Unfortunately, this year we were not able to spend the holiday together :( I got to go off to Utah with Annabelle to play with family for a week while Shanam had to stay behind and work. For the weekend, though, he was determined not to stay in the 106 degree West Texas heat. His original plan was to go to Cloudcroft and Ruidoso with the pups, like we always do when we want to escape the heat, but we found out the forests were closed!!! It's too dry there, too! So he had to go to the next closest mountain range...Taos, New Mexico. And what's in Taos, you ask? Well, none other than the tallest mountain in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak! He got to summit his first state high point of the year! Of course it doesn't really count towards our family count, but we'll go back soon so we can all do it together :) The pups had a great time frolicking in the snow bank on the side of the mountain while Shanam braved the 80 mph wind to get to the top! He could barely stand up, but he made it!!
While Shanam was battling the forces of nature above all of New Mexico, Annabelle, Ellen and I enjoyed a beautiful sun-shiny day in SLC, walking among beautiful flowering trees and meeting friends for lunch :) (So wonderful to see you, Amy!) The rest of the time we were there it was raining (so nice!!!), but we were happy to enjoy a few hours in the sun! 
Our week in Utah was spent enjoying the company and love of family! One of the funniest nights was while playing LRC. My family can get pretty loud, and it scares Annabelle, so after I told them to shhh, the game took up a life of it's own. I think everyone was in tears by the end of the game because we were all laughing so hard! It was so great to see everyone and we can't wait to go back!
