Memorial Day

One thing I've really learned about myself over the last couple of years is that I am a fly-by-the-seat kind of gal.  I like the idea of planning and having a schedule but quite frankly, it just isn't me.  I think being spontaneous keeps life interesting and if things don't work out, there's no disappointment because no expectations were set.  That being said, we decided to take a last-minute trip to Utah for the Memorial Day Holiday.  Bryan had to work all week and so the kids and I took off on Wednesday.  I'm so grateful I have such good little travelers.  During the 8-hour car ride we only had to make 2 stops. 

I love being in Fillmore for Memorial Day.  Fillmore holds a special place in my heart; not because it's where I was born and raised, but because that's where our sweet little Kate is laid to rest.  I love being there to decorate her grave site.  I also love being with my family and seeing our friends.  The hardest part about coming home is never having enough time to see and visit all of our friends and family that we'd like to.  When moving away I never realized what a challenge it would be.

We had such a great time and it just seems like the time flies when we are there.  We picked Bryan up from the airport in Salt Lake late Friday night and then Saturday morning I participated in my very first Triathlon (which was a total spur-of-the-moment decision.....see explanation above).  Having not swam or ridden a bike in over 2 years, at least I was prepared for the running portion.  Honestly, it was so much fun with absolutely no pressure.  I can say that it probably won't be my last one.

Since my Grandpa Roper's birthday lands a week before Memorial Day, it's been a tradition to have a big family get-together with the Roper side of the family, even after he passed away.  I truly have the best family and it's always a big party when we all get together.  Saturday afternoon we BBQ at the barn, played games and then danced the night away (a Roper party is never a party without a live band).

My day is such a party animal.  He is always coming up with fun, exciting things for the kids.  This year he did a "money chase."  He scattered 100 $1.00 bills all over the floor of the barn.  All the kids lined up from youngest to oldest and then tried to pick up as many bills as they could.  He also scattered 4 $5.00 bills and the 4 kids who got a $5 bill got to play "Let's Make A Deal."  Seriously, it was a riot. 

{All the kids lined up to catch the loot}

 {Mia loves her cousin Gavin}

 {Mia's favorite part about coming to the farm is the horses.  She's such a natural.}

 {Mia and Grandpa Roper}

 {Mia and her cousins getting their "dance" on.}

  {Merek & Gram....just 7 weeks apart}

 While in Utah we got to go visit my Grandpa Christensen's grave site in Spanish Fork.}

 {Sweet Kate}