Junction Creek

Dave brought home a gift for Blake after passing his license :) 

The night before school started Blake decided maybe it was time to sort through his books from the year before.  I mean really, you wouldn't want to do it to soon right!?! Crazy kid. He sorted out what he needed and grabbed a few things for school the next day.

We had him drive the first day and he really enjoyed that.  Said it was weird, but it really does make a difference to be able to drive to school rather than taking the bus.  He is liking the independence and I am loving having a driver again.

He had a party in town the other night and it was wonderful not having to take him in or go back and get him after.  Dave has started a welding course at his work.  They are still looking for about 20 more people and need welders.  So he has a great guy at work that has taken a lot of his own time to make up a work book and other things and Dave said he is fabulous at teaching others.  It is two Friday's, 9 hours each, that Dave offers to his workers.  As Blake loves to weld, he talked to the guy teaching and snuck his son in.  Blake said it was awesome.  He learned so much and said the other two in the course we really nice.  He will go back next week for the second half.  It is an early morning leaving at 4:30 a.m., but Dave and I get up and go with him, and get groceries as we wait for him.  Went back and ate lunch with him as well.

Leah had a blast in Salt Lake.  She had gotten tickets to a concert she wanted to attend back at the beginning of summer and decided she would worry about how to get there later.  In the end it was best to fly. She got a sweet deal on flight.  All the Covid tests she had to do added up but she said it was worth it.  We had heard some horrible stories before she left and said many many prayers, tracked, her flights and she kept in constant contact with us. Everything went smoothly. She had some nice seatmates and found all her terminals. Kailey picked her up and took care of her for the weekend.  The concert was awesome, she got to meet up with her cousins that she hasn't seen for years, did some shopping, took Uber, went to a party, and had a blast with Kailey.  It was a great experience for her.

For the long weekend I wanted to go for a hike.  I have a few requirements for my hikes.  I want between 10-15 km long, low elevation (cause I am very out of shape, my idea of hiking is more of going for a lovely leisurely stroll through the woods), shaded so I don't get heat stroke, and no bears:).  I had asked Cora if she and Ammon had the day off and wanted to come with us, but they didn't.  We found two possible ones near Pincher from a great book Cannon and Nicole gave us a few years ago.  Then Sunday morning, Cora said they did have it off and we started looking at ones more near them so they wouldn't have to travel so far.  We decided on Upper Kananaskis Lakes.  I was excited to try something new. Monday morning 15 mins before we were supposed to leave, I started feeling very apprehensive about it.  It really just didn't feel right.  I was a bit nervous that when I told Dave he was going to be exasperated with me.  It had been such an ordeal to coordinate and plan with Cora in the first place and we knew they were still sleeping, had only had about 4 hours so they were not going to get text of new plan for a bit. Of course Dave just said, "ok, let's choose a different one"  No need for me to worry at all.  We got a much later start.  Ammon and Cora had to do one last thing for work that took an hour longer than was expected and then we kept forgetting things in their car and had to got back 3 times. But in the end we just did Junction Creek Falls again.  Ammon hadn't been and Cora only once so it was ok. 

It was the weirdest, funniest start to a hike ever.  In the end it was great.  We hiked it faster than usual, they all went up to the third falls as I sat in the beautiful scenery.

It was fun to have them along with us.  And in the end we found out that the hike we had planned to do  was closed for bears.  We couldn't have gone anyways. Glad we didn't drive all the way up there and then not be able to go.

It was a great day, much fun, not to hot, and as much as Ammon thought it funny I was so worried about bears and liked to keep making me think he had seen one, we never did.  I told him that day he was my least favorite son in law. 

Much Behind

We had our Puzey reunion a few weeks ago. It was a nice time.  We had great food, lots of chatting, hanging out, and time just spent together.  Even braved the pool one chillier afternoon.  Emry drove all the teenagers to town for bowling and dinner.  Blake had a great time being with his cousins.  It was nice to have him have other kids around too. Dave went golfing with the boys. And I stayed and hung out with the girls and Jason. Saturday we didn't see everyone much.  I have just been called as a seminary teacher and had some online trainings I needed to watch and Blake had to work.  But we dipped over for a bit.  EQ was in charge of a ward party that night as well.  Dave was busy getting ready for that.  It was very well attended and even though it rained, people seemed to really enjoy it.  When Dave was planning it and they were trying to decided to do potluck salads or what I mentioned that my favorite activities are the ones that we don't have to bring food to.  We can just go and enjoy.  They had already decided they were going to go all out with pork chops, hamburger, smokies, and hotdogs. (Myrna made all the buns) and have corn on the cob.  They all like the idea of keeping it simple and just added watermelon and ice cream.  It was a great night.  All the Puzey's came to the ward party then went home after that.  

