream...pineapple and fresh mint was a flavor I had not tasted forever but immediately brought me back to the front porch of Gummy and Gumpy's house.
The shoe game! It went over much better when we were the kids...these might have been a little too young :).
Each family got to take a few quiet moments with Gummy and Gumpy as they encouraged us to "Stay By the Tree." We love all they have taught us and their example of service and love of the gospel. They gave each boy a dog tag to remember the message.
One of my favorite pictures ever!
These cookies were the souvenirs. Aren't they the coolest? We loved them!!
One of the best moments was our adult dinner that night. Each person was able to share something Gummy and Gumpy taught us. There were so many wonderful stories shared...from Gummy taking the time to paint nails and play card games, and always find the good in life to Gumpy always teaching through example, like the time he welcomed a neighbor home from prison with a "Welcome Home" sign in the neighborhood. The feeling of love in the room was palpable...they kind of place you never want to leave. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Cullimore Family.
Here were a few photos shared of their younger years:
With Elder and Sister Kimball
This was such a cool gift for them! Everyone's thumbprint and name on the tree!
Jace headed out on his first scout camp ever. We missed him so much, but he had an amazing time, learned so much and strengthened his testimony. I was so proud of all he accomplished.
One last funny moment...this kid found a binky months after we had given it up. I thought he would reject it, but he LOVED it. We had to sneak it away and toss it. He would have loved to keep it forever.
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