4th of July Celebrations

We went to Koosharem for the 4th of July and had a blast. Tonya's parents own 2 or more acres up there so each year we just take out trailer and park it for the summer. This year we were able to go up for the 4th and had just a great time we will make it a point to go every year. It brought back memories of my childhood and the fun things we would do for the fourth. Since their main street isn't more than half a mile the parade was very short but very fun. Of course the boys in town spotted Paytan, Amber and DaNeigh immediately and so we were pelted with candy. Later we went to the park for games, food and fun. Oh yeah and a major water fight which I tried to stay out of as long as I could. Is all I'm saying is they started it. Tons of fun was had all around. I always take a moment and give thanks for the wonderful country we live in. I am so grateful to the men and women who serve our country.



This was my favorite "float" in the parade. I can't believe they got 2nd. Compared to the other floats they deserved first.

Grandpa Ray added flags to the golf cart and the kids drove it in the parade.

Waiting for the parade to start

Soaking wet and having fun

This is so funny. They had the kids catch the chicken and if you look to the far left you can see Jace against the fence and they've already caught the chicken. He wasn't to sure about this game.

What's the 4th without face painting

Good ole fashioned sack race.


Jace had a blast on the water slides


Yep, I got soaked. Tonya had Wayde so she escaped but I wasn't smart enough to keep my camera with me. You are never safe from a 17 year old with a bucket of water!!! Whether he knows you or not.

After dinner we drove down to Otter Creek to watch the fire works.
My crew waiting for the fire works to start. Notice the blue chairs in the truck. These are my favorite camping chairs ever. They recline and are so comfy. When we aren't camping they are on my patio. I got them for Gino for fathers day. You can't have just one right? :)

Amber,Emily,Kaeli,Bryli and Grandma Sharon (Tonyas Mom)

Tonya and Wayde

Fire works over Otter Creek

Bishop Family Reunion

Every two years my moms family gets together for a big reunion. This year was my Uncle Ross and Aunt Betty Rae's families turn to put it on. We always have the reunion in Oak City canyon since that is the closest to Delta Utah where they all grew up. They did an wonderful job keeping everyone occupied. First every one was divided into teams a red team and yellow team. Each day there were challenges for the teams ranging from water balloon launching, kick ball, relay race, 2 truths and 1 lie, mouse trap,crafts, sling ball, redneck horseshoes and my kids' favorite building the tallest tower out of things from either camp or around the camp ground. It was tons of fun and created a bond between family members. My kids look forward to the Bishop family reunion. Next year is our families turn so if you have any good ideas feel free to pass them on.

When Paytan saw this family tree that Aunt Betty Rae had taken time to prepare she was amazed at how many generations there were.

It all started with these two amazing people who left this earth way to soon. Grandma passed away in May of 81 and Grandpa passed away 6 months later. We didn't get much of a chance to see them when they were alive but the memories I have and the things I have heard over the years creates a deep fondness for them. They are so dear to me that even seeing pictures of them brings tears to my eyes.

Uncle Ross, Aunt Nada, Aunt Floy, Uncle Ken and Mom
Uncle Clynn is currently serving a mission so he was unable to attend the reunion but was greatly missed. His sons did a very good job as they would say of "representing" the family.
Each one of these people hold a very special place in my heart.

We are only short 6 cousins out of the whole family who were unable to make it.

Gino had taken a four wheeler ride the day before and found this spot. Yuba lake is behind us. The trail up was pretty treacherous and had my adrenaline pumping. In the trees the trail was off camber in a couple of spots which was fine but the next 30 feet of the trail was almost straight up and down. You literally had to lean over the handle bars just so the front of the quad wouldn't come up on you. Coming down was the opposite. You had to sit as far back as you could so the back end wouldn't come up on you. I had Tyler on behind me and he stuck with me on the way up but when Alex's girlfriend Patty said she was walking down so did all the rest of the little passengers. Those are my favorite kind of rides. Nothing like a good adrenaline rush!!!

Every family reunion my Awesome and Amazing Aunt Floy makes a huge pinata. This is always the kids' favorite part. My kids always take bets on what kind of pinata she is going to make.

Nothing like a good competition of Redneck Horseshoes

This was a fun game. Your partner had to guide you through the mouse traps without setting one off but, first you had to pick up the mouse that lay between or sometimes on the mouse trap.


Next is a series of pictures where we found a rope to climb up while on one of our trail rides.







Brok with Jeff's compound bow

A good game of kick ball is always a must

Water balloon launching. The kids had so much fun with this game. The target was 3 boxes stacked on top of each other that they had to try and hit with the water balloon.

Patty,Alex,Mom,Gino