a perpetual summer...please?

I have always lived in Utah. As a kid I was so appreciative of every season. I could never choose a favorite because they all had so much to offer. As a mom, I wonder why in the world we live in a place that is cold almost half of the year. Now that I don't build snow forts, go sledding, or ski every weekend, what does winter have to offer me besides dangerous driving conditions and having to bundle up my kids every single time we step out the door? Yes, I think I am one of those people who wishes for a two month autumn, a cozy, white December - and then straight on to spring. January 1st! (I do love the fall and spring. I guess it's only winter that is ridiculous.) Okay, maybe I'd miss the snow a little. Actually, no, I think I would be fine. Toddlers cooped up day after day. Winter. Blah. 

I didn't mean for this to be a Utah/winter-bashing post. (Surely Drew will put his seasonal opinions in a comment. Sorry Drew, we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one!) I love Utah, I really do. And I would miss the mountains terribly if we moved. I would miss the excitement and festive moods that the change in seasons bring. I guess I am just dreading the inevitable winter because I am so so so loving these nice summer days. Every single day I am thankful for a fenced in yard that keeps my kids happy and contained. A few days a week our backyard look like this:

  

Neighborhood kids come over and we party in the water. What is better than that?

 

 

 

Here Gabe is saying, "Coooold!"

And this is where the life guard sits, sipping lemonade and reading a magazine. Ha. In my dreams. As soon as I sit down I get right back up to break up fights over water toys or fix the slip-n-slide. Still, better than bundling kids up in layers of clothes so they can play in the snow for a few minutes. Ah, summer. I will enjoy you while you last!

Independence Day Weekend

July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. It means even more to me this year after Jonny and I have been studying and researching the divine principles of liberty that molded the constitution of this country. Now that we are starting to understand what it really means to be free, we are so passionate about the great beginnings of America.  (If you want to read an incredible talk by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, check out "The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner." That is Jonny's topic for his talk this Sunday in chuch. Pres. Benson's "Proper Role of Government" is a must-read too.)

Our 4th was great. We went on a bike ride in the morning, played at that awesome new park in Alpine, and ate french toast at Kneader's. After a relaxing afternoon we partied with neighbors then watched the Thanksgiving Point fireworks from the bed of Jonny's little truck. A special thanks to Grandma Myra for sending the glow sticks in the mail. They may have been more exciting than the fireworks!

 

 

Actually though, the partying began with a camp out Friday night. Now this is a big deal because it was Julia and Gabe's first ever camping experience. Jonny and I love to camp but we just hadn't ventured out yet with our excellent-sleepers-as-long-as-they-are-in-their-beds. Well, we were surprised and delighted when we all slept soundly. After playing hard with cousins, Julia and Gabe were out within minutes once we were settled in the tent together. Thanks to my Dad for securing a sweet (yet soggy!) campsite on such a busy holiday weekend. It was so great to be enjoying the fresh air and beautiful mountains with family. (We did have to keep a close eye on all the toddlers, who were keen on running into the road and oncoming campground traffic. Yikes.) I was on such a high after our over-nighter that we may just go again this weekend. Julia would be ecstatic. She can't stop talking about it. And Gabe will gladly welcome another opportunity to play uninhibited in the dirt and mud! Plus, he loved having free reign over the picnic table. Observe:

 

Here are some silly sisters and nieces. Teenage Katy is surely thinking, "This is the dumbest family trip." (Sorry, inside joke for Drew, Emily, and Lili.) 

Here are the cousins in matching shirts we made just for the occasion. Did any other sister happen to get one of all of them smiling!?

Julia and her hero "Lassyn" (Allyson)

Drew and Julia made sure to include those gigantic marshmallows in their s'more makings. Julia was excited about it until she couldn't fit her mouth around the s'more!

TJK (An acronym for "That Jon Kid," as my bro Matt used to refer to the punk I was dating.)

Here Drew and Julia are singing Disney songs. I came away with some great video footage of this.

And because my siblings may want to see and have all the pictures taken at the camp out, here is a slide show.