Pioneer Day and Barrett Family Fun

 Weston had a 2 week battle with the mystery flu and beat it a few days before pioneer day, it was such a relief to have everyone feeling healthy again. Poor guy missed out on 16 hours of gym class, got behind on his piano, and missed various other activities, he was on the floor of the office most of the time reading or just feeling miserable. I had to take him to the doctor because the fever and cough just never went away, and the doctor said it wasn't pneumonia yet but was heading that direction, his lungs were declining, so he got a shot of antibiotics in his behind and was given oral antibiotics as well. Three days later he was better!

Savanna still does nail art. She has been doing a lot of babysitting to earn money for school clothes. She reminds me often that "no one" has to pay for their own clothes except her, so its not only unfair but humiliating, and she connived me into paying for half (or matching what she earns) so she has more buying power. She has been the most diligent child doing her chores this summer to earn money, and she hates to let it go!

We decided to take a day trip on July 24th and have some fun in Salt Lake, so we got up at 5:00 AM and packed up to make the sunrise service at the Tabernacle at Temple Square. I thought it was nice but the kids were tired and not thrilled with it, which Savanna voiced with her mouth and body language repeatedly. Then we walked to the parade, we found a shady spot and it was organized and much more pleasant of an experience than the provo 4th parade, however we did sit behind about 50 sister missionaries who were excited to be alive and despite the fact that the parade wasn't that exciting, kept hollering and getting up and down. As far as parades go though, I think it was one of the better experiences I've ever had. Weston's body language showed he wasn't at all thrilled to be there, but at least he didn't complain. Fiora was just a good sport all around. Everyone seemed to cheer up when we went to Olive Garden for lunch, what with Jared's monetary values and my dietary values we don't go out to eat very often, so that was a real treat for the kids.  Just an FYI, they don't have very good options for sugar free gluten free people, but I found something somewhat in line with my food standards. We then went to the Loveland Living Aquarium, which was expensive, mostly because we paid an extra $4 a person for the 4D theater which was a pretty pathetic 4D theater experience, so if you go I would advise you not to do that. But the rest was pretty neat, Jared and I have seen some pretty awesome aquariums in California and New Orleans so by comparison it was a little disappointing, but still it was enjoyable. We got through it pretty quick and had time to go to an outlet store and do a little school shopping.

 My sister Krystal returned from her mission on pioneer day which is the reason we decided to have a day trip in Salt Lake that day. We waited an hour and 20 minutes before she came out of the terminal, but that was a blessing because my parents and siblings were delayed getting o the airport. After every sibling arrived, Krystal made her entrance, like she was waiting for everyone to get there. It was a happy reunion.  It is so nice to have the whole family together for a little bit before Kynsie leaves on her mission and Karli moves to Ohio. We are so glad you're back Krystal!

Weston bored while we go school shopping

 Saturday we went to a Stake pioneer breakfast and sat by the Omdahls. Sav and Ella took a selfie.  We spent the morning helping Jared dejunk and clean up a rental property and that evening we had a mini Barrett/Whitely/Dickerson reunion at my house.  It was so fun to spend some time with those members of my extended family, we don't see them very often even though we live relatively close to them. Taylor Dickerson lives in OK, so when he said he was coming into town and would like to see everyone I rallied the masses. It was a perfect evening and lots of good food and games and company, I don't know why I haven't gotten the badminton net out before, it was so fun!  I'm so grateful for my family.

I got to watch this cutie this week, he doesn't go outside unless he has his hat, so cute!

Linda Whiteley, Alison Mitchell and her baby Ali, Dad, and Taylor Dickerson

Jesse, Kelsy, Knightly, Korey Whitely and Candice Whiteley

Grandma, Mom and Dad

Gabe Carpenter and Brayden Dickerson

Shanna Hunt

Joseph Heidi Rachel Grant and Kynsie

Makayla Dickerson

Candice Whiteley

Taylor and Ali