The Last Sunday Dinner at 725 West

Today the siblings who live in Utah enjoyed the last Sunday dinner in the home we grew up in. My parents have lived in this house since I was 6 months old and are now moving to west Layton. It was a bit of a sad day for me as we have enjoyed many wonderful years here. Over dinner we all laughed about all the holes in the walls, the times dad was most mad, toilet papering, all the old dogs and of course the many of dead cats (if you don't know Lifferth history, somehow cats and our car wheels had a fatal attraction growing up). I brought our camera to take pictures of some of the memories and traditions that have been created. My brothers teased me as I took pictures of every room. Lame I know, but I so loved growing up here.

 Every sunday everyone helps in the kitchen as we all talk about the past week. Mom always makes a yummy spread of salad, mashed potatoes, roast, Rhodes rolls and home made strawberry jam.

Every sunday we eat crackers and cheese while preparing dinner, and every Sunday we have guests over that my parents somehow find. This week we had our German Cousins, Juergan and Dustin.

After Dinner, Grandpa Lifferth makes banana milkshakes. All the kids line up on the bar stools and dance in anticipation for the treat. It's true, Grandpa milkshakes always taste better.

 The older grandkids generally create some 'lovely' play or talent show, today was no different.

 While the adults are finishing dinner we usually receive an 'invitation' to the kick ball game happening 'in 5 minutes sharp!" It occasionally comes with a threat at the bottom like "BE THERE OR ELSE".

 Today Grandma and Grandpa planned a 'ground breaking ceremony' at their new lot. Carlie picked up some hats for the kids to decorate and wear. Grandpa Lifferth made sure each hat said VIP on it.

 Grandma Lifferth bought special shovels for each of the Grandkids. Juergan and Dustin joined in the ceremony.

Grandma Murray never skips out on the fun.

 Grandma yelled, "Start Digging!". So they did!

 Then they just kept on digging

and digging

and digging! Jake took a break from the hard work.

Great Grandma Murray, Trish and I doing the can, can. Not sure why but we are. Please notice Great Grandma's pointed toe. The lady would never do a can, can without a pointed toe.

All the kids took the job pretty serious. I think they thought they might really find a house under all that dirt. Eventually, dirt was thrown, someone was crying, one was bleeding, so the night came to an end as it always does. The only difference is that we wont be going back to our old house on 725 West. The plans for the next one should better accomadate all the grandkids as well as provide a bigger gathering place for all the Sunday dinners yet to come. How grateful I am for the old traditions that created our memories together and our new traditions that keep our family united.

Note: I posted 3 new posts tonight!

Happy 30th Birthday Mitch!

 On the 9th of July Mitch turned 30 years old so we decided to throw a little party. Mitch loves to eat home made crepes so that is what we served! I whipped up all the batter and Grandma Sherrill and Grandma Kathy cooked crepes for everyone. Such great cooks! We had strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, whip cream, etc, etc., etc. Mitch and I love having people over but our house gets a little tight with a crowed so we brought the fun to the front yard. We invited the whole neighborhood, family, and friends (if you're feeling sad that you did not get invited sorry, I posted it on facebook, maybe we should become friends. :)  ) and had a great turn out! People kept saying, "so is this a surprise party?" Um, no it was not. That is mostly because when it comes down to it, I would end up bursting and having to tell him all about my secret plan. However, I did keep the pinata a surprise up until 5 hours before, like I said I just end up bursting and having to tell him about it. He did roll his eyes when I brought the "Pirate Pinata" up from the basement. I think secretly, in his heart, deep down, he loved the little pirate.

 Here is Mr. Pirate, about to walk the plank...

 The millions of kids just dying to take a swing at that poor guy. Please imagine the Mexican music blaring in the background. I turned it on to 'set the mood'. he he he

Ellie pouting a little bit because she only got 50 pieces of candy instead of 52. I swear that girl could sniff out candy like a drug sniffing k9. She absolutely loves anything sweet.

It was a perfect evening. Somehow I missed a picture of Mitch, go figure. Happy 30th Sweetie Pie!

East Canyon and Good Friends

 A few weeks ago we invited some old college roomies camping at East Canyon park. There is a fun group of us who all met their spouses in the same ward at the same time at Utah State which is really fun because we can all remember and relate to each other. Now we all have kids and we laugh as we all try to figure out what to do with them!

 Mitch and Eric getting a little too close on the Jet ski. Mitch and Eric were 'room' roommates. Obviously, they were close.

 What a happy guy. Mister Max is one smiley baby. He spent the day chillin in a chair, catchin some Z's.

 The less Ellie bites other kids, the cuter she gets. She is finally coming out of the stage of clawing, and biting (most of the time) and is such a joy these days. She LOVES playing on the beach. She does not care to ride on the jet ski's as she always yells "slow down" and hits our hand off the throttle. However, get this girl on the tube with Dad and she will keep her thumb in the air to signal "faster, faster!" Mitch and I are constantly saying how much we love these two little buddies of ours.

Setting up camp. We love camping as long as there is some grass (I love KOA's), showers and running toilets! I know what has become of me?!

Here is our friend Julie and Z playing on the beach. So fun!

Here are the boys pulling away from the beach. What a riot. Once we got the kids off the tube Mitch took Lance, Eric, and Julie (all seperately) on a ride on the tube. He seriously rocked them. When they asked Mitch and I if we wanted a ride on the tube we both were quick to say NO. Both of us grew up with a boat and have been beat up way too many times on them. Or maybe we are just old...  :) You decide. I prefer a good ski, and Mitch prefers the air chair. Lucky for us, our little 1995 jet ski can get both toys up, we drink a little water while it gets up to speed, but eventually we get up!

Here are Mitch and Ellie setting up camp. She is always so helpful. In fact, that may be the tent pole we lost. Such is life I guess!