Living like a Cox

Recently I was able to catch up with my best buddy, Hali and we had a lot of fun playing with Carl in the meantime. These are a few complimentary pictures thanks to her.

Did I mention that this incredible girl, on top of taking Master's classes, taking over new responsibilities at work, having six bajillion boys trying to date her, taking care of her family/friends (me), she made us the most fabulous brownies. I sure love this girl. How did I get such a great friend?

Even Carl liked the brownies.

Then we had a little outdoor fun...

This is Carl trying to show off for Hali. Sadly enough, on top of his reflux, he likes to commonly gag himself like so.

Ah shucks. He is growing up so quick.

Also this week we had a little Cox Family Reunion. It was so much fun to go up to our family's cabin and spend time with one another. While we were up there, we drove to the Crandall Canyon Mine where in August 2007, part of it collapsed, trapping six workers. They were 3.4 miles into the mine (can you imagine?). A rescue effort took place and three other individuals were killed and so they discontinued the effort and closed the mine.

While we were there, I felt so fortunate for the life that we have been given, for the jobs we have and for the safety and security in which we feel every day.

This is the tribute that was built to those who died.

The mine.

While we were at the reunion, we did a lot of activities including: crafts, a pinata, a parade, and...

hula hooping! Not to brag or anything, but I totally won the hula hoop contest. Woot woot! I guess I must have some mad hips. All the more to carry Carl on.

My sister and dad sporting some hula action.

Also, we had a little shot gun time. Yep, ladies and gentlemen, if you look real close you can see the bits of shaving cream in the air. Just like the rednecks do!

My favorite part of the whole reunion, was the time we all sat down and listened to my grandma, aunts, uncle, and dad talk about my Grandpa Cox. He passed away in 1999 and has been in our hearts ever since. It was such a great time to pay tribute to him and share memories about what we remembered about him. My Grandpa LaVaun Cox was an incredible man. These are some things I remember about him:

- He was the Editor of the Manti/Ephraim newspaper for many years and had his family help him every day.

- He later worked for Questar and even though he had a prestigious career there, he never lived the "fancy" life. Rather he was very frugal and invested his money wisely.

- He was part of the Utah Legislature where he was later recognized when he retired for his "example of dedication to public service and honorable private enterprise, which have enriched his community and state."

-He was a man who had a great sense of humor. He loved to pull pranks on all of his friends who in turn often tried to get him back. He had a hearty laugh that he shared often.

- He was a very large, built man who was naturally athletic in almost everything he did.

- He loved to garden and could often be found in his garden working hard.

- He loved his wife. I remember always finding my grandpa (even with his cane in his later years), at the dishwasher, doing the dishes for her and helping her with things around the house.

- He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He would always play little games with us like pulling us up by our "ears," or "cracking our fingers." He always loved to make us laugh.

There are so many memories of my Grandpa, that I couldn't write them all. He was a good man and I often think of him in my every day life. We love and miss you Grandpa! Thanks for raising such a great family. We are in debt to you for your great example.