Our stake, Kearns Utah West, was invited to participate in this years Pioneer Day Youth Parade, a traditional parade held each year prior to the famed Pioneer Day Parade, celebrating the day the Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The theme was of pioneers past , present, and future, and each stake built a float with that in mind. Primary children, ages 3-12, marched behind their float, along with parents and leaders. Since Halie and I are the early risers of the household, I took her and two other children, Elijah and Asachea, from our ward.
Elijah, Asachea, and Halie waiting for the parade to begin.
In front of our stake float, representing some of the inventions that have come since the handcart. I believe they were inventions out of Utah. Our float was 47 of 50 entries, so it was a looonnngggg wait!
After the parade, there were these several blow-up slides for the kids to play on, along with many games, face painting, and treats. We stayed long enough to play on the slides.
Elijah coming down head first.
Asachea.
The kids were troopers walking all over town after parking, the 4 blocks to the front and then the end of the parade. It got to over 90, so we used up a lot of our water and snacks. It was a fun outing for the kids, and it was on TV!
Karen's mom and Mike.
Halie and Josh.
Josh and Jordan having a conversation.
Karen, Josh and Sheila doing some Wii dancing. 
Lexi doing her version.
The girls preparing some meals.
Josh (7) is growing up fast and having a great life with Mike and Karen. It's nice that he has the option to get to know his birth family, and vice versa. It's fun being a part of their lives. They are an awesome family
The girls: Halie(6), Lexi (2) Kristin (10) Maren (4), and Makenna (22 months)
The boys: Tanner (6), Cameron (7) Hayden (9) Tyler (9), Jordan (3 months)
Rosie took this in front of her house... on top, Hayden, Tyler, Kristin, Jordan. Middle Halie, Tanner, Camron. Bottom Maren, Alexis, and Makenna.
Oldest Kristin (10), and youngest Jordan (3 months)
Everyone at Rosie's pool...Jenn,Tanner, Makenna, me, Halie and Maren.
Tanner, Jenn and Makenna
David playing a game with the older kids...Camron, Tyler, Kristin and Hayden.
Hayden, Tyler, Kristin, Camron.
Hayden dove the closest to the side of the pool. Cute little jump and arch dive.
Lexi and Sheila
Moms and tots
Rosie the babe.
Pixie Makenna.
Maren gaining confidence.
Moms and Makenna.
Tanner just loving it!
It rained while we swam, and then....
Elijah, Asachea, and Halie waiting for the parade to begin. 
In front of our stake float, representing some of the inventions that have come since the handcart. I believe they were inventions out of Utah. Our float was 47 of 50 entries, so it was a looonnngggg wait!
After the parade, there were these several blow-up slides for the kids to play on, along with many games, face painting, and treats. We stayed long enough to play on the slides.
Elijah coming down head first.
Asachea. 
The following day we hooked up with Rosie and family at their community pool.
Halie and Jon.
Camron.
Rosie and Kristin.
Tyler and his snorkling gear.
Kristin goofing off.
Cousins, Halie and Kristin.
Sheila, Jordan, Von and Lexi.
Rosie, family and cousin's baby.
Lexi and Camron. Camron looks so big next to her! Rosie's kids love little ones, and like to play with them. 
Tanner (6)
Maren (4)
Makenna (22 months), and Lexi (2 and 1/2)
Maren
Makenna
All 4 checking out the water hole. Hayden (9) is the oldest.
Group shot of everyone.
