July was a whirlwind of greatness! We started it off with celebrating the 4th of July watching fireworks from our porch. Our neighbors always put on a firework display for the houses around us. It was such a chilly night, that the kids and I were bundled up in blankets while we watched the light show above.
We left shortly after the fourth of July for the Clark Family Reunion in Nauvoo, IL. In short, it was a week filled with stories, games, and musicals galore. Then before the month could end, we headed west to Utah for a little Spung time.
Spending time with family is always a joy for this crew of five. It means cousin chaos, sibling catch ups, and a whole lot of fun and laughter. July kept us moving for sure and it was everything we could have hoped for before beginning the school year.
Once we made into Kansas City we grabbed our rental car and headed toward Nauvoo. It was actually a really smooth ride and we loved seeing all of the trees and green in the area. The entire Clark crew showed up to the Airbnb within like 15 minutes of each other. Talk about timing! It was amazing, since we were all coming from different places.
You can’t beat having the mighty Mississippi right outside the front windows. The view was peaceful and majestic. The kind of view that makes you slow down as we watched the barges drift by. We loved seeing the barges travel up and down the river, knowing that this same waterway has been part of my family’s history for generations.
My great-uncles Ray and Jack worked as engineers, while my great-uncle Larry captained the barges as a pilot. My cousins Vince and Spencer followed suit as deckhands, and my other great Uncle Larry even designed boats for a time. So many in my family built their lives around this incredible river. Standing there, watching those barges glide past, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the view, the peace, and the roots that run deep along these waters.
Our little chefs in the kitchen helping out with dinner. Thanks Liv & Claire!
Our first day in Nauvoo we took a wagon ride around the city. This was the perfect way to see the houses, learn about those that lived there, and get a lay of the land. A great way to start the day!
Temple on the hill.
Petting the horses afterwards was a treat.
Once we left the wagon ride we headed over to the games section. They had all sorts of pioneer games out for us to play with and learn. The girls tried the walking sticks and dressed up in pioneer clothes to play house. The boys took a crack at baseball and the puzzles.
Once we were done exploring all of the toys we headed to the activities center. A really cool building that had all sort of fun things to learn. We listened to missionaries teach us about candle making, pottery, weaving, rope making, and spinning wool. The kids would bounce from presentation to presentation. It was loads of fun learning how each of these crafts were done in the 1800's. Things we take for granted today because it is mostly done by machines.
This is also where we got our Nauvoo bricks!
There are loads of houses you can tour. We toured the blacksmith house, bakery, red brick store, Joseph Smith's house, Browning Gun house, and several others. There is so much history and loads to learn from each of the families that settled in this swampy area years ago.
Multiple plays and shows were put on throughout the day. It was timing it all right to see as many as we could that gave us all a little anxiety, haha. This was a play done by several Elders (young men missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) that told the story of people coming from England to learn more about the church and its leaders. They sang, joked, and bore testimony of the miracles they saw and of the Book of Mormon. It was very cool.
Learning about guns and how they were made.
The area was so lush.
There was a huge storm that rolled in while we were heading home from the day. The rains poured and the thunders rolled. It was epic! I feel like you can see the humidity in this photo, haha.
Celebrating our July birthdays!
On Saturday night we attended the famous Nauvoo Pageant. Everyone grabbed seats and Judd bought a few bags of popcorn to share for the show. We were all very surprised to turn around and see Elder Rasband one of the 12 apostles from the church sitting behind us. He and his wife had come to watch their son's family participate in the pageant this year. Such a fun and exciting surprise to have an apostle join in on the festivities.
This pageant focused on the Saints that came across the ocean from England to join the Saints in Nauvoo. Focusing on their journey, the hardships that came with it, and blessings of joining the rest of the Saints in Nauvoo. There was singing, dancing, laughter, and the Spirit was strong as they bore testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ.
On our final day in Nauvoo we took a trip to Carthage. This is where Joseph & his brother Hyrum Smith were martyred for their beliefs while in Carthage Jail. A mob of 150-200 men with faces painted black stormed into the jail to kill those inside. Hyrum and Joseph were both shot and killed leaving two survivors behind.
