Lava Hot Spring + Park City = Fun

This year we kind of took a different kind of summer vacation. 

Jeron got it in his head that it would be great to go camping.
He hooked things up with his buddy Tyler and planned the whole thing.

Then he started to worry about Ellie and camping for too long.

He decided we would camp and then head to Park City for some R and R.

This sounded like a great plan to me.

Lava was a ton of fun.
We went with a family in our neighborhood, the Singley's
(Jeron's BFF or brother from another mother as I refer to them)
They were a lot of fun and their kids were great.
The oldest helped out with the girls and the son and JJ did everything together.

Our camp site was right by one of the natural hot springs

the water park was just across the bridge

and the river was right there.

We pulled up and I took one look at the river and started to panic.

We were going to have to be on HIGH alert with Elsie and Ellie the whole time.

Both of the girls were actually very timid around the water so this took off a lot of the pressure.

Ellie wouldn't even step foot near it.  

With her we just had to mostly worry about disappearing to see other campsites.  

Always the social bug.
People have asked me if the camp site was trashy.
It is camping is all I can come up with.
But if that Semi Truck Cab is any indication of "trashy" well there you have it.
I had to laugh at that.  Who goes camping in their Cab???
Sure enough though it was parked there as a camper.
Hey, if it works it works.

The bridge that was right by our campsite became a hot spot for us.

First there was the hot spring right by our campsite just across the bridge.

We spent hours in that warm water.

Ellie sat on the bridge a good portion of the time playing barbies and watching other tubers go down the river.

We tied a rope to the bridge and used it to stop us from swiftly drifting down the river.

It was so much fun.  We would hike up about 200 yards and then get in the river and aim for the rope.

Lift our legs and let the water swiftly carry us down the river.

Grab the rope and pull ourselves out of the swift current onto shore. 

All of us did this countless times.(minus the littles of course.)

JJ and Emma couldn't get enough of this.

We went tubing twice down the river which was a ton of fun minus Ellie and Elsie crying their eyes out.

We went to the swimming pool with five water slides and Olympic size diving boards.

We went to the lava hot springs pools.

We ate tin foil dinners, and sloppy joes at our camp site.

We roasted marshmellows.

We lived in our swimming suits the whole time.

Ellie started throwing her barbies into the river to see the river sweep them away.

We only lost one, and quickly replaced her barbies with gold fish crackers.

On the first night when I was getting Elsie to sleep in the tent she said to me

"Mom, this is the best day ever."

That made my trip.

When it was time to leave we were sad to go.

I am pretty sure that means it was a good trip.

We went home, dropped off our things, and headed to Park City.

Roger was nice enough to get a room at the Sundial at The Canyons.

We went shopping at the outlets, ate Park City Pizza mmmmm, hung out at the hotel, Jeff and Tara came up with baby McEuan.  We watched a lot of Shark Week on TV, and we swam.  The weather was unseasonable cool.  In fact while we were at Park City Pizza there was a flash flood.  It was insane.

McEuan had his first blow out and Tara looked like a pro cleaning it up.

Such a cutie.

It was crazy weather but we didn't want to miss swimming.

So even though it was chilly out side the kids and Jeron went swimming.

I sat there and read my book...ahhhh

It was a great trip and Dad did a good job planning it. 

I hope we do it again.

Pioneer Day + My Birthday Party = AWESOME

I love that my birthday is on a holiday. 

Okay, the day before, but who is keeping track? 

My parents planned a little get together up at the cabin for my birthday.

Well, maybe that is what I turned it into.

First off I have to mention the discussion that occurred in my home this morning.

Me:  Kids, do you have any ancestors that crossed the plains?

Kids:  Yes, we do.

Me:  Who?

Jeron:  Oh, is it the show off time.  "I had ancestors cross the plains that are Famous Pioneers. Aren't I special.

Me:  Jeron, today is the day you talk about ancestors I can't help it if they are "famous pioneers".

I sense some jealousy.  Hehehe

Anyway, we headed up to the cabin and Brynn came with us.  

She brought me a presents.

Darling shoes.

plus, she told me she paid every county in Utah to do a firework display for me.

She is always so thoughtful;)

We had a great time up at the cabin.

