Rodeo Gone Rogue

The rodeo was quite chilly this year-- we were bundled up.

Craziest moment of the rodeo had nothing to do with a bucking bronco or raging bull.  No.  It was when the sky diver carrying the Utah state flag was aiming for the big orange square in the middle of the arena.  Sadly (and let's just blame the weather), he missed.  He barely cleared the railing at the top of the bleachers-- barely cleared the heads of the people in the stands---- and definitely did NOT clear the railing into the arena.  In fact, he clipped Ben's arm,  who was trying to get good footage/pics of the American flag landing, just as he body slammed the railing.  It was really quite shocking.

In a strange way, I think it will make me appreciate future skydivers even more.  They make it look so easy.  In all the years we've been going to the rodeo, the skydivers have been flawless.  I mean, how hard can it be if it's always executed perfectly?  

Let it be known, it must be harder than it looks and it is not always executed perfectly.

The city representatives throw these little blue balls into the stand.  Of course the kids try to catch them, but then the go underneath the bleachers to collect the ones that fell through.  

Both Cannon and Landen got to help bring out the huge American flag.  Landen is somewhere on the other side, but Cannon is bottom right.

This picture was not at all posed.  Some poor cowboys was getting dragged behind his horse (or something along those lines) and the audience was reacting.  Based on his expression, Abe was very alarmed.  Isn't rodeo the strangest sport in 2026?  

He loves his Momma.

This is Peter's "I have been WRONGED" look.  He did get dollar from the cash cow, but he reportedly was robbed by another kid who grabbed the ten dollar bill he had out of his hand.  

Hooray for another successful year at the rodeo!

Momma's Day and Poppa's Day

 

Momma's Day was perfection.  This was our gang at church...

... But later in the day, we had everyone.  Which is my favorite thing in the whole wide world-- having all my people together, enjoying each other's company.  

It is tradition for Abe to give me a musical card-- the kind that plays a pop song when you open it.

And then we all dance to it.

I felt very loved all day.  Greta made the purple flower on the right side.  When I turned over each petal it has a word that described me.  So sweet!

Abe plants marigolds the Saturday before Mother's Day every year and I love them.

And now for Father's Day

Here is a very cute story about Abe and Father's Day.  As you may know, Abe is very much a fan of tradition, and one of those traditions is taking a family picture on the front steps.  

Whereas,  this year was a year when we had everyone at our place on Mother's Day, this was kind of our "off" year for Father's Days and our "marrieds" were with the in-laws.  They all planned to swing by at some point during the day to give him a hug and wish him a happy day, but it likely wouldn't be at the same time-- so no picture.  Sadness for Abe.  He decided he would piecemeal the picture and just take individuals with them as they came.  

With Faith and Landen...

With Elinor and Hunter

With Clark and Brianna and Cannon

But then--- much to Abe's surprise-- they all (except Elinor and Hunter) stepped away from their in-laws for a very quick pic all together.  They planned it as a gift to Abe.  How cute is that?

End of May, Beginning of June

Abe and I enjoyed accompanying Cannon to his final choir banquet.  Kudos to Mr. Clegg for moving things along in a timely manner:) 

Cannon and his friend Andrew were both given Special Recognition Awards/Outstanding Bass.

Spock 

Glamour Shots by Deb

Seminary Graduation for Cannon

We love Bishop Rupp

Cannon and Nathan Matz (Ben's youngest brother) are good friends

We hosted a little graduation party for the three seniors in my family-- Kaylee, Takara, and Cannon.  We had decorated the big white tent in the backyard for the occasion.  Sadly, the weather was not cooperative and we were rather crammed indoors.  Oh, well.  It was still great to be together and celebrate these three.

Kaylee is a very talented actress and will be studying musical theater at UVU in the fall.  Cannon is also a rather talented chap, so naturally, I have been longing to hear them perform together.  My dreams came true, and I loved every second of it!

Are you kidding me??? 

George went to FSY the first week of summer and had a great week. His summer has been very front loaded with FSY at BYU, Driver's Ed at Corner Canyon, Ballet Summer Intensive, and Young Men's Camp.  And all this was done before the 4th of July festivities began.  In addition to all that, his band (Redwood Revival) has been preparing and performing at multiple gigs.  At this point, I think he just wants to hole up in his room and tinker.  Actually, his big summer project is building a mini-bike from scratch.  

In preparation for going to the Temple and heading to Paris for his mission, Cannon was ordained to the Offoce of Elder in June.  I love these milestone events on the Covenant Path. 

It makes my heart so happy that so much of the family to support him.  

Memorial Day 2026

Ahhh!  Memorial Day-- IT'S THE BEST!  It's family, it's the start of summer, it's a heart of gratitude for those who have gone before and sacrificed so much. 

Aunt Diane is the granddame of this family gathering, and we are so glad to have her with us. We miss Uncle Lane.

The originals of our Fox Family-- plus Daniel:)

The Nine All Together!

It was such a treat to have everyone this year.  

Standing around telling and listening to stories.

Grandma and Charlie

Charlie and Daniel

Grandpa and Daniel

Grandpa, Charlie, Grandma, and Daniel.  Oh, they are so delicious!

This year we found pictures of those ancestors we visit, and we printed and laminated them.  We thought it would helpful to put faces to names.

After a picnic lunch we headed to Memory Grove, and for the first time in ALL our years of visiting, the small prayer chapel was open!  So we went in and admired the stained-glass windows- each one honoring a branch of the military- Army, Marines, Navy, and Airforce

Here is my dad standing by the Army window holding a picture of his Uncle Hugh who died in action in  WWII

We also printed up the story of his death and had Cannon read it.  My dad's telling of it is better, but we want to make sure we all know the story for future generations.

This visit feels sacred every time.  The sad thing, is Salt Lake City has let weeds grow all over the area with the grave markers.  Next year we will be going a week before and weeding it so it is ready for the visit the next week.

One final stop at Brigham Young's grave

I love my beautiful nieces!

Cutie little newlyweds-- I love how much they love coming to family events

Landen's parents joined us for a Memorial Day cookout - and playing games.  It was a lovely evening!