Debbie turns 16 and celebrating the 4th of July

 

Started the day with biscuits and gravy for breakfast, and then a basket of presents. The rest of the day seemed to involve supporting and keeping up with Debbie and her responsibilities.  Lots of Miss Manti responsibilities and an encore performance.

Debbie performed with encore and bellisma and then ran to be in a parade in Mt Pleasant.  She hurried back to do the dunking booth.

Meanwhile we enjoyed fun at the park with races, egg toss and firemen water fun.

Elder Simeon was in class for half the day and then got to join the fun in his missionary clothes.  He sure loves the fire fighters and they love him. He got to help here and attend the BBQ with them but had to be in bed before the fireworks.  Other years he has been able to help set them off.

Back home for our annual BBQ.  I didn't get very many pictures but I am sure grateful for the support and friendship of family.  Peter and Rachel came down from Santaquin to spend the day. Natalie's and Elise's families joined us and the next generation had a water fight.

Miss Manti float with Anjolee Jones, Alexis Christensen and Debbie.  They are so beautiful and willing to serve. Lucy continues to be a part of the celebration as Debbie's little miss.  She loved the parade.

I love freedom and liberty and the joy and privilege that is ours to live in the United States of America. I am proud to be an American. I am proud of my country's founding by righteous men who were divinely guided to recognize man's God given rights and provided a way to protect those rights.  I pray that we may be blessed with leaders and citizens who value and stand for truth and right, who with gratitude seek to protect our freedoms through education, voting, and serving to defend our freedom.

Debbie's 16! Surprise

 Debbie's friends planned a great surprise birthday party.  After being gone all week at FSY and then working all day, she came home to a tea party style birthday party at 9:30 at night.

Janey made the chocolate strawberry cake, Libby made cake pops and I made charcuterie boards. Anjolee brought the decor and tricked Debbie to get her downstairs.

Then comfy clothes and a showing of Newsies. Some went home, some fell alseep for a few more hours. :)

Simeon’s graduation

 Manti High School will surely boast of this fine young man. Simeon has given so much to the fun and goodness found at the high school.  He is kind, friendly, selfless, creative, active, smart, engaging, talented, handsome, and now an alumnus of our high school.  

This signature red truck has had so many adventures, dates, and good times.  His friends just might cry if they see the truck around town and know that Simeon is out of the country (serving a mission).

Mountain biking has been a huge part of the last few years as well as building trails.

Simeon and Talia.

Proud Mom and Dad, so grateful for the privilege it is to belong to him and learn from him.

Graduation BBQ.  We love an excuse to get together and celebrate/support each other.

Spring blossom tour

Peter and Rachel moved to Santaquin.  Peter is learning all about orchards, fruit, and business.  It is a lot of fun for him.  Today we all got to go up to their new home, enjoy dinner  (Hawaiian haystacks) and tour the orchards. We learned about apples and cherries.  The trees were in bloom and it was all so beautiful  Pictures are in random order.

Milt, Debbie, Simeon and me

I have spent the last year with two teeth missing on the side. Simeon is trying to help me keep it a secret.  New teeth coming in May.

We found a working train track but also a loose pin

They love taking pictures

Titanic?

Elder Olsen has just 2 months until he begins

Van Ormans, Olsens, old Olsens, Porters

Me and Mister O

 

Debbie and Miss Manti

 Miss Manti pageant 2022 was a great experience for Debbie.  She was invited to participate.  She jumped in doing her best, learning all along the way and actually wearing heels.   She and all the girls got along well, cheered each other on and had a lot of fun.  

Debbie got to be escorted by her own little miss, Lucy.  Lucy was so cute and willing to help Debbie not be scared.  She was darling.  They make a great team.

Debbie had some help from Terilee and Tiza with her talent.  She is a beautiful dancer.