Where did Summer go?... Here it is via my i-phone

I feel like I just finished one of the busiest summers I have ever had.

There was no time from blogging.

So here is my summer in a nutshell via my iphone!

 

 

Hiking Ensign Peak with the Young Women.

This was such a fun time. 

I have lived in Utah my entire life and never made this hike before.

It's not very far, but it's steep!

The view...Totally worth it!

 

 

Memorial Day weekend at the Grandparents!

It's always fun to gather together with my family for a weekend.

The kids enjoyed 4-wheeling and hanging with cousins.

It was Kyle's first trip to the grandparents...

It's always as crowd, but I think he survived it, and enjoyed the laughter.

 Sometime in June I think...;)

Our family made a trip to Palisades State Park with the Fireman.

It was a great time, as usual.

Kayaking, swimming and visiting with family and friends.

On the way home we made a detour to Cove Fort Historic site.

Kyle had never been there before and we thought it would be fun.

 What would summer be without fresh fruits and veggies from the garden!

This is something I always miss when fall comes.

The picture in the lower right hand corner was my first red tomato of the season!

 Later in June we took a family vacation to Yellowstone.

After going last year, we just had to make a return trip to see the shows at the Playmill!

I think we have become addicts!

It was fun to spend a few days in the park seeing all the familiar sights.

 This summer was a summer full of projects!

It's amazing the projects it takes to have a wedding.

Linc decided we needed a new deck.

This project literally took the ENTIRE summer!

Mostly because he had to work on it when he had a spare moment...

which wasn't often, he traveled for work a lot this summer.

A new back deck needed a new back door to go with it as well.
Grandpa Pack spent a day helping out with the stairs and door.
Neighbor D. Griffiths saved the day late in the game by helping with the railing.
It truly does take a village! ;)

 Here it is looking finished!

It turned out great and I love it!

 A little July 4th celebration!

We met up with our firework fav's the Perkins!

It was fun and loud as usual.

I swear the show gets better and better every year!

 Girls Camp at the Spruces!

A picture is worth a thousand words...

It was a really fun time.

These girls are crazy and I love them!

One morning I woke to find all 8 of them stuffed like sardines in one 5 man tent!

They love each other! :)

July 24th Holiday at the grandparents.

This is tradition for my family.

We always spend the weekend of the 24th in Indianola.

It's rodeo time and we love our small town rodeo!

The kids really like to cowboy up and make a showing!

Plus....Funnel Cake and other Rodeo food!

Yum!

We also celebrated Kyle's birthday at the grandparents.

Bailee made him breakfast and his birthday cake.

 Brooklyn celebrated her 14th birthday!

I can't believe how fast she is growing!

I'm so glad to have her around...she is the only thing keeping me from being an empty nester,

which I am NOT ready for!

She had a great time celebrating with friends.

Daddy also surprised her by decorating her door!

 Bridal showers!

So fun!

I have more pictures...but limited myself here.

She had two showers, one hosted by my family and one hosted by the DeYoungs!

They were both a lot of fun and got is into the wedding spirit!

 Bailee and her mommy and mommy in law!

 Summer also brought moving time for Bailee.

She really moved out along time ago for college, but her room has remained intact...

until now. :(

It's finally time to pack up all her belongings and make her permanent home somewhere else.

We also started another wedding project of building some shelves for backdrops.

 They turned out so cute! 

Linc built them,

I painted them,

Kyle and I wallpapered them!

Bailee and Brooklyn also cut tons and tons of fabric for tassels for the wedding.

 I spent A LOT of time in the yard!

It needed beatification before the wedding!

I have never loved my yard so much.

I also spent a lot of time in fabric stores...

looking for fabric for tassels,

fabric for skirts,

lace for tables.

It was endless!

Sweets candy shop was also a wedding shopping stop. 

 I ironed and ironed!

Really...I pressed 11 round table cloths and

2 banquet table cloths. 

I will say this... I watched myself a few Hallmark movies in the process.

Bailee, Kyle and I decorated jars...

addressed wedding invites,

shopped for candlesticks, which Kyle painted.

