Becoming Brigham

A week ago I had to bring Brigham Young to a Pioneer Celebration @ Sarah's Ward. He came willingly and ready to tell the kids all about the sacrifices of the early Saints.

Chloe appreciated from afar.

This was taken at the end of the process of transforming into Brigham.

Crane family vacation and the 4th!

Here is 1/2 of the reason we are all getting together in Durango. The Crane family vacation was in Durango, Colorado this year and this is mom. Carol Crane. We had all been planning this for over a year and it was finally happening. We camped in cabins, trailers and toy haulers. But with mom and all 7 of her children and as many of their children and grand children as could come we had a grand turn out and a great time was had by all. We sort of took over the campsite, but I don't think the other campers minded much. We gathered together on 3 evenings, Fireside, FHE and potluck night. We were quite a sight but I know that Grandpa was looking down on us and had that silly grin on his face......the one where moisture forms in the outer corners of his eyes............ and he loved every minute of it!

We hoisted our flag to show our patriotism and claimed our cabin for the week.

Sadee and Emma were scouting out the territory for fun.

Chloe was trying out her independence for Independence Day. God Bless America!

Getting a feel for the land.

After we first arrived in Durango we checked out our surroundings and found them to be suitable. The porches were inviting and the rocky river full of cold water was tempting.

Here is Ross and Jenny checking out down below our cabins. Julie and Greg's cabin was next to ours.

Hooray for the U. S. of A

The first night after we arrived in Durango we went down town to watch fireworks. It was really a great show and we all loved feeling patriotic.

The girls shared some of the Compton's pizza with them. (they are so nice.)

We also walked over to the Baskin Robbins for an ice cream cone. You can't get any more Americana than that, I guess.

Oh, what a beautiful morning!

The next morning after we got to Durango was beautiful and clear. The river was running right in front of our porch. It was cool and sunny. A nice break from the Arizona mid-summer heat.

Work for your supper.....

Emma and Sadee got into the spirit of camping out. They helped cook and wash up. Daddy tried to make Sadee believe that part of camping out is helping him into his shoes.

She was a really good sport.

Animas River here we come!

On our way to the River Raft Company. Ready to get wet and ride the rapids!

After we conquered the river we went to "Home Slice", a little hole in the wall pizza place. It was really good and each of us had plenty to eat. Chloe is not with us because she was too young. Grandma Crane took care of her at the campsite. Daddy is not with us because he hurried on to a Golf reservation with Ron.

Some Silverton moments.

Dad and Ross got to ride the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. It is chock full of history and the scenery out of Durango and in to Silverton is AWESOME. So here they are a little sooty and happy to have arrived.

Emma got some thing in her eye so a fun trip ended with a little bit of stress. Her eye got better and we moved on. I took a few pics with the friendly fellows that were at almost every shop.

We got a few momentos and then went back to Durango in the van. The scenery was magnificent.

Sweet Stopover.....

Near our campsite in Durango there is a nice little honey and specialty shop. Ross is friendly with the native bears and the girls are trying to find the Queen Bee in her hive.

Finale

We went to Bar D Ranch and watched the Western Show there. We had a tin plate of BBQ and really got into the old songs of the West.

The little girls were in front of me and this was my view of the show. So cute.

Here is Emma, Sadee, and Chloe.....they are helping Grandpa find the gravesite of his former Mission President. Emma took it much more seriously than the others.

On our way out.....

On our way home we went through Holbrook Arizona. This is where Jeff's Mission President lived. He was a rancher and owned a business there. He wanted to find his grave and pay his respects. So....here's to you ....President Heward...thank you for being a great example to Jeff.