Cora and Ammon are in Calgary now.  Having a grand time working in the temple there.  Cora said they had a meeting the other day in the celestial room, with out their shoes on, and it was really cool.   They have been driving back to Edmonton for the weekends and getting to spend time in their own house and attend their own ward. 

Leah brought a group of friend home for the weekend.  I have been wanting my girls to do this since Cora graduated.  They were all really nice kids.  Everyone asked if they could help with everything and they were easy to be with.  We had the boys in the basement and the girls upstairs.  Moved Blake to our room.  They arrived very late Friday night.  Next morning we feed them breakfast and they went hiking.

Back for dinner and then they played games and watched an outdoor movie.

Sunday we had stake conference.  I left food on the counter and said goodbye to those that were up and we left.  They got ready to go and attended a YSA ward in Calgary on their way home. When we got home they had left us a very nice thank you note.  A lot of them had been friends with Cora before her mission, so I had heard lots of names before.  Interesting how Leah is now friends with the same group.  It was nice to put faces to names.  It was fun to have the here. 

Saturday afternoon Blake got to attend a 6 stake youth devotional with Elder Gary E. Stevenson.  They said there were over a 1000 youth in the stake center.  He caught a ride down with Emry.  I am so glad we heard about it in the end, because we almost missed it. Dave had had meeting with him earlier in the day and a few of the seventy.  They were attending our stake conference the next day as well. Both Dave and Blake said their messages were so good.  Both had a Q&A in their meeting that they said was fantastic. Blake also said it was really cool to be with that many youth in a building.

Blake took his drivers test last week and barely got any demerits, but did run a stop sign.  So that was a fail.  He was mad about it.  Later when he took me through the route and showed me the sign it was pretty stupid. The instructor was talking to the lady at the counter and said how Blake had missed the same sign everyone does.  And how it is to bad that no one stops for it.  So as he is showing me the sign I was just shaking my head, it is totally covered by a tree.  You barely see it if you know it's there.  Personally I think it would be a hazard and the town should have the lot owners trim their trees, but anyways.  We went back in today and he passed with flying colors.  He didn't have any demerits. 

He is excited to finish polishing the Jeep and drive to his first day of school tomorrow. So congrats to Blake.  I am so excited to have a driver in the house again. 

Happy 16th Blake

Blake is 16!!  That is so crazy, my youngest is old enough to drive.  He is a great kid.  Funny, doesn't care about what anyone things about him, he has truly grown into his own person.  He is just a smidge under 6 foot and that smidge is bugging him, :)  He loves working hard and loves farming.  Says that if he could do anything the rest of his life it would be to farm.  Grain and cows, he loves it all.  He has a small group of friends that he is very content with and doesn't like to venture out.  He is more of a homebody then the girls for sure.  Blake's birthday was Thursday.  Wednesday night he went bowling with his friends and out for pizza.  Gilbert drove them all and he had a blast.  While he was gone, Cora arrived.  She had dental appointments.  I purposely booked them over his birthday so she could be here for it.  And I was very excited to finally get to wrap all the items in his lunch.  I would do this lots for everyone else, but with a summer birthday I had never had the chance for Blake.  I got it all packed and hidden away.  The next day he text me from work and loved the surprise. 

For his birthday dinner he had requested Panko chicken, funeral potatoes, hamburgers, homemade chocolate ice cream and chocolate cake.  I told him there was no way we could eat that all in one meal.  Thursday he opened presents and went longboarding with Cora.

He got a lot of tools for his tool box that he has started collecting .  Friday after his work we just hung out and watched a movie.  Saturday we went early and took them boating.  Always a great time.  Cleaned the church and got some stuff done around the house.  Ammon surprised Cora and showed up Saturday night.  He had to drive back to Edmonton early in the morning to deliver a truck and then rode straight back down with Leah.  So we invited the grandparents and everyone got to be there to celebrate Blake on Sunday.  It was a good time and I loved having everyone in the same room again.  Blake really is a pretty awesome kid.  We are lucky to have him.

Happy Birthday Blake!!

