SUMMER TIME

It has been a fantastic summer to say the least! Instead of boring you all with a long summary of all the fun things we did I will just make a list (in no particular order) with a brief description. Today we were trying to remember all the great things we did this summer and I hope we didn't forget any. Feel free to read them one at a time. *You are strongly encouraged not to read all at once as the result would be similar to the feeling you get when you have had too much candy or sweets.

1. Vegas: Ry had a Dental Simulation course in June at UNLV. He really enjoyed it and was complimented on his work while there. While Ryan was in classes I got in some much needed tanning! oh yes! I also walked around the hotel and checked out the artists and various other things going on in Vegas. There was an artist who did all his work with spray paint and I was hypnotized by the work. It was awesome! Later the same night we started our joy walk which turned into an epic journey to find the Salsa Cantina. I say it turned into an epic journey because we ended up walking over four miles in the search for this Mexican restaurant we had enjoyed on a previous trip. It was well worth it.

2. Graduation: That's right I actually and finally graduated! There was much rejoicing and celebration. Enough said.

3. John: This is my brother and he returned from his mission in July. We were very excited and had fun spending time with him for a few days. John met his new brother in law for the first time and greatly approved of Ryan.

4. Telos: Telos stands for full potential in Greek. Telos is a residential treatment center for boys. I work at Telos. Is there any confusion about Telos? I say this because when I became employed by Telos and tried to tell my family about it they and everyone else got that look on their faces which clearly indicated complete confusion. I hope by defining it first there is no confusion. I really enjoy working there and although the boys have their ups and downs they are great!

5. Current Creek: Ryan and I had my two youngest brothers over for a Cowboy Camp. We showed them the "Faddis Farm" and let them feed the baby cows and ride the horses. They learned how to shoot a gun and we took them on an overnight camp trip to Current Creek where we fished. Ryan was surprised when no one caught anything because he had never been when he hadn't caught lots of fish. I wasn't so surprised because the Welling curse is to not ever catch anything. Ryan brought a CO2 pellet gun with him and taught Nate, Jake, and I how to shoot a smaller gun. Ryan decided to shoot at a really annoying woodpecker and got it. Ryan showed the boys and talked to them about it. Jake asked if they could see what the meat would look like. Ryan showed the boys how to skin a bird and then he cooked it upon Jake's request. Jake said it tasted delicious and Nate said it was OK. This was the first thing they decided to tell my parents when they went home. Boys will be boys I guess.

6. One Year Anniversary: Ryan surprised me with a trip to Yellowstone. He planned out where we would go and picked out a couple cabins for us to stay in. It was very cute and romantic of him. I love him! We had alot of fun in Jackson Hole and then in West Yellowstone. It was a great weekend getaway! Thanks Love!! *And really...what is all this talk about the first year being the hardest? I thought it was great.

7. Fish Lake: Going to Fish Lake is something the Faddis Family has done every summer for a really long time. This was the first time I went and I loved fishing off the pontoon boat. I loved it because I actually caught fish. I guess the Welling curse has been lifted now that I am a Faddis. YAY! It was great to spend time with family and start a new tradition.

8. Lake Powell: My parents invited us all to celebrate John's homecoming. They decided the best way to have fun as a family was to rent a houseboat and go to Lake Powell for a week. Boy were they right! We had blast!! We spent all our time wake boarding, skiing, exploring, wave running, swimming, gaming, eating, tanning, and some of us burning. We had a beach area to ourselves and had so much time hearing John's mission adventures and everyone elses stories. What a great vacation!

9. Disneyland: After being home for a few weeks we headed to Disneyland with Ry's family. We had a great time at California Adventures and found a few rides we really enjoyed in Disneyland. The boys did great with all of us girls shopping after dinner every night. We had a great time feeling the magic and watching the kids have so much fun!

10. 50 year Celebration: My mom had her 50th birthday party! My dad surprised my mom with a week full of exciting party plans. The best of which included ALL of her children. My dad flew out both my older brothers from their coastal residents. Among the celebration we had a really nice dinner where we wished her a happy birthday and let her know how much we love her. My mom is the greatest! I hope I can accomplish as much as she has in fifty years. Love you Mom!

11. Build it Strong Boys, Build it Strong: My dad was an honored Alumni for BYU. He gave a lecture entitled Build it Strong Boys, Build it Strong. This title was inspired by Brigham Young. My dad talked about his career so far and the things he has learned from his years of experience. He reminded us to remember the Lord in all the work we do and to do our best. After the speech there was a luncheon on his honor where he was given a plaque. My dad is the greatest and it was awesome to finally hear him lecture. It isn't something I will soon forget. You are the best Dad! Love you!

Haven't we had just the best summer ever! I think so! Among all these big things there were many small things as well. Ry and I are so very blessed. Thanks to all of you who played a part in all our fun!