Oh I think you missed a spot...

So tonight was our stake's YSA mud Volleyball night. It was a little messy as you can tell by the pictures but SO worth it. I mean who doesn't want to exfoliate their skin while playing volleyball? So the game started off nice and sweet, everyone just kind of stood in their own little corners and did their best to actually play the game and support their team. Then the fun started... The 6 inch deep mud started getting slippery and people were going down right and left and if you were, there was always someone there to ensure that you got your own taste of the mud. So before I went to this I wasn't too excited about getting dirty so I planned to avoid the messiest areas, but once in the middle of it I realized that EVERYWHERE was the messy areas and there really wasn't any hope. So instead I worked on making myself look as messy as possible without having to get face planted by one of the over excited boys who were all trying to relive their childhood dreams. And I am not kidding, most of them were RM's yet they were acting like they were soldiers at war who would sneak up on you from behind and tackle you to the ground with them. It was quite hilarious as long as you were looking at it from afar. And in the end I did pretty well except for one quick smack down from my friends and a few hand prints from Larissa. And I knew that nobody would believe how dirty we got so I made sure my mom took a few pictures. It was a great evening and I am really enjoying it now that I am all clean and showered. :)

This is one of the whole group as you can see each team had a "few" extra players

Sisterly Love

My 'friends' yet they threw more mud on me than anyone else!

Us from a different angle :)

McKell and I right before the "war" broke out... so sweet and innocent

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

It is the month of the mission farewells.  In these past 2 weeks alone I've had 6 farewells to go to. So crazy, but so much fun.  I love listening to all the boys give their talks (and the food afterwards is pretty good too! (; )  I'm so proud of all of them for choosing to go serve a mission and teach the gospel for 2 years, they are going to be amazing and will have some powerful experiences.  Good luck on your missions boys!  

                                                          

All I Wanted Was A Car

Congratulations- You are now the proud owner of a brand new car!  

Ok, so not really, technically it's my family that is now a proud owner of a slightly used, new-to-us, lovely Honda Pilot.  But hey, still cool!  And not a moment too soon either.  Coming home from Logan this weekend was a bit of a struggle as our "unique" van decided to start leaking anti-freeze and overheating.  We only made it to Wellsville before we had to bag that whole track and call my dad to pick us up with the truck.  So all in all, the whole family's pretty happy with the new car- Mom because there's no more dealing with the van, Bradley because he may be getting a new car depending on what happens with the van, and the rest of us because we have a cool new car! 

In other exciting news I've found a new boyfriend :) His name is Aiden, he's very cute, sweet, and is infatuated with me.  He is down here at home so we only see each other on the weekends when I come home, but hey since that happens pretty much every week it isn't too tough on us.  It was really cute though the other week when I was getting ready to head out- as we're driving off he calls, "Melanie!"  and when I turn around and wave, he, with this adorably sad look on his face, says "Don't go..."  :(  So sweet!  Oh, and by the way, did I mention he's three?  Haha, so no I really don't have a new boyfriend but he does seem to think that I'm his new girlfriend!  He even told Bradley so just the other day ;) 

Other than that I haven't had too much excitement lately.  I've been trying to finish filling out all my forms for officially changing my major.  I've finally decided to go with Elementary Education with an emphasis in Library Media.  I'm hoping to be able to get into a lot of the classes for it in the fall so that I can get onto a track that will have me finishing in 3 years (so that in total I will have done the 4 year college thing).  However, that said there is still the typical bet going on about how long I will actually last in this major ;) (Just kidding) 

When You Find You... Come Back to Me

Ok let me start out by saying no McKay and I did not break up! I know that the title can be a little miss leading. In fact we are doing AMAZING and I love all 33 hours that I get to see him each week (give or take a few hours). But I actually chose this title 1:because I couldn't think of anything else. 2: because I am basically obsessed with David Cook's new song "Come Back to Me" Why... I don't know, but it sounds a lot like Nickelback and Daughtry which I also happen to love. So if you want or haven't heard it yet, you should go to you tube and listen to it. I could post it here and make it ten times simpler but that would take time, time that I don't have at the moment because I am leaving for a YSA bowling activity in less than fifteen minutes and I would really like to finish this before then. But I am posting pictures... so hopefully that will make up for it. Wow on side note I just realized that I used another song title, sorry Mel I am really not trying to copy you with your song title themes, and I promise this will be the last one. (I will just have to be creative next time, not that song titles aren't creative, but that was mel's creativity and I just stole it. Wow here I go again...digging myself into another hole. I am just going to stop not with the song stuff and move on. (I know what you are thinking, "just get on with it!") Ok here is an update of this past weeks activities, and maybe a few from last week. So to start off last week a few of my friends and I headed up into the great outdoors for a camping trip. It was so fun! I was a little nervous, and I bet you would have been too. I mean think about it.. four ninteen year old girls, setting up a tent, making dinner, building a fire, and no running water. So you can see why I was not too thrilled. But I wanted to hang out with everyone so I went and I am SO glad that I did. I feel so much closer to everyone and it will make for some great laughs in the future. We got the tent up just fine, and it was huge so I felt like we each had our own seperate corners. The dinner was yummy and quick which is what you need when camping. The fire started up super fast, almost too fast for my liking, but that is just because I am not too fond of fires. Then for the good parts talking and roasting marshmallows. We talked about everything we could think of and I think we almost heard every detail of Jessica's wedding plans which was so great because I hadn't even seen her since she got engaged. Later we actually went to bed at a good hour after having a group potty break (the bathrooms were terrifiying so ofcourse we all went in together) The next morning we woke up had a nice breakfast of dinner left overs with fruit all of which was covered in nutella. (mmmm...) Took a few quick group photos and then it was time for me to go home to work. Some of which you will have the pleasure of viewing here. PS: don't make fun of our lovely morning hair and PJ's

