A Haney Holiday

I had a realization a few weeks ago.

It was really hard for me to take.
I kept fighting it and fighting it.
It was one of the realizations that you want to ignore, but just keeps coming to the forefront of your mind.
Incessant.
Irritating.
Depressing really.

This is our last summer break.
This is the last time that for 4 months we get a little rest from the craziness that becomes our life.

And along with that,
probably our last summer in Utah as well.

And for that reason we decided we need to take advantage of as much family time as we can.
You'd think that point was a little unavoidable considering we LIVE with my family,
but this time I'm talking about Brian's family.

Brian's amazing grandpa just turned 90.
9-0.
NINETY!
Sorry... this is the only picture I have of Grandpa Haney
It's amazing really.

And to celebrate we all got together in Twin Falls, ID.
The BeAuTiFuL Twin Falls!
This was the first or second time I had met Brian's family.
The only other time I'd seen them was at our wedding ...
and well...
I was a bit distracted that day.

Needless-to-say,
It was a wonderful time to be with family and celebrate Grandpa Haney's AMAZING life!

We did his favorite things:

• Played games

(first time I had played "Quiddler" and I BEAT grandpa... apparently that's quite the feat)

• Ate lots of Ice Cream
• Spent lots of time together as a family
• Went river rafting
• Went to the Twin Falls Temple

It was wonderful to say the least.
I hope next time we all get together will be as big of a party.
You GO Grandpa!!!!

Love much,
Bethie

July already?

Now that July is in full swing,

I really feel like it's summer!
It might also be because July is my birthday month
(go cancerians!)
And celebrations are happening right and left.

Brian took me shopping last week.
It took a little persuasion on my part,
but he took me to the outlets in Park City.
They always have the most amazing deals.
And my new favorite stores.
(Corinne - I was thinking of you the whole time)
And we might have even found a few things for him too.

That night we hit up this elegant little place in Provo
(Thanks to the Browns for the recommendation!)
Communal.

It was a little pricey and we couldn't eat there every night,
but the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was so fun.

Then last night,
(After another round of shopping with my mom)
Brian took me to the "5 Browns" concert at Thanksgiving Point.
We had never seen them perform,
and we really wanted to see Greg before he and Aimee move to Chicago.

After bearing through the pre-show rain,
(Note: Brian's wet arm)
the clouds parted and the show went off without a hitch.
It was fantastic.
They all have so much energy while they play.
And Greg....
Well, we may be partial to him because we know him,
but his piece was a SHOW STOPPER!

Thanks for the great night, Greg!
Oh, and thanks to you too, honey!

Love much,
Beth

No Choice of their Own

By Joseph Walker

Lauren and Travis chatted casually as they drove down the highway. It was past dark – a little darker than usual because of a missing street light or two. But their mood was light and the music on the CD player was upbeat. It was a great night to be young and alive.

Suddenly the calm peacefulness of the evening was shattered by a flash of humanity as something crashed into the hood of the car and flew over the windshield.

Something large.

Something human.

“What was that!” Travis shouted as Lauren pulled the car to a screeching stop.

“I don’t know!” Lauren shouted back, her voice quivering. “I didn’t see anything!”

“You stay here!” Travis said firmly as he leapt from the passenger seat and ran to see what – or who – they had hit. “Call 911!”

Travis’ mind was racing as he ran to the crumpled body laying in the middle of the road. Why hadn’t they seen the woman darting across the road? Lauren was a good, attentive driver. They weren’t doing anything crazy in the car. They weren’t texting on their phones or rocking out to the music. And since neither one of them ever drank or did drugs, there was no chemical impediment involved.

What had happened?

When Travis got to the body there was no sign of life. His Boy Scout first aid training flashed through his mind, but he didn’t know where to start. He remembered hearing that in critical situations it is sometimes better to do nothing than to do the wrong thing, so he stood over the young woman’s body and directed traffic around her until help could arrive.

Eventually an off-duty emergency medical technician came on the scene and stopped to help. He took over wtih the girl on the road was dead, and Travis rushed back to Lauren, who was beside herself with grief and anguish for what had happened.

“I didn’t see her!” Lauren sobbed. “I honestly didn’t see her!”

Travis cradled Lauren in his arms to comfort and calm her until police and paramedics arrived. Law enforcement officials immediately checked to see if drugs, alcohol, speeding or texting were involved. Travis and Lauren were cleared on all of those accounts. Sadly, the girl who was hit was not. She had both drugs and alcohol in her system. As police put together information, they determined that the girl had dashed out in a misguided attempt to cross the highway at a point where it was impossible for Lauren to see her, much less stop for her.

Clearly, it was a senseless, heart-breaking tragedy for all concerned.

I hurt for the tragic loss of life – especially one so young, with unknown potential. I hurt for the young woman’s family and friends, who must now cope with their painful loss. And I hurt for Lauren and Travis, whose thoughts and dreams will be haunted by the things they saw and experienced that night. They too are victims here, as they innocently bear burdens and anguish imposed upon them through no choice of their own.

We like to think our choices are just that: our choices – that they are nobody’s business but our own. But every day we make choices that not only have the potential to impact others, but to change lives forever. Whether it’s a choice to have one more drink, or to take an illegal drug, or to dart across an unlit highway, our choices have consequences for ourselves and others. Well used, this God-given gift of choice allows each of us the opportunity to make the world a better place in which to live. Used poorly, however, it can result in untold pain and sorrow.

And turn a good night to be young and alive into a good night to die.

No longer Independent....

As the county is sobering up from an extended weekend of celebrating their freedom,

Brian and I are adjusting to loosing ours.
Kinda.
We've moved in with my parents to save some extra money before we graduate.
They are SO kind to open their house to us and we are grateful to be here with them.

Now on to the national independence day....
So we were able to celebrate the 4th of July with my family this year.
We always go to Kaysville to watch the parade, BBQ, and see the fireworks show.

I had to work so we came home after the BBQ.
But I only get to see this family once a year...
So it's always a party.
Brian and I aren't into all of the candy collecting
So we spent most of the parade watching the floats/advertisements avoid hitting all the children who were roaming the streets for every piece of candy they could pick up off the road.

And my favorite picture of the day?
Roman was just overwhelmed by the spirit of Independence!

HAPPY 4TH EVERYBODY!

Love much,
Beth