Quinn and Grace hand in hand heading up to the top floor where the martyr happened.
We all sat in the room where the martyr happened to learn more about the details of that evening almost 200 years ago. The kids asked so many great questions on the tour. They were like sponges just wanting to learn everything they could. It was such a beautiful thing to witness as they all took in these sights for the first time. Many of us adults had been to Nauvoo several times from our childhood and youth, but this was a first for our littles.
Uncle Ammon did such a great job explaining some of the questions the kids had at the end of the tour.
His teachings continued outside since there was a group behind us waiting to enter the room. As Ammon testified of the things that had happened in this place the Spirit was so strong. The kids listened intently to his testimony and this story from the past.
More teachings from the grounds. Grace and Quinn were standing on the well that Joseph Smith landed on after he fell from the window above.
After the tour we had lunch in the parking lot on the lawn.
Grandpa took a moment to share his testimony and explain why he felt this trip was so important for us to take this year. Since we’re studying the Doctrine & Covenants world wide as a church this year, he wanted us to experience firsthand the places we’ll be learning about in the coming sections. Now, as we study more about the Saints and the beginnings of Church history, we can picture what Nauvoo looked like and where these sacred events took place.
A walk down to Ol' Miss. This is where the saints crossed the river when they were kicked out of Nauvoo shortly after the martyrdom. This walk is titled the Trail of Hope.
The Trail of Hope is the same path that many Latter-day Saints took when they left Nauvoo and began their journey west. The trail showcases the faith of ordinary people who faithfully followed the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to a new life in the valley of the Great Salt Lake (present-day Utah in the United States).
On February 4, 1846, the first wagons left Nauvoo, traveling to the banks of the Mississippi River along Parley Street, where a ferry could take them across the river into Iowa Territory. The Saints continued to depart Nauvoo along this same trail through September of that year.
Skipping rocks.
Because of these two, we had such an amazing trip. They planned and prepared everything so well.
The girls minus Stace sadly. She and Judd had to leave a little early from the reunion to get back to work.
Audrey and Piper are ready to go.
Playing on the hay bails.
One more sunset before we move on towards Kansas City.
This cute guy taking a break from it all.
Grandma doing a chocolate taste test.
This was one of Bri’s favorite things to do — he loved making us all try something and then guess what it was. It always turned into a mix of laughter and wild guesses. Everyone picked different chocolates they liked best, and it was so fun to see how different (and sometimes surprising!) everyone’s tastes were.
Packing up lunches and the rest of the house before heading out.
Liv didn't make it long before she was out like a light. Now that's the way to travel.
Playing screens before their turn to nap.
Everyone is out! Haha. We had a very quiet car ride to Adam-ondi-Ahman & Liberty.
Quinn made it to Adam-ondi-Ahman! It is such a beautiful and peaceful area.
Q and Audrey walking the grounds.
It's the ladies ;)
Stretching, running, cart wheels, getting all of the wiggles out before loading back up.
After Adam-ondi-Ahman we headed to our next Airbnb in Missouri.
Found this precious gem on my phone of Audrey while I was going through photos, haha. There may have been 20 more like it, but I chose this one to remember ;)
This was a fun Airbnb. They had a huge gathering area and loads of beds to choose from. I loved being out on a farm with cows just down the hill. It felt like home to me.
Twister was a fave.
Taking a walk down by the cows as the sun set behind the hill.
Walking back up the driveway to the Airbnb we found these cool flowers.
Time for Liberty Jail!
We watched a video and then headed up to a waiting room for our turn to see the jail.
They had loads to look at and read while we waited our turn.
Learning all about the happenings at Liberty Jail. I cannot believe what these men endured for months as well as their families.
Six men were imprisoned without bail from December 1, 1838, until April 6, 1839. One of those men, Sidney Rigdon, got out in February due to sickness. The others stayed behind.
