Aunt Julie's Ranch

Today Savannah, Jacob and I took a trip down to Aunt Julie's ranch in Spring Lake. (Jonah was at his Chinese Immersion Camp). The kids had a blast feeding the horses . . .

riding the tractor . . .

picking fresh vegetables at Tony's farm (oh they made the best salsa!) . . .

drinking at the same time and playing with the dogs. It is always a treat to go to Julies and have so much fun! Thanks for the good times Jules!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple - July 30, 2009

Yesterday we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. I love that before the Church dedicates a temple for sacred work anyone who is interested can go inside and see what they are like. The kids have always wanted to go inside a temple and so they were really excited to do this.

Before we entered they had tents up where you could watch a short movie about why we have temples and why they are so important to us here on Earth. Then we were able to go inside and see all of the rooms. It was neat to be able to tell the kids what we do there and share this experience with them.

I guess it was a little sunny as the kids couldn't look at the camera without covering their eyes. Oh well, we will take what we can get. :)

"Y" Mountain

Y Mountain is called that because of the big Y on the mountain. :) Yes, for BYU. This is directly behind our house and it was a hike we were hoping to get the kids in shape for to do at the end of the summer. Well on Saturday we decided to see how far we could go for practice and we made it to the top with no complaints. (This first picture is right before we approached the "Y.")

This is on the Y.

On Sunday my dad asked if we wanted to hike the Y Monday morning. I told him that we had just done it the day before, but I asked my kids if they wanted to do it again. They were all for it. (The Brigham Young University campus is below. This is where Dustin and I went to school. Utah lake is in the background. Beautiful views.)

I really can't believe they did it twice in three days. Even Jacob did it all on his own. They are amazing! (1/2 way back down).

On top of the Y.

Pioneer Day - July 24th

Did you know in Utah the 24th of July is a holiday? Yes, it is Pioneer Day. The day we celebrate the Mormon Pioneers settling the Salt Lake Valley. To celebrate we went to my parents neighborhood and participated in their neighborhood parade. The kids dress in pioneer or patriotic clothing and loop threw the neighborhood throwing candy to all those who come to watch. The kids were so excited to be in a parade, and thanks to Aunt Julie Savannah had some pioneer clothes to wear. She loved them!

Cute Max

My sister just sent these picutes of Max. I know he has had a hard time lately. The face and arm scrubbing has been really painful for him, but look how cute he is. Doing so well after just 3 days. I love this guy.

All wrapped up. What a trooper.

What A Week - Lake Powell '09

I don't know where to begin with this post as I am quite emotional at the moment. The week started out a good one. Lots of surfing, tubing and sun. Cousins hanging out and lots of laughter. This is the first time in a long time where the whole Murphy family has been able to come to Lake Powell at the same time. Awesome.


One trip to the ER for stitches in Jackson's ankle, but all is well. That is until our last day (Saturday) on the lake. Steve and Max were fixing the Wave Runner that wasn't running well, when the thing blew. Steve and Max flew in different directions into the lake and came out with serious burns, singed hair and in a lot of pain. Everyone did what they could to help. Ointments, ice, cold water, blessings, fire fighting, babysitting and love. Rhett, Angie and Jess took them and Stacy to the marina where they were life flighted and ambulanced to different hospitals. By the end of the night they were both at the Burn Unit in Phoenix where they remain at this time.


At one point they were going to intubate Steve (for 3 days min) and possibly Max, but Steve put up a fight. I guess this was good, because his lungs are doing well. They have been so strong through this. I am sure a lot of pain and a definite roller coaster. But we have great news today. Steve was released and will stay with Max and Stacy, and Max will be there for probably a couple of more days. They don't think there will be scaring or skin grafts on the face and they are healing well so far. We feel so blessed as this could have been much worse, but I still ask for all your prayers on their behalf.


We have had tremendous support from neighbors, friends and family. Thank you. My personal thoughts and prayers go out to Stephanie and Christian Nielson www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com and her family as they have gone through so much over the past year dealing with their burns from their plane crash. Her mom came over last night as we got in and her brother to see my parents as they got in. What a great and kind family.


Last night as we talked to Jonah about Stephanie in relation to Max and Steve he asked if he could pray for her as well. I feel so blessed to have a boy with such a tender heart.

We are truly blessed.

* Added note: Tues. July 14th - Stephanie and Christian were down in Phoenix yesterday and stopped in to visit Max and family. They said Stephanie and Christian were precious and the experience was touching. What amazing people. Max and Steve are doing well on their recovery, but they say the scrubbing down of the face and arms are very painful.

4th of July

Balloon Festival with the kids

Parade with Lindsay, Jess, Jessie, Kalob, and Pappy

BBQ Party at Mom and Dads with all our cousins. Didn't get a lot of pictures, but had a great time catching up with everyone.

Cult-a-sac of Fire!

Jacob sums up our day. Fell asleep as he got out of the bath, continued to stay asleep as we lotioned him and dressed him. What a day.

Timpanogos Cave

Moving home has had it's advantages. Pappy always has great adventure planned for the family. June 29th we hiked to Timpanogos cave. The hike was beautiful and the cave was incredible.

Group picture: Megan, Taylor, Payton, Max, Mckay, Murphy, Pappy, Rhett, Angie, Kenzie, Mallory, Bo, Jonah, Savannah, Kate and Jackson.

Don't Fall!