We ate yummy food and my dad made ice cream. mmmmm

Jana gave me a cute necklace that I love, and the parents both gave me money. 

Who doesn't love MONEY.

Here is Papa making that delicious ice cream

Strawberry of course

The cute girls.  These two just love each other.

JJ and Brynn cheesing it up.

Hanging out at the gate.

Mom and Ellie came too, but they had already headed back.

Jeron is taking the picture.

 Hmmm, there is something wrong with this picture!

This girls loves her daddy

While we were at the cabin JJ told Grandma and Grandpa who owned the cabin before my grandparents did.

Always such a show off...hehehe

Jeron of course had to mention "Famous Pioneers" and now it is kind of an inside joke at our home.

I will have to say though that I do feel a huge connection with Mary F. Smith, and I love to learn about her.  I love teaching my kids about Joseph F. Smith and how awesome he was crossing the plains.

Plus, I just found out I have some on my moms side.  I can't wait to read their stories. 

I do love that we celebrate these amazing people.

Happy Birthday to ME

I had a few requests for my birthday.

1.  That it be just the two of us.

2.  That we get the heck out of dodge.

3.  That we have fun.

Thanks to my in-laws we had no kids, we ended up staying in F-Town but that was okay because on my birthday we went up to Snowbird.  It was beautiful up there.  We rode the Alpine Slide, yes I said Alpine Slide at Snowbird.  It was great.  Then we walked around and took in the beauty of it all.  We sat on a bench and then I laid there for a while it was so relaxing.  Jeron had to take a phone call so I just laid there and listened to the music and looked at the mountains.   We met a lady that wanted to be our personal photographer.  She asked if she could take our pic and then had us pose and move places.  It was kind of funny.  We even ate a snow cone.  We saw a squirrel that was not afraid of anybody.   Our photographer became our BFF and talked to us the rest of the time.  After that we headed down the mountain and ate at Smash Burger.  I had never been there before and really wanted to try the Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries.  They were yummy but the sauce was miracle whip not mayo...YUCK.  Then we went and saw a movie.  It was a packed full of everything I love day.  After we went and picked up the kids and headed home.  On our way home the Real Soccer was shooting off fireworks just for my birthday.  Loved it. 

I forgot to mention we saw a baby moose.  He was HUGE!  The security was really getting nervous about us taking pics of it.  There was a 4-year-old girl and her dad fishing within a stones throw but he was most worried about us.  It must have been that I looked more like the moose then they did.  Speaking of my shirt, I wore it backwards all day because I put it on in the morning and liked it backwards.  Haha, now seeing pics I think it looks ridiculous.  Ha, I won't be doing that again.

Thanks honey for spoiling me on my 35th birthday. 

Half way to 70

5 years to 40

Half way through my 30's 

Birthday

rOcKpOrt

JJ is in DC 

Emma is at a birthday party

that just leaves two

Jeron and I didn't know what to do with just two.

Good thing Grandma and Grandpa asked us to go boating.

It was a lot of fun.

We were able to spend the day with Grandpa's kids and grandkids

They were a lot of fun.

I am sad to say that this will be one of our last times. 

Grandpa has decided to sell the boat.

tear

tear

tear

Drive-In

We couldn't let JJ have all the fun. 

Brynn came over and helped me paint my kitchen table.

Afterwards we decided to go to the drive-in.

Jeron apparently HATES the drive-in so he refused to go.

He said something about it being a 100 degree day and that the drive-in would be HOT.

He didn't want to melt on the pavement...

blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...yada yada 

was what I heard next.

So we ditched the sour grapes and went without him.

I thought about bringing a sweatshirt but since my hubby informed me of the blasted heat I didn't bring one.

We went and saw the Zookeeper.  

It was definitely a drive-in movie.

The best part was the kids.

They thought this was the funnest thing they have ever done.  

Elsie was just giggling in the back of the van.

She loved the show and the fact that she was watching it in the van.

It was a priceless moment.
About a quarter into the movie I started to freeze.  I had to get the girls to give up a blanket they were laying on because I was so cold.  Hmmmm, 100 degree days and hot pavement???

Boy, oh boy, there is a different breed of people at a drive in.