Whew! we made it through one event. Now onto the weekend!! (love this part) :) So this weekend was a little different than the rest because it started off in Logan. No I am not back up at school yet I just went up for a quick visit and a quadruple date. (if there is such a thing) It was with me and McKay, his brother and his girlfriend Natalie, Corinne and McKay's younger brother Preston, and Mckay's younger sister and Natalie's brother. Thank heavens McKay has tons of siblings so that we could find dates for everyone. The date was a huge success thanks to McKay and Jesse (his brother) who planned it. We went and started off with a hike through Logan canyon which I have never done before. The hike was hard but well worth it in the end. After the hike we went to Natalie's house for a barbaque and then headed home. In the end everyone wanted to do it again so we will see if it ever happens and maybe next time it can be in Draper. After the date I headed back to McKay's house to spend the rest of the weekend. His family was great, I love spending time with them and they really make me feel very comfortable and relaxed. But wow was I exausted when I got home Sunday night and it was a hard adjustment back into my work schedule. Which may I add was messed up all over again on Tuesday night when me, my sisters, and Mykelti's friend went to see the midnight showing of Harry Potter.

So I have been looking forward to this movie since FOREVER! It has been way too long since one came out. No I am not going to pick it apart, sometimes I get tired of people being too critical of movies. I am an easy person to please and I don't get into all of the little details and things that they could do better. So over all I loved it and it kept me entertained (isn't that all they are suppose to do) I stayed awake for the whole thing and work the dya after so I was feeling pretty good. but I am excited to go see it again this weekend with McKay to see what he thinks. Here are some pics from before the movie started.

Well that is it for me, my family has some fun things planned coming up this weekend so stay tuned for those and hopefully I will be faster at posting them. Well I am going to bed, have a fantastic day. :)

My Country 'Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty- God Save the Queen

Now it's my turn, Happy 4th of July everybody!  I, sadly, am even later at wishing you all this than Kajsa was, but I was waiting for my camera to charge so I could post my pictures with this entry :)  Anyway, this past weekend has been very fun what with the holiday and such.  As Kajsa already said our families celebrated the 4th together, and it was very fun to get to see everyone. In the morning me and my mom went to the Kaysville City parade to watch the Davis High Marching Band.  This is my first time ever actually going to the parade rather than marching in it, and I was feeling very much feelings of nostalgia (ooh, big word there, I learned that one from my mom as we were walking over to the parade, it means a feeling of wistfulness to return to something in the past, such as, marching band) 

Afterwards the whole family went down to the family barbecue, where a spontaneous game of volleyball broke out, much to my excitement, I've missed being able to play volleyball.  Later we all went to the Bees game which went 3 innings overtime much to everyone's dismay.  But, it was still a fairly good game.  With all of the cousins and aunts and uncles we took up a whole row at the stadium and much of the game was spent out at the concession stands buying snacks for the whole crew.  

Afterwards we watched the fireworks, which are definitely my favorite part of this holiday.  I love the bright colors and the big BOOMS and the whole thought of something exploding :)  

In other exciting news (or sad, depends on how you want to look at it) Brady left on his mission on the 2nd.  He is very excited to be going and I am very excited for him as well.  And before you think to ask me, "How are you holding up?  Are you doing ok?", let me answer it for you.  Yes, I am perfectly fine, I haven't even cried.  It sounds really bad to say that, because you would think that I would be feeling sad that my boyfriend has left for 2 years but I don't.  Well, I do, but not as bad as everyone thinks I should.  This is where he's supposed to be, and why should I feel sad that he's doing what he's supposed to?  I'm jealous of him in fact, I wish I could be in England sharing the gospel!  I will miss him though, he's one of my best friends, but this is where the Lord needs him and I am so happy he followed the commandments and went. 

