Summer Time!

This summer certainly wasn't as busy as past, but that was actually okay. I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved having my kids home, I love that if things were too stressful, we just stayed home. I loved that there were plenty of kids around for my children to play with and I loved that I actually LIVED in the moment rather than take pictures. Of course, now I look back and think, "That's all I documented?"

Sure, there were lots I didn't, but the events I did capture make me smile. It really was a great summer. We also spent a good chunk of it working on the never-ending-yard. Someday it will be done, and I'll dedicate a post just to that monster.

Meanwhile, here's some of what we did: (and if there is something interesting about the photo, I documented it.)

Baseball Season!
We discovered that the city we now live in is very passionate about baseball. I got into a heated email discussion (of course email - I am too chicken to do it in person!) with his coach regarding equal playing time. I think that if a kid WANTS to play a position, he should at least get a shot at it. Coach thinks child should EARN his right to play. (This, of course, was all mentioned after he laid his credentials out for me, including mentioning the FOUR letters he earned in high school. I have the email to prove it.) We finally agreed to disagree and I already contacted the recreation department to be requesting a new coach for next year. "Uncle Rico" was a little too much for me to handle this season!

I'd say forget it, but look at this excited face! He just made it to home base.
Sunday Dinners with family.
Birthday Celebration!
I turned another year older..and hopefully wiser, but don't count on it. Nephew Kade managed to "ruin" the party by sticking beads up his nose. His family had to leave early to dislodge the foreign objects...all five of them. I felt bad for them, but he did provide lots of entertainment while his parents tried to suck it out with a straw. He thought it was hysterical and kept asking them to do it again. Boy, he is a very strange little guy, but makes me laugh!
Summer Reading.
Love this photo. Notice Jake is holding Alyssa's hand. She is smitten with this awesome big brother! No one can make her laugh like he can.
Father's Day breakfast in bed. Lucky Dad. He's the best!
Discovered we have a thumb sucker!
Adorable now - hope it is still adorable when she is 10!


Wright Family Reunion in St. George.
It was a blast hanging out in the pool and at Sand Hollow. Jeff and I even went to the Little Mermaid at our favorite theater, Tuachan. It was magical. Truly a needed vacation.






Annual Lehi Rodeo with the Wrights!
Same ol' jokes, same ol' seats, but FUN had by all! Adalyn was ADAMENT we take pictures with the princesses. She could care less about the horses, the food or the fun. She wouldn't stop until this photo was taken. Then her night was complete.


Fireworks!
Due to the new Utah laws, Jeff spent WAY too much on fireworks. How do I know? I bought these fabulous glow sticks for $3. And they really were the hit of the party! Kids spent more time playing with these than sitting down watching the hundreds of dollars explode.
Payson Lakes.
Went there three times. Loved it three times!
Started piano lessons.
Much better the second time around!
Played in some of Utah's famous summer rain storms.
Mountain biking with my bro.
If you think you are in shape, you should bike with Craig. This gazelle-like man will kick your trash. Every time. But the best part is he always waits for you with a smile. :) Just like that one below!
Jolly's Ranch
Went camping twice to one of my favorite spots in Utah Valley. Of course, while the children were playing with my camera, they accidentally formatted my card. No pics. But great, great memories! (Yeah, I know, pics are better. Dang it.)

We also went swimming, played at splash parks, discovered our new favorite watering hole (and no, I won't tell you where it is. We want to keep it undiscovered for awhile!) We hate to see this glorious season end, that's for sure.