Reunion Pics Part Two

July 4th Pics - Part 1

Here are some additional pictures I took of some of my siblings and their family members during our 4th of July festivities.  There were too many to post at one time, so I'll post the second half in a day or two.

Enjoy!

A Fantastic Fourth

We had a fantastic 4th of July celebration this year!

The past few years, my parents have held their reunion on the 4th.  This year, all of the siblings were able to attend and it was so fun to have everyone there together!  We actually started things the night before with a fireworks display at my parents' house.

(This is where I'd normally insert some pictures, but I didn't bring my camera that evening.  The funny thing is I'd even grabbed some spare batteries for it on my way out the door.)

The next day, we met up with my family for lunch.  We normally spend the morning at the park in LaVerkin and participate in their festivities, but Krissia had a Miss Washington County appearance in the St. George parade.  After lunch, we had a great time cooling off in Micah's pool:


Mathison preparing to jump off the diving board

 Jefferson is ready for the big plunge

Shawnee is showing off her special summer glow

Taking a quick break at the wall

I wish I had a tan like Krissia's !!









Later that evening, we met at my parents' house for games, dinner, and a talent show.  Here's what the Beatty family did this year:

This is our attempt at a pyramid.  Mathison felt a little unstable at the top, so he just sprawled out on top of Krissia and Jefferson :)

Jefferson called up his grandparents to compete in a "name that tune" activity with music from the 60's:

The amazing Spider"Mat":

The evening ended with movies and a sleepover on the lawn.  Krissia and Jefferson stayed to represent our family; Mathison was too cranky to stay and DEl and I would much rather sleep in a bed.

This year, it really struck home that our family dynamic is changing.  The kids are growing up; Krissia and Bronson both had to work during part of the reunion.  DEl was busy finishing up some Miss Nevada stuff, so there were times when I found myself with only Jefferson and Mathison.  With both of the older kids moving out this summer, I guess I'd better get used to this new "normal". 

Trip to SLC

Last week was Miss Utah and Mathison's follow up appointment at Primary Children's.  Del, Mathison, and I drove to SLC on Monday; first on our agenda was Mathison's appointment with his orthopaedic surgeon.  Mathison's surgical sites are healing well, but the achilles tendon positioning of the foot is not quite where the doctor wants it to be.  Mathison was fitted for a walking boot which he is to wear the next few weeks before moving into a nighttime brace.  We hope his little foot gets its proper position and strength soon!

That evening was the "Show Me Your Shoes" parade for the Miss Utah contestants.  This fun event was held at Gardiner Village in West Jordan.  Mathison's favorite part was the candy thrown by the contestants:

The next morning we had a trip planned to Hogle Zoo.  The weather couldn't have been better - it was in the upper 70's to low 80's.  We kept hearing other patrons complaining about how hot it was; they obviously weren't from St. George :)  Mathison had three favorite things at the zoo:

The train ride:

The carousel:

And, the playground:

He couldn't have cared less about the animals!



Here are a few more pictures taken at the playground:

While at the zoo, I took this sweet picture of Mathison and DEl:

Later that evening, the three of us had an adventure downtown.  We went to the Gateway, rode the train, and visited Temple Square:

Mathison loved the Tabernacle - especially the organ pipes, which he recognized from the front of the LDS hymn book.

The next day was Wednesday, which was the first night of the Miss Utah competition.  We spent the day swimming and shopping, then had an early dinner before dropping Mathison off at a sitter's house for the evening.  It was so fun to watch the pageant in support of Miss Dixie College, Jessica Baird.

The next morning Mathison and I drove back to St. George, while Krissia traveled to SLC to be with DEl for the remainder of Miss Utah.  Watching the pageant really motivated her to begin preparations now for her turn at Miss Utah next year.  It seems so weird that we'll be there supporting our daughter next year; I don't know if DEl and I are quite ready for that level of nervousness!

She Has What it Takes

What is a good Miss Washington County made of?

First, she must be presentable in the production number:

Then, simply stunning in her swimsuit:

It helps to be terrific in talent:

She must be intelligent in interview:

And finally, she should look elegant in an evening gown:

The judges must have agreed with my assessment, because last Saturday night...

Krissia was crowned as the new Miss Washington County!!

She did so well and we are very proud of our daughter.  Krissia had a lot of friends and family there supporting her; even her three brothers came to watch their sister:

Something which made the night even more special is that there were five title holders - past and present - from the same family in attendance.  My mother, myself, and two of my sisters (Nicole and Shawnee) have also won the Miss Washington County crown.  Here we are - three generations and five winners from the same family:

I think it's something special!

We look forward to a busy year supporting Krissia in this adventure and can hardly wait to cheer her on at Miss Utah next summer :)