Bear Lake

A year and a half ago my parents sent out an invitation to join them for their 50th wedding anniversary and my mom's 70th birthday celebration in Bear Lake, Ut.  They gave us all a lot of notice to arrange our lives so hopefully we would have the entire family there.  (We used to have July 1st always in HillSping.  We just knew we were getting together then, but this year it was different)  Well then Covid happened.  We really were not sure how many of us we going to be allowed to make it.  As it turned out everyone but Levi (on a mission), Justin (had to work),  Brynn (would not have been good for her) Leah, Cora, Ammon, (had to work and are Canadian) and Dave (Canadian not allowed through the border) made it.  Pretty impressive for 36 of us. Blake and I started out Wednesday morning.  They were not happy letting me through the border.  My passport has expired, and Blake of course is Canadian, but he is a minor so was allowed to travel with me.  It was touch and go, I was sure they were not going to let us, but after some grumbling she couldn't deny me entrance.  On our way we went. It was a long hot drive.  I enjoyed spending the time with Blake.  He drove half of the way.  We had downloaded some mysteries to listen to and talked a lot.  We stopped in Idaho Falls at Reed's Dairy for milkshakes and a stretch. We were the last to arrive.  Mom had sloppy joes ready for us and lots of good fruit.  Josie's family had lots of fruit trees and it was all delicious. 

That night we played a few games, got sleeping and bathroom arrangements sorted and just relaxed.  The house my parents found was really nice.  Beautiful view, lots to do, lots of room.  It was great.

 Thursday morning we went to the beach.  Steve brought hot dogs to BBQ for us all.  Along with everyone's, chips, fruit, vegetables, and treats.  Kita had rented a pavilion for us all. Cannon, Nicole, and McKay had brought their Stand Up Paddleboards for us all to try.  It was fun.  Everyone shared and took turns.  Steve rented some jet skis and Blake had a blast with those.  We mostly swam, snacked, talked and hung out.

Thursday night for dinner was Taylor and Kita's night.  They made chicken fajitas and they were excellent.  I have always loved how dinner time is a family event.  Everyone helps, whether it is your night or not, with prep,  cooking, and clean up.  We all just stick together until it is all done.  All the kids get along, never any fighting or anger.  It is wonderful.

Thursday my parents had a special FHE.  We do this every reunion.  Levi had made a slide show of my parents 50 years and then everyone was asked to tell a favorite memory and bare their testimony.  Those that couldn't make it submitted a video for Cannon to play.  The reminiscing and spirit were awesome.  My parents have been true examples of love, forgiveness, hard work, service and kindness. and it shows in the stories everyone told and the unity we feel. We then surprised them with T-shirts.  Kita had the idea and Taylor mostly designed them, Kita and Nicole got them made.  Taylor decided black and red for HillSpring colors, Wayvel brand and then we each had the number that we entered the family on the back.  My parents loved it.  Us siblings had a gift for them and then they surprised us with a finished copy of their history for each kid and grandkid.  I very much enjoyed reading it.

Friday was beach day again.  We got going a little slower as we spent most of the morning just hanging out and talking with each other.  The tent that Cannon and Nicole brought was a life saver.  I would not have been able to stay out long with out it.  We took left over fajitas to the beach and lots of fruit, vegetables and snack again. 

Kids played in sand, men and teen boys played frisbee in the water, we SUPed and swam.  Another great day.

Friday dinner was Nicole, Natalie and I.  Nicole did pulled pork. Taylor did a run to the store for some stuff for Brody and Kita, Natalie and I jumped in for the ride.  We had no shoes, just going along.  We did a little tour of Bear Lake.  On our way back I saw Blake on the side of the rode with Colton and then we saw Kailey.  I was a little surprised thinking how did they get down here.  Kailey had decided to keep with tradition and take the two teens on a short teen night and got them milkshakes.  I thought it was so sweet of her to think of them even though she isn't a teenager anymore.  They didn't have licenses, but she wanted to still do it. 

Cannon had brought the stuff to do our traditional sundowner.  Something we have done ever since we all went to Africa. 

We stayed up to late and didn't want it to end.  The next morning Blake and I were the first to leave. We had an appointment in Great Falls for our Covid test to get back through the border.  We tried to clean as much as we could, but needed to leave.  Everyone finished clean up after we had left.  We made good time and switched off driving again.  Got our test and through the border, did our other test and were free to go. It had been way to long since we had gotten together and I was sad that Dave and the girls couldn't come.  I did enjoy my time with Blake and my family.  More memories made, traditions carried on and a truly wonderful time to relax and be together. 

