Our Summer in a Nutshell

We had a great summer. Big plans to do many fun things was cut short by my lack of energy and drive (thanks to the pregnancy). But we did have fun! Both of the children took a few sessions of swimming lessons (some with their cousins), we put their skills to the test nearly each week when we made our trip over to my aunt and uncles pool. My cousin was nannying two girls and they would swim with us. It was great to lounge by the pool! The kids swam to their hearts content each and every time.

In early June, my mom hosted a picnic for the grandkids. She provided a lunch for them and a little pool for them to swim and play in. It was great to sit in the shade and chat while the kids splashed and played. We also made it up to the Museum of Natural History. They had a really cool exhibit about bugs, the down side was the crowds and the heat! Old building, no a/c. Good time though. We did make it back up there in August and wasn't as crowded or hot (mainly because we got their just after it opened).

In early July, we made one of the many summer trips to the zoo. The day we went as a family (just befor Independence day, the zoo was hosting an Armed Forces Day. Military and their families received free admission, we just happened to be there too. They had booths set up for all the different branches of the armed forces. I enjoyed seeing this old army ambulance.

On July 9th, some family and friends met up at This is Place for the Days of '47 Family Fun day. It was hot, but water and popsicles were provided. The kids had a blast riding the ponies and making crafts. We packed a lunch and enjoyed it at the playground. That was probably one of the top things to do there (at least that is what the kids would say, I could barely get lil' L out of the train!) We stayed a little later than some because the kids just had to ride the train.

On July 19, my sister and I took the kids to see the parade floats. The kids loved to see the big floats and I loved telling them about each one and it's significance. I got emotional every now and then telling them about the pioneers, but that's just me. K's favorite float was with the seagulls eating the crickets, and L's was one with a Chinese dragon and Arches National Park. Before leaving, we lined up to get balloon animals for the little ones. We were in line behind a friend of ours and the kids were all over the place. I looked and couldn't see L. I started to panic and started pacing around trying to find him. After a moment, I went toward the front of the exhibit and finally spotted him with a securtity guard, just mere seconds away from making an announcement over the intercom. In our journals the kids made of the summer, these are L's words about the whole ordeal...

"We went to the parade floats. I saw the Chinese Dragon and it was my favorite. I got lost. The fire guy came and got me. Mom came and found L. I felt sad when I was lost, but felt good when Mom came. The fire guy game me a fireman sticker."

I felt terrible that he got lost, but so grateful he was found by capable and caring people! He thought we had walked away, so he tried to find us. We stayed together and waited for-ev-er to get balloon animals, but the line hardly moved, so we ended up with no balloon animals, but we did leave all together!

In August, my family held the third annual family reunion. This year, my sister and bro-in-law made the arrangements. We spent two nights at my bro-in-laws' uncle's place in Deer Valley (did you get that?) The place was amazing!! Each suite included a full spacious bath and king size beds. The kids spent time running around in the toy room/sport court. I arranged for our whole family to get family pictures taken (especially since it has been 6 years, one new daughter in law, and six new grandchildren since the last one). The day began with terrible thundering rainstorm, but when the time came for pictures, it was absolutely beautiful! And we were successful in getting everyone there! - which was quite a feat, I was stressed about it quite a bit.

Great family pictures from my friend Emily

The second day, we spent part of the day boating/skiing/playing at Jordanelle resevoir. K was looking forward to riding on the tube and had fun doing that. L wasn't so sure, especially after his first run ended with and my youngest brother in the water. F was able to get L back on the saddle with him and give him a better run.

Our last full day, we went to Park City and rode on the Alpine Slide. K did it all by herself twice. L went one run with Dad and one run with Mom. When I rode with him, I had to try and release his kung-fu grip on the brake. We were going so slow, my mom caught up to us toward the end. The Tour de Utah was finishing up on Main Street, so a few family members went to see the bike riders, our little family met back home with my bro and his fam for some much needed rest. Because it was also, my bro-in-laws birthday, we went out to dinner as a family to Loco Lizard. It was a great vacation. Not too far from home, but far enough to get away.

My sister teaches piano closeby and she asked if we could trade lessons for K and me watching some of her brood while she taught. So, each Tuesday, she came over, taught K at our house and then left the other children to play. It was great, the kids could not get enough of each other. They are all different ages, but got a long splendidly! At the end of the summer, we had a little reading day, in which the children brought their pillows, blankets, and several books. The spent time reading to each other and keeping track of books they had read. After that, we laid out the slip n' slide and let loose outside, well the girls and lil' L did.

What a summer! I guess we did do more than I thought!