The Time Has Come...

If blogger will behave, I think I'll update my blog with pictures (since I'm a month (!) behind).

Here's what we've been up to.

A fun-filled week to Utah for 12 days:

First, we spent a couple of days with my sister and her family at the "Smith Hotel" (my parent's house while they are on their mission). We played, talked, went swimming, and made an excuse to eat at one of Chad's favorite Utah spots: Crown Burger.Then, we headed to Tooele to spend time with the Hancock-side of the family. The Pyros (Hancocks with a predisposition for fire) held a private firework show on the 3rd of July. We were glad to report there were no injuries, but a few scares when the fireworks visited the grass area. We had a good Hancock showing for the 5K the next day. Chad and Julie ran along with Steve, Zach, Jared, Pauline, Kim, Libby, and Luke (via stroller, of course). Some of us hobbled around with sore muscles for a couple of days...but that's the good kind of sore. We collected plenty of candy from the parade and then went to the church pavillion for a picnic. Grandma made her infamous potato salad. Chad was in heaven, potato salad heaven that is.

Next the Hancock families visited Lagoon. The kids (and Chad) really love this place. It was a different experience this year, because most of the kids can ride the big rides. Jenna was excited to be tall enough to ride "The Bat." Jason proved to be the most fearless. He rode Colassus twice! (Although we're not fully convinced that he loved it...I think he just endured it.) He did, however, LOVE Wicked (a ride that goes straight up and then straight down). Chad was thrilled to have a fearless riding partner.

One of our excuses for going to Utah in July was to be able to take our kids to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. This was a chance for the kids to see inside a temple and feel the Spirit there. Chad and I both remember attending the Jordan River Temple Open House when we were little. It made a profound impact in our memories. I thought it was interesting that this temple was only a few miles from the Jordan River Temple.

Most of the Hancock family was able to attend (minus those at school, at work, in CA, or in Oregon). We were able to sit in a sealing room together at the end of the tour. It was very special to look around the room at these people whom I adore and love. How grateful I am for the knowledge that families ARE forever! I had a greater resolve to live worthy to be with them in the hereafter. I also felt a longing for those of the family who weren't with us that day...I truly missed them.

Ok, this is going to be too long of a post...so I guess my July update is going to come in sections. Get ready---a story to go down in Hancock History (maybe folklore) is coming up next.