BLACKSMITH CANYON 2009

This was our first adventure to "the canyon" this year...We waited and waited for the rain to stop and when it did we were off with the Keyes and Grandma and Grandpa for another wonderful outing at Blacksmith Fork Canyon. This picture was drawn by Sarah and colored by Dawnell. I thought it was awesome.

This is Peter he was Ben's friend. He was the most determined kid I have ever seen. He spent at least 75% of his time trying to catch a fish. He called her Phyllis and said, "She taunted him". He never caught her...maybe next year.

This is a small water fall up by Hyrum Park. It wasn't much of a waterfall this year cuz the water is still very high. A'leese, Natalie, and Johnny are standing right by it to show that it looks like a ripple instead of a waterfall.

We had Sarah and A'leese stand next to one another to show you the difference between thier color of skin. Cool, huh?

This is Peter, James, and John. . . . needI say more?

Not only was Dawnell our chief cook she manned the first aid station too. This is one of the many times he nursed Rebekah's wounds.

Grandma and Grandpa came up for the day.

Dawnell looking fabulous after 5 days without a shower... PLEASE ...your arms.

Natalie getting warm by the fire after swimming, tubing, and playing in a river that came straight out of Heavenly Fathers ice box. I know I got in.

James tubed down the river in FOUR tubes. He was rolled up inside them like a pig in a blanket. It was amazing watching him come down the river. We weren't quick enough with the camera to catch him in all his glory. However, we did get him getting out with a little assistance from Sarah.

Mattie was with Rebekah. She was a sweetheart. Those two were joined at the hips. Every now and again, if you were lucky, you could catch one without the other. Like in this picture of Mattie swinging off the rope. Of course, Bekah is on the shore cheering :)

Dawnell giving me a head squeeze. I sure do love you Dawn!!!

The girls after a day at the spa(mud baths). Some liked it some well they all liked it... it's fun!!!!

Dawnell relaxing on Ben.

Johnny before.

Grandma and Grandpa playing lawn golf with us.

The kids playing at the mud hole.

Johnny after.

Sarah, Mattie, and Rebeka.

K'Lee -- looking good.

Dawnell working on fixing my tent....(three hours later)... she won!!!!! Thank you Dawnell.

James, Sarah, Johnny, and A'leese (not pictured) floated from a mile up. They said it was "tight".

This was also at the park when we first got there. All the kids piled out and got on the

Merry-go-round. It was neat. All and all it was another awesome trip. The best part spending time with Dawnell by the campfire and eating the food Dawnell cooks. Your a FANTASTIC cook don't let us kid you we LOVE the fact you are the "COOKING QUEEN." See ya all again next month.

Party Olsen Style

We went to the Olsen's for a party... It was suppose to be a camp out but with the summer rain it ended up inside. It was super neat getting to know the Olsen's better. Victoria (Tory) taught Natalie a few songs on the piano and now she plays them all the time.
This is a pic of Elise dancing during the game Curses.

We had plenty to eat. It was dry long enough to barbecue hot dogs, hamburgers, and a couple of steaks. Elise likes to make sure there is plenty to eat.

I showed Tory how to party Perry style... she looks like she's ready to go to celebrate New Years Eve or something.

This is Aubree and Bailey saying the pledge of allegiance... party animals.

Natalie in her party hat.

A'leese and Aubree in theirs...party garb that is.

Joe had to get in on the stuff... I have to admit he pulls it off nicely.

The Ball Family Reunion...2009

What would a outing be without grandpa and his stories? April you are a rockstar!!!!
Natalie and Hersey. What a cool dog.

Dawnell cooking hamburger for tacos. Seems like she is always the "Chef".

What do you get when you mix several generations with love, food, activities, and water (rain) lots and lots of water???? A fantastic family reunion.

Here we are marching of to play in one of the fun-est activities provided( by God).

We laughed and kicked played and splashed, splashed, splashed...Notice who the biggest kid was (center stage.. hint:Karolyn)

What a fun fun thing to do when all you have is rain.

James and Sarah doing what they do best, harassing each other. I am soooo glad the Keyes came they added so much to the trip. The motel had to be experienced by more than just one family:)

K'Lee built a sand castle.

Some of us (the fun group) dove into the water for a COLD dip in the lake.

Here is a pic of the "fun group" at least most of us...

What a crowning finish to a perfect reunion.....Chris you stole everyone at the Perry house's heart. We sure do love you all.
SEE YA AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

Hunting for Asparagus

John's being our sexy Asparagus hunter.... or at least attempting at it.
Natalie is supervising Grandpa while he picks!
Now that's SEXY!!!
Here we are closer to the end of the hunt chewing on our bounty.

I found a *"glory hole" and wasn't about to let anyone else pick from my spot.

A'leese and Grandpa found a good spot even though a lot of the asparagus had gone to seed.

A'leese, Natalie, and K'Lee walking along the canal banks out by Elwood. It was a beautiful day.

K'Lee showing off her loot. We got a grand total of seven bags full...

It was fun.... Grandma and Grandpa always make Asparagus hunting awesome! Thanks for sharing the best spots with us. The only thing missing was Johnny:(

*Glory Hole; is what we call an area loaded with ripe, perfect to pick asparagus.

The Brigham Town Musicians (a play)

Robber one(K'Lee) and robber two(Alyssa) discussing whether or not they should go back into the house they were scared from because of ghosts.
The animals coming straight at the audience brought out one of the best lines from the play. As they plunged forward Bruce (Cierra's grandpa) said, "Here they come!" and the whole audience laughed:)
K'Lee and Cierra were the best! Both had their lines down and they were the superstars of the night. THEY made us proud!!!

Young to Old love... what a gift.

I recently came across this picture of my mother and fathers wedding. They were married forty six years ago, in 1962.

It amazes me how some people can make it through lives storms, together. Anyone who has been married (even for a short time) knows that success in a relationship doesn't just happen. It takes a great deal of work, patience, love, and LONG SUFFERING. I just want to say thank you to all those couples who have gone before me and have shown me that the pay off is worth the price. Mom and Dad your love and loyalty to one another has been an inspiration to those of us looking on. THANK YOU for your example of true love!!!!

Way to go Pam!!!

This is the moment that Pam had waited and worked for, for over a course of twenty years!
She was so happy it was spectacular. I couldn't be prouder of her.
The energy and enthusiasm in during the commencement made me long for the day when it will be my turn. A'leese assured me she would bring her husband and two kids on that day :)