Idyllic

A few days ago I had an idyllic peaceful day.  I didn't do anything much different then usual.  Mostly the same things I do weekly or daily.  But it was just a reminder of how great life is.  Dave and I wanted to give our kids the country life that we both grew up with.  Hard working, room to run, garden, bikes to work on and ride, boating, etc. I was just counting my blessings and enjoying the life I get to live this day.  We woke up early.  I got the laundry washed and out on the line. (So grateful I don't have to wash by hand, but I have wanted a clotheslines since our very first house.  About a month ago, Dave surprised me with it and he and Blake got it all set up for me.  I love it everyday I get to go out and hang my clothes and send it out into the sunshine)  Dave and I then weeded the garden, which is coming along nicely.  We already have lots ready to eat.  Blake's bike wouldn't start and Dave needed the Jeep, so I had to run Blake to work.  Next Dave and I hauled a couple loads of bales.  I still love hanging out with Dave.  He is my best friend and we have so much fun doing nothing together.  I came home and started bread, took care of the laundry and made dinner and after in our daily reading we finished the Book of Mormon.

Nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary, but a perfect day in the country that I want to remember.  I felt like an old fashion lovely farm wife. :)

Ammon & Cora Hatch

Ammon and Cora were sealed in the Cardston, Alberta Temple, June 18, 2021.

We had a family dinner at our house the night before with parents, siblings, and grandparents.  We were right at max allowed at the time with this.  Hatch's had a long drive and had given me an estimated time.  Ammon and Cora had come in the day before to help and Leah had said she was going to be there early to help, but actually rolled in late for dinner.  I had needed to wait as long as possible to get the bouquets and boutonniere so they would be still mostly fresh the next day.  I also had to pick up Blake from school as it was his last day and we needed to talk to teacher about what he was going to be missing on the Friday. 

I left instruction and off I went, ran my errands and returned just as the last car of Hatch's were getting there.  They had beaten me home. It kind of threw me off as I still had some fruit to chop and last minute dusting, but guess it was not going to get done. Everyone got in an helped with the last of the food prep.  It was a nice evening.  They are lovely people.  I had some games and stuff for the kids to do outside and completely forgot that as well.  We played the shoe game, Ammon's oldest sister had sent a video as she couldn't be there, and had a few presents for them.

Next morning we were up very early.  Cora had wanted Leah to do her hair.  She did a great job.  Cora was a very beautiful bride.  The only time Cora is ever not completely happy and smiling is when she is very stressed or nervous about something.  It rarely happens.  And she usually takes it out on her family as it's a safe spot.  I had totally expected nerves and a little tension from her all morning.

Not being completely happy with hair, or something trivial.  But she was so calm, even on the way down to the temple when were thought we were going to be a bit late, (Blake again) she was very content.  It was interesting to watch.  She one hundred percent knew she was doing what she was supposed to.  When we got there it just happened that the temple president was doing her sealing. He gave a nice blessing and they were married.  It was so fun to come out and see all the people waiting for them.  So much love and support.  Lindy Bectell did the pictures for us.  She grew up in Cardston and roomed with Leah and Cora in Edmonton.  She did and awesome job.  We got lots of behind the scenes, formal, and she travelled to Waterton to get pictures with Ammon and Cora there as well. Cannon and Nicole had family out for a quick lunch before they went to Waterton.  It was nice to know everyone was getting feed and not have to worry about it.  I really appreciated them doing that.

Leah, Emily and Sarah outside the temple.

Grandma Smith giving Blake some instructions.

The newlyweds!

Father and daughter.

Sisters.

Puzey clan.

They do love each other.  My girls are such beautiful girls.  I love their friendship.  When Ammon was going to call Dave to ask for permission, he also called Leah.  She thought that was really cool.  That he understood what their relationship was.  Blake may have been offended he didn't get called. :)

Sarah, Maycie, Cora, Leah, and Emily.  Sarah and Maycie have been such good friends to Cora.  I was so glad they could make it to the temple to see her.

It was a really nice day.  There were still some Covid restriction, so things were small.  But Cora never wanted a big wedding.  I think it was perfect for her. Even her dress was just her.  Not a big fancy dress, but it suited her and I love the shoes she chose to wear. Cora and Ammon are so good for each other, respect each other, you can see how much they love each other, and I am excited to see the life they will build together.