These men endured illness, cold, and many physical discomforts in jail. Perhaps the hardest trial was knowing that their family members and friends were enduring persecution, and they were powerless to stop it. Toward the end of their jail time, Joseph prayed to God for understanding and hopes to be freed soon. In answer, the Lord comforted Joseph and revealed divine direction and eternal truth. Joseph wrote the Savior’s words in two letters to the entire Church. Portions of those letters are now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 121, 122, and 123 if you'd like to check them out.
After Liberty Jail, we traded history lessons for thrill rides and headed to Worlds of Fun. We needed a little fun after learning the hardships of Liberty jail. I think it’s safe to say this stop was a huge hit with everyone.
A quick break for lunch and ice cream and then we were off again.
This place had an amusement park and a water park. Everyone divided and conquered. I wasn't sure if we would stay the entire day or not and we 100% did. The kids were loving it as we bounced from one thing to the next.
My two cute boys.
Family pic before leaving the park.
The following day we stopped and grabbed a bite to eat before everyone left for their homes. In the mall there was a Crayola place that the kids really wanted to check out.
Saying our goodbyes in the parking garage ;)
Everyone left a day earlier than we had anticipated. Our family had a hotel for the night and our flight out of Kansas City wasn't until the following day. We decided to take advantage and check out the Chiefs stadium for a cute little boy that loved football. He grabbed a hat and tee to take home as his souvenirs.
When we checked into the hotel we changed real quick and headed to the pool. The kids had so much fun splashing around, playing pool games, and jumping in the water. It was so fun to sit back and read my book while I watched these three laugh and have the time of their lives.
After pool time we grabbed a nice warm meal at Cracker Barrel while we watched a storm roll in. It was the coolest thunder and lightening storm that we had seen in a really long time. The rain pounded the pavement and the roof of the restaurant. We wondered at one point if the sirens would go off, but the storm blew by. We settled in for the night and fell asleep as we listened to the rains that came again.
That following morning we hit up the Waffle House by our hotel for breakfast. We all enjoyed a tasty meal before heading toward the airport. Beckham was so excited to share with our waiter about the trip. Telling him all about Nauvoo :) My sweet boy.
In keeping with our family tradition, we found a bookstore to settle into for a couple of hours. Every one picked out there next adventure, and we headed to the airport for our flight home.
Charging electronics before heading home to Sacramento!
This footballer had to keep tabs on the game while we waited to board our flight.
We made it home safe and sound. By the time we got home it was dinner time. We chose an easy meal to whip up while we watched a movie as a family. I think we were all ready to be home for bit and have a nice sleep in our own beds.
Since electricity is so expensive where we live in California, we started to hang dry our clothes instead of using the dryer. It has saved us SO much money. We washed and dried our clothes before packing up again to head west to Utah!
We decided to leave and get an early start on our drive after Pres was done with work. Beckham boy asked if he could sit in the front seat for a while so I headed to the back with Jack and Q. Loved hearing him talk to Pres about music. He enjoyed his time being DJ from the front seat.
We got into Reno and stayed there for the night. It was nice being a few hours already into the trip and then resting our heads for the night.
After a tasty breakfast in Reno we hit the road again. This time Jack took his turn up front.
Quinnie laid in the back watching movies along the way. I actually really enjoyed sitting in the back. I watched movies, snacked with the kids, and drank my Coke Zero while Pres chauffeured us around, haha. It was great!
We got into Aunt Erin's and Uncle Craig's in time for a tasty dinner and playing with cousins.
Meeting the chickens was a highlight of that day for sure!
One of the main reasons we came into town was to celebrate two big milestones — HayKay returning home from her mission and Cody getting ready to leave for the MTC and Portugal. We knew it would be a tender visit, full of both happy hellos and heartfelt goodbyes. Welcoming one home and sending another off. What a special moment for the family.
The day after we arrived in Utah, we headed up to Heber to celebrate Haley Kay. We all met at the most delicious bakery, where we enjoyed warm cinnamon rolls and egg sandwiches that hit the spot. There were hugs, stories, and so many smiles. Catching up with the Spung and Calderwood clan was everything we hoped for and more. It felt so good to see so many faces we love all in one place. We were only missing Jim & Em and Steve & Michelle.
