Eric and Kathy come for visit!

Mark's sister Kathy and her family came to see us in Saint George. We took them on a small to Dixie Rock. Dixie Rock is a Rock cliff that is high above the city. It has some of the greatest views of the city of Saint George and many teenagers like to go there to well you know. We got there kind of late so it was pretty hot when we got done. We had a picnic at the town center park where there is a lot more shade and a water park for the kids. We got ice cream at Judd's Pioneer Store and Eric ran into an old mission companion that he served with in France. All in all we had a great time with Kathy, Eric and the whole family.

A picture of all of us after climbing up Dixie Rock!

This is a view of Saint George from Dixie Rock! If you look near the top of you can see the white Temple.

My brother in law Eric and his daughter Carley getting some needed shade from a tree that some how grew up in one of the slot canyons.

This is my niece Carley and nephew Preston hanging out in one of the red rock coves.

Video of Brianna's Foot Race

Tony Grove!

The above picture is of Tony Gove up Logan Canyon. It is one of my most favorite places on the earth! Mark took this picture a couple of years ago when the wild flowers were in full bloom!!

24th of July Fun!

We had a fun 24th of July weekend! We first attended the Washington City Pioneer Parade. It was fun hometown parade not many expensive floats in this parade! Following the parade everyone walked over to the city park for the famous foot races. They start with 1 year olds and work up to 10 year olds. Brianna participated in the 2 year old girl competition. She had her Nike gear on and was all ready to go but right before the signal to go she got mad at Mark because he was holding on to her so she would not start too early. Because of the tantrum she got a late start but still finished strong! If she could have controlled that Udy temper of hers she may have placed higher. It was so funny to watch and once she got going she was smiling and thinking she was pretty neat. I have a video of the race and if I can figure out how to download it to my blog I will get it for all to see. Luke and Jill's boy Preston also raced in the 3 year old boy competition! After the races we went to Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast. You may think I am a redneck but I love the cracker barrel! Later that night we went to the Washington City Ball Park to watch the fireworks. I was actually really impressed with the fireworks! Brianna got scared and ran into Jill's lap where she fell asleep 5 minutes into the fireworks! The temperature was over 100 degrees and I could not help but think about the early Pioneers who were sent to Saint George to grow cotton. We got into our air conditioned vehicles and drove to our air conditioned homes but they did not have that luxury. I am so appreciative of their faith and tenacity! They would be in awe of the beautiful and flourishing city of Saint George today! I am also thankful they planted many trees when they first entered the valley!

The two Udy families enjoying the Pioneer Day Parade!

Brianna seeking refuge from the sun during the parade!

Brianna wearing her new Nike shoes

Brianna modeling her new Nike shoes on the rock!

One more pose on the rock, Brianna is very much into necklaces right now and insisted on wearing the purple beads for the picture.

Hall Family Visits Saint George!

Ladd, Sally and family came to visit us last week! We had a great visit and it was fun to get to know their 4 teenage boys again. They were a lot of fun and great with Brianna! My Mom, niece Ashley, niece Emily and her daughter Macey also made the trip. We took a tour of some of the LDS Church Sites such as Brigham Young's Winter Home, the historic Saint George Tabernacle and the Saint George Temple grounds. Ladd and Sally then treated us to dinner and tickets to Tuachan's Sound of Music. The next day we woke up bright and early to go to Zion's National Park. We were able to be there when the park opened and leave by 12:30 before the real heat of the day set in. We had a great time seeing the sites and just visiting with one another. Thanks for the fun visit and all the meals and entertainment. We welcome you back anytime. Mark and I hope to visit Ladd and Sally's family in Charlotte, North Carolina next Spring!

Zion's Canyon with the Hall Family

My sister Sally's 4 teenage boys balancing on a log in the Virgin River in Zions

Sally and her family taking a picture at Weeping Rock in Zions.

Brianna venturing out into the Virgin River bed and the start of the famous Zion Canyon Narrows!

4th of July Weekend!

We headed up North for the 4th of July weekend to escape the heat and visit with beloved family members. Sally and Peggy were in town with their families. Peggy and Roger were also helping Mckell pack all her stuff and make the move to San Franciso. We are excited for Mckell and the new adventures and experiences she will have there. The day of the 4th we had a big family breakfast at Mom's house and then ventured to Park City for the day. We rode the alpine coaster and zip-line it was really fun and the weather was fantastic! The temp was in the low to mid 80s and there was cloud cover most of the day. We then returned to Brigham City and watched the fireworks at Mike and Angie's house! It was great to sit and visit with everyone and my brother-in-law Kam made a DVD of all the pictures taken that day and set it to patriotic music. Thanks Kam! I love this Country and the freedoms we enjoy! I hope as a people we will stay humble and grateful and always give credit to God for this great promise land that we live on!!

4th of July Fun!!

Brianna and Macey showing off their cute 4th of July outfits!



We made homemade root beer and had root beer floats and Pizza at Mike and Angie's house. We also watched the Brigham City fireworks which in my opinion are the best small town fireworks in the U.S.A.