Since Sam's grandma lived in California for many years of her life, her will stated that her desires were to be buried in Claremont, California, next to her husband Mort. Wanting to be there for those services, our family decided to drive to California, again. Sam and I were just there 2 weeks prior to go through the temple with my brother and his wife. Now we were going to be able to take the kids with us and let them enjoy their cousins.
Even though we had a few bumps in the road, like our whole family getting the flu, we really had a nice time. It was great to see Marilyn's nieces and nephews, and to be able to meet her stepson Jay. It was also great to see where she spent much of her time in Claremont, and the home she lived in while she was there. It really made me miss her more, but I know she is happy where she is now, and for that i am grateful.
Our family visited the beach a few times, and it was fun to watch our kids thoroughly enjoying the time they had with their cousins. The weather was absolutely beautiful, of course, so it made the trip a very pleasant break from Texas' hot 105 days.

Our lives have been deeply saddened by the loss of Sam's grandma, Marilyn Nelson. She had been sick with Alzheimer's and heart issues for a few years, and on Monday July 6th, she lost her battle. As sad as we are to not have her in our lives anymore on this earth, we are happy to know that she is no longer suffering. We are glad to know that she is now able to join those that have left her life before her, that she loved so dearly: her parents, her sister, and her beloved husband, whom she has been without for over 20 years. We were very grateful to be able to know her and love her. She was a fantastic woman and always showed us such unconditional love. We miss her very much, but know she will be there with outstretched arms to welcome us into heaven when it is our time to go. We could not be more blessed that she is part of our family.

Fireworks! Fireworks! Fireworks! That's what the 4th is for our family. I think the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Everyone gets so excited about all the shows happening all over, and we do not have to buy gifts, cook elaborate meals, or travel thousands of miles. It is wonderful. Our family loves to discuss why we are free and what makes us so special to have our freedom. The fireworks and family time just add to that excitement. This year we celebrated by going to Kaboom Town in Addison on the 3rd to watch a spectacular air show from the end of the run-way and then a firework show choreographed to patriotic songs.



The next morning we had our traditional Ward Breakfast at the park.
We followed that by watching fireworks, as close as we could be, at Southfork Ranch. They we litrerally exploding right over our heads. It was incredible.