We were so excited to be able to celebrate the 24th with family in my hometown of Marysvale, UT. Here are my kids, clearly thrilled, in the back of Grandpa Blackwell's truck ready to be in the parade. Spencer didn't want to wear a hat, Mataya had a fever, and Parker is giving me a courtesy smile here.
We had a disco theme and it was super groovy. The disco ball was the perfect touch. We made a sign that said, "Peace, Love, Popsicles!" We blasted some 70's music and the kids danced and threw otter pops to the parade crowd. The last half of the parade the people looked confused as to why it said Popsicles in our sign because the kids managed to throw 200 otter pops out in a very short amount of time...haha!
Mataya decided riding up front with Grandpa was the place for her. She actually fell asleep during the parade amidst the loud music and whatnot. Poor girl was getting some molars.
Becca standing tall in the middle with the full outfit on. We now refer to her as the Disco Queen.
During the parade Grandpa was rockin' that little purple, sequin hat!
Ahh, the fish rodeo. A place where kids go to catch fish and parents pretend that they aren't totally grossed out. We got there a little late so a lot of the fish were gone, but the boys managed to run around and grab a couple. They had a lot of fun!
Parker with his "prize" fish!
Spencer back at the house telling tall tales only fishermen can tell.
Later that evening we had the 1st Annual Blackwell Family Talent Show.
Here we have Thor (Spencer) defeating The Bad Guy (Parker). They worked out a whole fight scene. It was cute.
Beau a.k.a. David Blane worked his magic with a quarter trick.
Mataya jumped right in to show us her talent. She held really still by the tree. I think her talent was that she held still longer than any 2 year old ever that is conscious. Which was a little over 7 seconds.
Parker and Thomas got the crowd pumped up with the "Banana Dance".
Those two really know how to work a crowd because we were all going bananas by the end!
Luke showed off some of his sweet swimming skills.
Cooper and Carter had us all laughing with some stand up comedy.
And then out of nowhere Super Campbell came flying in!
Allison and Rebecca ended the evening with a song and dance. It was lovely!
There seemed to be a grasshopper migration happening. Lots of boys+grasshoppers+ant hills='s little boy heaven!
We stopped at the little convenient store in town to grab some bottled water and there was a sign on the door that said, "There will be no beer sold at the rodeo!"
Thank you Marysvale....you always make me smile!
I pretty much have the best calling ever. I am the temple preparation teacher. Which means I get to study and teach other people about the temple on a weekly basis. I went on Tuesday to the Salt Lake Temple with a couple I just finished teaching. It was wonderful! The Salt Lake temple is so unique and special. I love the fact that it is downtown and temple square is always buzzing with people, but once you walk inside you forget all of that. Plus I saw Elder Jeffrey R. Holland cross the street when I was on my way to park....bonus! 