After spending time with the family we headed north to Logan so that I could attend a photography workshop with a favorite human of mine.
The landscape in Utah is beyond words. This is in Parley's canyon on the way to Salt Lake City. It is absolutely beautiful. You are literally surrounded by mountains everywhere you go.
Breanne Weston & Me
I felt so lucky to be invited to another workshop hosted by BreAnne, this one was called The Editory Workshop. It focused on all things lighting, editing, and business. I actually attended one of her workshops last September and learned so much, but somehow, she still managed to exceed every expectation.
BreAnne has such a gift. She makes photography feel effortless in the way she sees light, captures emotion, and brings everything together in her edits is pure art. Watching her work reminds me why I love what I do. I’m beyond grateful to call her a friend and to have her in my corner as I continue to grow in this business.
The entire family actually came up to Logan with me so I could take this workshop. Pres took them all around while I was in my class. They explored Utah State, ate Aggie ice cream, and then enjoyed some pool time at the hotel.
On our way down from Logan, I noticed that Real Salt Lake was playing at home! I reached out to my old boss, John Kimball, to see if we could stop by and say a quick hello. To my surprise, he treated us to tickets and an incredible Real experience. All of the kids left with new Real gear :) It was so fun being back at the stadium. The memories came rushing in as I watched the match unfold and spotted all the behind-the-scenes staff, doing the same kind of work I once did.
We got to see John for a brief visit, and it felt so good to reconnect. Next time, we’re hoping to stop by on a non-game day so I can give the kids a proper tour and catch up with him a bit longer. We loved cheering on Real as they beat San Jose that night.
We picked the best game to attend! After the match the fans were let down onto the field to enjoy a fireworks display in honor of July 24th when the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. A big holiday in Utah.
We were legit moving non-stop while on this Utah trip. Everyday held something else. After the Real game we headed back to Er and Craig's for the night. The following day we took off to see Uncle Tari, Aunt Bree, Declan, and new baby Miles. We were all so stoked to see, meet, and hold Miles.
We loved our time with the Machanzi’s! Catching up, holding the sweetest little bundle of joy, and playing with Declan was exactly what we needed. It was such a perfect visit! We all kept saying how grateful we were to have been able to swing by and spend some time together. Of course, before we left, there were already requests for more Dec and Miles time, haha.
These views from Mom & Pops' deck never get old!
The entire Spung crew gathered at Mom and Dad’s for dinner that Sunday. It was so good to see Jim & Em and their crew, along with everyone else. We talked, laughed, and even squeezed in a game or two before the night ended.
OG 5!
OG 7 is back!
Everyone with spouses ... 😁
OG's with spouses. This crew has WAAAAY too much fun together! Haha.
That evening we stayed with Mom and Dad, and by then the kids were completely wiped out from all the nonstop fun. Honestly, I was feeling it too, haha. So many wonderful moments packed into just a few days, and my heart, and feet were feeling a rest coming on. Haha.
Sweet dreams my little travelers.
The next evening, Quinn and I headed up to Little Cottonwood Canyon for a family shoot. One of my besties from college, Christina, had reached out about scheduling a session while I was in town, and I’m so glad it worked out! Christina and I have been friends since the good ol' college roommate days. It is always so fun to catch up when we can.
She and her husband, Scott, invited us over for ice cream and a quick visit before the shoot. The boys decided to stay home with Grandma and Pop for some downtime, but Quinn was excited to tag along. She couldn’t wait to meet Christina’s twin girls, who are a little older than Jack, and Audrey, who’s her same age! Quinn was really stoked to see what I do for work too.
We had the best time exploring the wildflowers of Little Cottonwood Canyon together. The light was perfect, the air was cool, and the laughter was constant. It was one of those evenings that filled my heart so much. A mix of friendship, motherhood, and creativity all in one place.
That night when we got back to Grandma & Pops we hung out on the deck by the fire. We snacked on salsa and chips while catching up from the days events. Taking in the stars above and watching the moon climb while reflecting off of Utah Lake made everything seem so relaxed. It was a great way to end a beautiful day.
