One Wild Weekend

Tim and I decided to take advantage of our long weekend and head to Utah to visit family.
My parents were very nice to watch the grand kids while the siblings headed out to the 2011 Stadium of Fire!
I am very bummed because I forgot my camera (for the entire weekend) but Kristen snapped a few pictures with her phone. Tim and I had a fantastic time!

There were 4 parachuters who landed on the field. They were coming down so fast I stressed each time one landed. The last one carried the American Flag and as he came down, it hit a fence which knocked a camera man down and the military guys picked the flag up, but no one even helped the camera man!

I was pretty excited to see David Archuleta. I watched him through American Idol 3 years ago! He did a great job and has a beautiful voice.
I was also excited to see Brad Paisley. He sang several good songs. The fireworks show was awesome! They coordinated it with the music just like the water show at the Bellagio in Vegas.
Here is the main reason we drove 8 hours each way this weekend:
Tim and I tried to keep the kids busy and came up with a game where they had to carry these ginormous stuffed animals as they ran across the lawn. It was pretty funny; I'll post a video soon. Tim was a hit with the kids. He had them race up to the animal and tackle it. (Picture courtesy of Kristen's Blog :)

The entire Lotz family celebrated with a picnic at Uncle Terry's where we talked to cousins and took a BIG family picture.
We tried to take a family picture, but dad forgot to take his sunglasses off and I am hidden behind him. At least we're a cute family.
We had a great weekend! Happy Independence Day!

My Dad

I'm not very good and Mother's and Father's Day, and I didn't even send my dad a card or gift this year (he's the hardest person in the world to buy for), so I thought the least I can do is to dedicate this post to him of just a few of the things I love about him.
I always considered myself a "Daddy's Girl." Though I have more than I can write, some of my favorite memories from growing up are him coming home from work and smelling like the car air fresheners as I run up to hug him, going on walks with him, dad being the one up when I get home from late nights in high school, and wrestling dad (or watching TJ get beat by dad) for our family home evening activity.
His favorite saying, or so it seems, is "Life's not fair." That is what he always said to me as I complained of school, grades, boys, and life. I never liked when he said it, but I know it's true, and I occasionally imagine him saying it to me whenever I find myself complaining in my mind.
My dad is cool. He (and my mom) get into really fun activities like mini-biking, paintball, and currently shooting. We used to go camping a lot and on a few bike rides as a family. I never worry about being bored in St. George.
He also has a good sense of humor. Last summer I was driving with Kristen in Northern Utah and we were supposed to be following my parents but ended up following the wrong van and taking a little detour. Later, we pulled up behind them and he had written on the back window, "Follow this van!"
He is a great example of working hard and accomplishing goals. He went back to get his Certified Respiratory Therapist degree while I was at Dixie and I can still remember seeing him on campus. It was fun! Not only that, but then he carried out his dream and started his own business. He works really hard.
I am lucky to have such a great dad. He doesn't always get to spend a lot of time with his grandkids, but they love him so much, too. This picture is just my favorite.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you!