Dear Friend,
July was a dream. I cant even express how grateful I am for all the experiences we had this month.
This year was my year to be in charge of the Christensen family reunion so I piggybacked it on the front end of the greater "Boyd and Jean Christensen" reunion. Our theme was Eph. 3:17, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love." We rented an amazing house with a pool that everyone could stay in. We hiked Timp Caves, toured Welfare Square, and had fun spending time together. The highlight was watching the movies that each family made about one of their ancestors.
We then joined our cousins for the Boyd and Jean Christensen Reunion. It was two fun-filled days of dancing, Olympics, This is the Place Park, programs and food! It was such a blast to catch up with all my cousins.
Utah is just too much fun so we rented a house so we could play a little longer. Elias had to work most days but the kids and I partied hard. We all finally got to attend John and Jenn's Independence Day bash and it totally lived up to its reputation.
In the evenings we would kick it as a family and watch "America's Got Talent" which is something we would never do at home so that made it all the more special.
We enjoyed some great reunions with both San Francisco friends and MBA school friends. The kids were introduced to "night games" and played every chance they could all summer.
Elias had to head back to CT for church and unfortunately missed one of the best moments of the summer. All five kids participated in a Spartan race at Snowbird. Joy killed the 1/2 mile race and Rose just laughed in its face (completely refused to do it). The three older kids completed their first two-mile course and it was HARD. And it was 98 degrees outside. It was one of those moments as a mom where you have to hide because if they see you, they just may quit. They all completed it and I couldn't be more proud.
The next day we went to church and drove to CO. We rendezvoused with E in Lakewood.
My parents joined us for a week at Tober. Elias was able to take a few days off but it just wasn't the same with a bum knee. While he was busy working the kids and I lived the good life. We spent time with my high school friends and my parents taught them to use all kinds of power tools. They each made incredible projects.
Elias had to take off from Denver for church and various work trips. I'm so grateful he was willing to suffer though all the travel and remote working. He is such a champ. Thus began the 12-day adventure for me and the kids on our own. We first drove back to UT to party a bit more with a few friends and catch the Days of '47 parade.
We then drive to Carter's place in Gardenerville to spend a few days with the Christensens. We had such a blast playing with cousins, learning about dentistry, swimming and seeing the sights. 
From there we drive to Bosie, ID to spend a few days with the Shumways! We had a blissful time with so many new experiences including shooting, managing a vending machine, riding on a motorcycle, riding a horse bareback, picking blackberries and visiting temples. We were able to meet up with some of the Christensen cousins and celebrate Callie's birthday. Joy and I snuck out one afternoon to have a playdate with our dear friends the Merkeleys who moved from CT to ID. 
July was truly unreal. Non-stop fun.
Love to you all,
Brittany et al.
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