Ones that get really mad at you when you park to close to their TRUCK!

Ones that eat boxes and boxes of Twinkies 

(I didn't even know people still bought those.)

Ones that will NOT share bug spray but make sure you see it sitting there since you forgot yours.

These people know how to Drive-in.  It is hilarious. 

Brynn, Emma, and I just laughed...a lot.

I will be going back before the summer is out with the whole family.

Yes, Jeron, I said the WHOLE family.

It was a blast.

Brynn, I will bring more food...not Twinkies though;)

Harry Potter Finale

Uncle Jeff asked the kids to go to Harry Potter 7 Part 2.  I was kind of bummed because I really wanted to go with the kids but I also knew it would be awesome for them to go to a premier of the show.

It turns out that Jeff and Tara had their cute little baby and so I was the one selected to go with the kids.

Then JJ went to DC which made it so Jeron was going also. We missed having JJ with us so much but it was a lot of fun to spend some time with Emma one on one.

JJ was so torn about missing Harry Potter that he opted to stay home from DC.  

I made the final call and sent him packing.

We have read every book together.

We have seen every movie together.

So I understand why it was so hard to choose.

and 

It was bitter-sweet to go without JJ.

We didn't realize we would have assigned seats so we arrived a bit early.

This gave us time to check out the Harry Potter merchandise.  

We had to get pics in all the fun hats.

After all we did do our hair like Hermione. 

Getting ready to watch it in 3D

Emma and I were so sad to have it be over.  I might have even cried in the movie.

After we took Emma to CPK.

She really is a fun date.

Love you Ladybug.

Our family has been reading or watching Harry Potter for the past 7 years.  It is weird to close this chapter of our lives.  It was something that we all loved.  It is one of those things that I am really sad to see end.  We have enjoyed Harry Potter discussions and just imagining life at Hogwarts.  I can't wait to find the next adventure we can enjoy for a decade. 

Off you go...

JJ finally got to head to Washington DC.

He is the only one in the family that hasn't been.  When mama and papa said they were going I might have asked if JJ could tag along.  Uncle Carl was flying with them stand by, so it meant that JJ had a better chance of getting on the plane. JJ was really excited/nervous to go.  He had never been on a big plane and he didn't really know what to think about it.  We sure hope that you have a wonderful time.  It is the perfect city for JJ.

Doing Hair

You can often find Miss Elsie doing hair.

Usually mine.

She will come up behind me and just start to comb.

I love these moments.

7-11

What's not to love about a Slurpee on a hot summer day?

NOTHING!!

I love that 7-11 gives free Slurpee's on 7-11

Oh yes, we went!

R.A.I.N.

Tonight it was pouring rain.

I went to bed and was all set to listen to the rain.

Jeron came in and said "Why don't you go out and play in the rain?"

He knows I love the rain.

Back in High school I would opt to walk home on rainy days.

Jeron left the bedroom and I thought about what he suggested.

Within seconds I was getting re-dressed and headed outside with my camera.

Considering I needed a P.O.T.D. I realized this was my chance.  

I loved it.

I splashed in puddles.

I ran in the pouring down rain.

I danced a little. ( I put Elanie to shame.)

I SMILED!  Really Smiled...all by myself

When I came back in I checked out the photos that I took on automatic.

This picture is the perfect picture to sum up how I have been feeling lately. 

So much of me is fading away.

I feel like I am bending, pulling, pushing, tossing, turning...

but still so much of me is fading away.

I pull to get me back

yet I push to find what else I want

letting go and moving on

I see myself in the young girl I use to be

yet I want so much more for the woman I am becoming.

Tossing and turning to keep it all

A true reflection of me...

Thank you Jeron for reminding me to be me.

Best Friend

Do you remember your first best friend?

I do.

Mine was Adrienne Kellersberger

She still holds a very special place in my heart.

I sure hope that Elsie and Paige get to have many years together being best friends.

Paige is the first person Elsie talks about in the morning and the last person she mentions before bed.

She adores her Paige.

I was on my deck and couldn't resist these pics.

If one is in a swimsuit so it the other.

If one is in a tutu so is the other.

They are so cute together.

If Elsie ever plays without Paige the Barbie or the doll is named Paige.

