Howell's Near and Far

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for putting together such a fun family outing up American Fork canyon at Mutual Dell. It was a beautiful day and very fun to spend time with family, some of whom we haven't seen in a long time. I have such fond memories of ward outings at the Dell. The lodge has changed a lot but still is a gorgeous place to be. It was fun to reminisce. The kids enjoyed kickball and the zip line and just wished we had more time for volleyball. It made for a great start to the Father's Day weekend. Our family only has two Dad's to celebrate. We miss Grandpa Allen, Jory's dad who died in a car crash in 1994. Many times as I look at Jory in his "thinking stance" it looks just like Allen. They are very much alike. Jory carries on his legacy of being calm, hardworking, patient, loving, generous, spiritual and having a great love for the out of doors and family. My dad is also all of these characteristics. We love you so much and appreciate all you do for us. Righteous father's are a great blessing in our lives! Thanks

Okay, funny story. When Brad (not a small guy by any means, all muscle though of course) came down the zip line, Jacob was holding onto the bungee cord, which is the first part you hit at the end to stop you. They had someone hold onto it to buffer the person stopping a little bit. Well it wasn't Brad that needed buffering, Jacob was hurled through the air with his hands on the rope for a while and his legs being propelled through the air like some great kung fu move before he landed and rolled in the dirt. We were glad he missed the rocks close by. He was flung with such force that he really could have been hurt. Jacob did it all with great grace and we all had a good laugh.