Summer Vacation 2008 (Sorry for the novel)

So we had a super fun time in Salt Lake hanging with our awesome relatives. There wasn't a dull moment the entire week. We were always on the go having fun.
It began with a trip to the Huntsman Cancer Center (no not a fun place to go). But it was fun to see Scott and Tauna Fell and Jamie. It had been a long time. It also gave us a reason to drive through downtown SLC, which we hadn't done for a while. That is always cool to see. We also drove through Timm's old "hood", passing his high school and the baseball field he played on (then we got gas at a not so desirable 7-11. Timm must have been a tough vato!)
We hung out with the family and made ice cream on the trampoline. My boys enjoyed hanging at Angie & Kirt's and playing Rock Band and the Drums. (you are a brave woman.) They also enjoyed marathon X-box 360 sessions with Tyler. Hopefully Tay will take your advice and wear socks. It was very fun to hang with the Austin, Peighton, Preston, Mason & Ellee. They are hillarious. And Kirt & Tyler, thanks for letting me borrow Ang and Em last week. They were a Blast.
Trev did baseball camp at UVU with Austin, Mick, Macee, Maddox, McGwire and Head Coach Madsen. (Thanks Guys!) He thinks he is the next Jeter, only goofier. Poor Jess had to help him get ready -and put up with his goofiness. You are superwoman, lady!
We shot the "white waters" of Provo Canyon with Em, Grandpa Dave, Mick and our crew. That was a blast. Not very "treacherous" but a lot of fun, none the less. We also got to spend the evening at Eric and Jessica's and see their amazing new home.
Tanner and Grandpa Dave continued their work on the tree house. By the time we left it had a beautiful staircase and railing (Thanks Scott for helping on that.)
We experienced the Bountiful 23rd of July parade - and had a fun, annoying time (who knew that Mormon parade go-ers were so irritating.) Thanks Vicki for defending our turf. We know who we want in our corner if any "Pearla Smoot"s come our way.
We visited Grandpa and Grandma Dixon and had a tank war with fireworks (I have pics but my camera is being stubborn.) We also got to have lunch with them, Grandma Dora and Jeff - and see Debra and Danny (it had been a few years, so that was great.)
We rooted the Ogden Raptors into a 9th inning win against the IF Chukkars - that was a blast! Thanks to the Williams, Summers, Madsens, G. Vic and Tate for making that so much fun. And there were fireworks to boot.
I got to go to the Ogden temple for my first time with Angie and Em. It is a very cool thing to be able to share with my awesome sisters. It was very pretty - just like them.
We got to chill with the entire Madsen Clan (all 27 of us), as well as Grandma Lois and Grandpa Lovell and Martha and Steve on Friday night. It is a blast to watch all of the cute little kids and joke with our family full of smart-alecs. Then we engaged in a cut-throat game of touch football. We Madsens play to win. :)
Sat. morning Scott, Tate, Trev and I headed out to Antelope Island for an early hike. We saw Buffalo and Antelope and worked my legs something fierce. It was fun...but definitely a workout (my pics from this are on my camera too...I will keep trying to get them out.)
Sat. was a busy time. Trev went with the Mecham/Forrey/Grow family to Lagoon (thanks for taking him guys!) Tann went shopping with Denise and Kyler (you are brave. BTW Tanner loves the Halo figure!) and Tay and I caught up with Angie, Kirt and the Williams boys, Emilee & Peighty, Macee, Denise, Tenley, Kyler, Scott, & Tyrus, Tyson, JUSTIN (YEAH!!!), Katie, Olivia, Issy, Oakley, Nicki and Devin for a fun time at the pool.
And finally, we had an Anti-reunion get together for the Callister clan. It was very awesome to see everyone and reconnect. We did some gymnastics (Macee rocks!), played some volleyball (yeah Madsens - sorry me and my pancake move suck!), played kickball and football and of course, we ate well!
While some thought the night ended there, The after-party at Dave and Vicki's went well past that. While Tay, Tann, Trev, Austin, Mick and Kyler "slept" on the tramp (after much giggling and jumping and ghost story telling.), Me, Em, Ang, Tate, Melissa, Mikaila & Lexi giggled and talked and drank diet coke into the wee hours of the morning. It was a blast.
There was very little sleep that night. And I felt that the next morning. It sucked to say goodbye (as it always does). We have so much fun while we are together, it's tough to leave. But the amazing thing is that we can stay close even when we are apart.
I have an amazing family who loves us and worries about us and supports and strengthens me when I need it most. I am VERY BLESSED and grateful that the lord has given me such an awesome family. Thanks for all you do. We love you tons.