I love how much she loves Paige.

B.F.F's

We are Proud to be Americans!

This is by far one of my favorite holidays.

First of I LOVE AMERICA!!

That alone can make this holiday perfect.

but the fact that it is a day for family and fun makes it spectacular.  

Here are some of the things we love to do.

We set our chairs and blankets out the night before.

We had red, white, and blue German Pancakes for breakfast

We do the girls hair in the shape of a star.

We paint the kids faces.

We all dress in red, white, an blue.

We go to the K-Town parade

We stand and cheer for the Veterans and Service men and woman.

We place our hand on our heart as the flag goes by.

We get soaking wet at the water show.

We get together with family for lunch and dinner.

We set the table all festive.

We go to the fireworks.

We spend the whole day together having a blast.

The parade was a little different this year.  

First off all the people that said they were coming didn't come :-( so we had a ton of extra space.  

People around us were thrilled when we gave it up.

The jets didn't do a fly by in formation this year...bummer.

We were so hot until it started to rain.  

YES!  Full on rain in July.

We didn't get wet...except JJ in the water show.

It was great when a complete stranger dumped a bucket of water over JJ's head and said

"You didn't look wet enough"

I wish I could have given him a high five.

The water show was smaller than normal but the truck that went by was HUGE!!

SO AWESOME to watch.

After the water show Jeff and Tara came over for lunch.  

They brought yummy salad and hotdogs.

Then Mama, Papa, and David came over for dinner.

It was a blast setting the table with Emma and making it look cute.

After we hung out with our neighbors and mingled.

Then we went to the Davis Firework show.

It was one of the worst ones yet but I still love it.

I just love the cool night air and hanging out with family.

Plus call me crazy but I love, LOVE, the crowd.

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July.

We sure did.

Let the Pyrotechnics being!!!!

Jeron is pretty conservative about spending money. He will get a gift card and still have most of it by the next year. But when it comes to fireworks he goes crazy. He would spend his whole paycheck if he could. He loves them. He is like a kid in a candy store.  I will have to say, I love a good firework myself.  Watching Jeron though makes me laugh. 

The kids loved their awesome sparklers.

At one point Elsie's shot off and two ashes landed on me and I got a nice tiny 2nd degree burn on my arm.

THe kids love snakes.  I am missing the appeal. 

Then the neighborhood got together and we had a huge firework show.  SO much fun.

Our neighbors made treats and had everyone over.  It was great.

Let the loud booms and blasts begin. 

Firework season is here!

Boating again...FINALLY

It has been far too long since I have been on a boat.

I am a water baby.

I love feeling the wind in my hair.

I love soaking up the sun.

I love the way the water sprays you.

I miss boating so much it feels that part of me is missing.

REALLY!

I have been sad that our kids don't get to share this with me.

It is such a big part of me that they don't know.

When Grandpa Gene announced that he had bought a boat,

I have to admit my heart might have skipped a beat.

I was so excited.

Just to be out on the water.

This really is one of my most happy places.

Then we had the longest SPRING ever 

(if that is what you can call it.  More like Winter with a trace of spring)

I wondered if we would ever be able to go this season.

Then the day finally came

July 2nd.

YES!  I said July 2nd.

We headed up to Rockport to meet the new boat.

The kids were excited to get on the lake and jump in the water.

It was going to be a good day.

The kids all drove the boat, we ate, we chatted, we drove around, we swam...well some of us did, we relaxed, we soaked up the sun.  

Now that is my kind of day.

The whole gang before Jenn and Brock came.

This was hilarious.  

I had jumped into the freezing cold lake and Emma wanted to join me.

I was in by myself in step one.

Step 2-8 happened in a matter of seconds.

All Smiles from this point on.

I have to mention this.

I got in the water first.

Then Emma

then JJ

then Elsie.

We are the four rockstars.

Dad where were you?  {chiken}  Just sayin'

Ellie is not so much a fan of boating.  She was terrified most of the time.  From the van to the van she didn't relax for a minute.  Poor thing.  She would smile bravely in pics though.

We had a great time on the lake.  

Even if it was cold and the lake was full of debris from the creek it was still just what I needed.

Oh, I love boating.