Other than that not too much has happened, I continue to go home every weekend to attend the millions of farewells that are going on.  In fact, just this week alone I have 4 to go to.  But that's ok because mission farewells are one of my favorite things, it's so neat to see all the boys your age who you spent the last few years thinking were immature prepare to go share the gospel with the world.  I love hearing their testimonies.  And I especially can't wait for Larissa's farewell, I know that one will be one of the best!  :)   

PS- I don't know why that one paragraph is underlined, it happened when I put on the pictures.

PPS- So for the past few months or so with this blog all of my titles have been parts of songs (if you can figure them all out, good for you) that have to do with some part of my topic.  I want you to know that this title is the most clever one I think I have ever come up with.  I am feeling very smart at the moment because of it and if you can figure out why I think you deserve to buy yourself a candy bar.  :) 

I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I am free! And I wont forget the men who died and gave that right to me...

Happy 4th of July everyone! (I know I am writing this on the 6th, but whose counting?) Anyways I have had a great weekend with family and friends. It all started Thursday night when Larissa got this idea of the family all going camping again like the good old days. But unfortunetly she had this little epiphany a wee bit late so she had to settle for a picnic in the woods because all of our favorite campsites were taken. In my mind I see this as a blessing in disguise because honestly I wasn't so excited about being trapped in the mountains and no running water my entire holiday weekend. So we got the picnic all planned and we were going to leave right after I got home from work on Thursday night. But while I was at work on thursday a thunder storm came in. It was raining and really quite dark outside. So the whole way home from work that day I was thinking "Oh poor Larissa, now she doesn't even get her picnic in the woods... " WRONG! I should have known a little rain or a lot whatever you want to call it would dampen my family's spirits. When I got home they were all packed and ready to hit the road. So in the end we did go on our picnic and it only took us about three trys to get the fire started that was going to be cooking our dinners. (once Larissa stopped trying to "blow" on it) Everything went according to plan and the fire was perfect) We were all soaking wet and smelly by the time we got home, but still happy. So I will apoligize to my family now for doubting that the picnic wouldn't work out.


Ok, I know I have only just begun to explain my familys fun filled weekend, but I must interupt with some very exciting news. This past week my sister Larissa got her mission call!! It was all very exciting and I was very glad that I was able to be there when she opened it, because with having all sisters you never know how many times you will be able to witness one of these special occasions. But anyways on with the good stuff ( like where she is going and things) Ok Sister Larissa Cannon will be serving the people (drum roll please) of the Texas Houston East mission and she will be speaking spanish. Isn't that exciting? I thought so. It will be sad to have her gone but she is so excited that you can't help but be excited with her. She leaves on 9-9-09 so we still have a few more monthes to be blessed with her presence. Oh and here are some pictures of her opening her call.

Ok well back to this weekend. So Friday during the day we went to Raging waters. Now most of you know that I am not a huge fan of swimming, but you would be amazed how many times I have gone this summer and I am loving it. I don't know what it is... there must be something in the water. So I loved going to raging waters, my favorite part was just hanging out in the wave pool with the cousins and family. Sorry for the lack of pictures but I really hate my hair when I am swimming so I choose to not take any picures. That night after we got back we had a barbaque and did a few fireworks that Larissa insisted that we bought. (wow she is pretty demanding) The next day, the actual fourth of July we were planning on having a barbaque with my moms side of the family. So everyone came over, including McKay, and we ate then just hung around, took naps, played volleyball, and watched movies. It was very relaxing and nice to see everyone. Melanie came and it was good to see her, I can't wait till we are both back up in Logan and we can actually hang out more. And this time we will be able to go over to each others apartments instead of just saying, hey lets go hang out in our room. lol The evening of the fourth the entire group went to the Bee's Baseball game and watched the fireworks after. It was also a ton of fun! (Fun seems to be a reoccuring theme to this weekend) Oh and here are a few pictures from this event, Dayton was as cute as ever and I think he asked Mel and I atleast twenty times "When are the "birworks" going to come?" Birworks are fireworks in his language. Sadly though the game went into over time and by the time the fireworks actually came, he was half asleep and plugged his ears through the whole thing.

Well that is about it, my dad left Sunday morning again for more national guard training, we went to church on Sunday, McKay left Sunday night, and life basically went back to normal. But I am thankful that we were able to have such a memorable weekend with the family while we thought back on everything that our country has gone through to get to this point. And to end I would like to add "The Crisis" by Thomas Paine. Lets all remember that Freedom is a gift that comes at a very high cost and should be treated as such. And a special thanks to all of those who have paid that price.

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.