Hanging Out in Hyrum

Happy Belated Fourth of July!  In celebration of our nations independence, Julie and I spent some time with her family in her mom's hometown of Hyrum, UT.  It was really fun, it turned into a mini-Keeley family reunion.  I think Megan said it best while she was talking to Julies mom-"I think I understand you a little better now that I know where you come from."  The Keeley family is so kind and welcoming, and they definitely have a sense of humor.  I had so much fun getting to meet aunts and uncles and cousins.  I also loved the fact that the temperature there was so mild.  This first picture was taken in the cool old cemetery that is just by Grandma Keeley's house, it's one of their favorite places to go and walk around.  There are some very old graves that have awesome grave markers and huge ornate mausoleum-esque tombs.  I found a few Andersons there, but I don't think I'm related to any of them.

 The other happening scene in Hyrum (besides the graveyard) is the 4th of July Parade!  When we got to Hyrum on Friday, people had been setting up chairs and marking off spaces for the parade on Monday.  They would seriously set up chairs and canopies and lay out blankets and just leave them there!  Hyrum is pretty serious about their parades.  The parade itself was pleasant enough, they had some really cool floats.  Julie revealed to me that all girls want to wear a pretty ball gown and ride on a float, so to that end we are working on our boss to create a "Ms. Vision Source" title for Julie.  I also discovered that if you are on a float, you can throw things at people all you want, and they are generally ok with it.  I watched a girl get pelted in the back of the head with a handful of candy, she was a little upset at first, but then she picked it up and was fine.  The candy was the definitive motivating drive for attendance.  Kids had sacks and pillow cases to pick up all the candy that the floats were throwing out, I think Jimmy was a little overwhelmed by all the kids scrambling for it at first, but he ended up with a decent sized sack.  All in all it was a great time.  Julie will be back to update you in our next post about our most recent adventure.  But here are some pictures of what we and some of our family members have been up to.  Thanks again for everyone that helped out!

Hyrum Graveyard with lots of mosquitoes-apparently Julie's blood is delicious, I think she got 4 on this walk alone.

Here are some happy parade goers-here you can see some of the prime real estate that was reserved days in advance.

Megan took this picture for us literally over her shoulder without looking.  Hence my somewhat confused expression.

I don't know why they bother setting up chairs, once the parade starts everyone ends up in the street anyway.

They did not throw candy, that is why no one is clapping or cheering for them.

Why yes, I do enjoy shelves.

Believe it or not, we are not keeping the stencil in the background.

Uncle Sam (and Linda) want you! to come help paint.

Thanks dad for all your help and Gatorade!