One more stop the next day — to see this cute girl! I didn’t have much time on this trip to meet up with Katie & Noo too, since my days filled up SO fast, haha. But I made sure to swing by Wyn’s to see her girls and take senior pictures for Rynn. It was the sweetest sister shoot with Lyv and Kyt joining in on the fun, and even their horse, Monty, made his grand debut in front of the camera!
It was such a joy to see them all again and to capture this milestone for Rynn. I love Wyn more than words and adore her beautiful family. Even in the rush of a busy trip, moments like this make all of the crazy worth it.
Saying goodbye to cousin Cody.
We drove up for the day to spend time with the Calderwood crew. With Cody getting ready to leave and Haley freshly home, we wanted to soak up as much time as we could with both of them. Everyone was excited to see the incredible work Cor has put into The Dainty Pear as well — a project he’s been pouring himself into for months. Seeing it in person was amazing! All those long days and late nights clearly paid off. Cor gave us our own private tour, walking us through everything he had to tackle and complete. We can’t wait to visit again once the café and restaurant side officially open.
After a fun afternoon with the Calderwoods, we all headed to the Provo City Temple for Cody’s endowment session. He had invited all of us to be part of it, and we were so excited to be in town for it. Unfortunately, when Pres and I left Heber, a big accident on the way out of town slowed us down. By the time we dropped the kids off with Mom and Dad at Er’s house, we had missed the session, but that didn’t stop us! We went to the temple anyway, completed some initiatories, and met up with everyone in the Celestial room afterwards.
Once we were all together again, we hugged, laughed, and headed to JCW’s in Provo for some much-needed food. We’d never eaten there before, but it was dang good — maybe because we were starving, or maybe because it’s just that good! We loved catching up with Jim, Emmy, Er, Craig, and Haley in our little corner table. By the time we finished eating, we texted our babysitters to let them know we'd be home soon so they could finally go to bed too, haha.
The following day we spent time at Er and Craig's. It felt like a park day was needed. I grabbed Jack, Beckham, Quinn, Cameron, and Avery and headed down to the park by the Marx home while Pres went for a run. I figured Er could use a break to catch up on some work. It was much warmer than we had anticipated. We stayed for about an hour but needed to stay more in the shade.
Avery was playing "bakery" with Jack. She would ask what he wanted, and he would say something random like a croissant. Then she would tell him how much it cost. Jack would use the wood chips and count out his money for her. It was the cutest. She loved it!
I pushed Camo and Quinnie on the double swing.
Cute Beckham boy!
When it was time to come home Beckham made sure Avery got there safely. My heart!
For dinner that night, we celebrated our favorite guy’s birthday! Preston’s big day just happened to fall on the day we planned to leave Utah, so I thought — what better way to wrap things up than celebrating with some of our favorite people! We gathered everyone that could join together, including the Williamson crew, and it ended up being the perfect finale to a crazy busy yet truly amazing trip. Surrounded by family, laughter, and good food — it couldn’t have been a better way to close out our time in Utah.
The chickens were a HUGE hit!
After cake and ice cream, we packed up the car and began our first leg west. The kids weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to their cousins — they easily could have stayed a few more days if we’d had them. With the car full and ready to roll, we pulled away, talking and laughing about all the memories from our unforgettable week. As we crossed into Nevada, the car grew quieter, the sun dipped low, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful — for family, for connection, and for another summer adventure to remember.
Watching videos as the sun goes down. Everyone is comfy and cozy in their jammies. Ready for our long drive home. We originally planned to stop in Elko on our way home, but Pres and I weren't tired at that point, so we pushed on. I took the reins first, and then Pres pushed onward. Once we reached Reno we decided to stop and get a good sleep before heading the rest of the way home.
Once we were home we had two days to get our crew ready for the new school year! That comes in the next journal entry ;)
July was one for the books! It was full of travel, reunions, laughter, and love. From fireworks on the porch to family hugs in Nauvoo and Utah, every stop reminded us how lucky we are to have so many people to call ours. We came home tired, full of memories, and grateful for the beautiful chaos that family brings. These are the moments that fill our hearts and remind us what summer is all about.