And, Bailee and I may have taken a shopping break or two for sustenance.

We had a bridal shoot and...
 THEN WE HAD A WEDDING!!!

It was fantastic and a super great day!

But.....

It deserves a blog post of it's own!

Coming soon....

 

And finally, I attended my first college football game!

I know...

Better late than never!

I really went for the Band.

Out new Son Kyle plays in the Weber State marching band.

It was lot of fun and he rocked it!

It was also a summer full of weekly emails from this boy..

Elder Paxman!

I love Mondays! 

I am always excited to hear how my missionary son is doing,

how he is growing and how the work of the lord is progressing.

 

That's a summer wrap!!

It was a crazy busy summer.

And We loved every minute!

We truly are blessed, our family is growing and we're healthy and happy!

 



The Weekend via my I-phone

Friday evening it was off to my parents for a relaxing weekend with family.

I love going to my parents house.

It's like getting a mountain experience with all the comforts of home.

 

Brooklyn, Bailee, Kyle and I went.  Linc wasn't able to go, he had work this weekend.

It was Kyle's first time visiting the Grandparents house...

hopefully it didn't scare him away.

We are a family who likes to laugh and tease.

I love it!

 

There were times I laughed so hard  my stomach hurt and I had tears in my eyes.

Laughter is the best.

 

We rode the 4-wheelers

The kids visited Blackhawk camp.

 

Blackhawk camp is a tradition started by Grandpa so long ago I can't even remember.

My parents own a lot of property and on the property is a very big hill or small mountain,

up in the trees is a mock Indian camp called Blackhawk.

The story goes that in the night the Ghosts of the Indian's come back to the camp and visit. 

 They sometimes leave gifts for the kids to find.

My dad has hung beads in the trees and there are arrowheads and pieces of flint scattered about.

I think even a fire ring and maybe even an animal skull???..

I haven't been there in years...Maybe next time I will go with the kids.

Anyway since the kids were littles they have been going there to find treasures left by the Ghosts of Indians.  Once the kids got older we told them not to expect Blackhawk to leave gifts for them anymore.  But, that doesn't stop them from making the short hike up the mountain into the trees.

And surprise to us all they came back bearing gifts.  They were each left a beaded necklace.  It's actually really cool looking and they all were wearing them. I wish I had thought to take a picture.

 

We played games

We ate good food, we are always fed well at grandmas.

We went to church, which was more crowded than usual from all the people who have summer property and cabins they visit.

We spent quality family time, and we probably stayed up too late.

 

But as always it was a blast.

 

Next time I need to take my big camera, it just takes better pictures.

 

Brooklyn, Nash, Nick, Chase, Kyle and Bailee after a 4-wheeler ride. These photos were taken from the deck looking down. 

 Bailee and Kyle

 Sunday lunch of Tacos in a bag.  This was a really yummy fun idea.

You take a small Doritos bag and smash it up before opening.  Then you slit it open down the side and add your taco meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, olives, sour cream or Ranch and stir it all up and then eat it right out of the bag.  It was delicious and fun. 

It would have been really good with a Diet Coke...But, I resisted and had water.

I'm still Diet Coke free since April 1st.  The last Diet Coke I had was Easter weekend at this exact table. :)

It's fun to have dinner with this many people.  There is always a lot of fun conversation.

 Brooklyn, Uncle Marty and Nick.

Brooklyn managed to talk Uncle Marty into a game of Farkle on the ipad.  This wasn't too hard as Uncle Marty is always up for some fun.

 Grandpa, Brooklyn, Uncle Marty and Nick

 

It was a great weekend that ended too soon.  Me and the kids had to come home on Sunday evening because the engaged couple had work.  We are just grateful we had some time to go.

I can't wait until the 24th of July holiday. 

Back to Grandpa and Grandma's for the rodeo and some more family time.

There will probably be double the fun as more of the family will be there.

I can't wait!

The End of Summer

The end of summer brought a lot of changes.
Ben started his first semester of College.  He is taking a few General Ed classes at SLCC and working.  He works at a place called Rocky Mountain Care as a CNA.  For the most part he enjoys helping others and making a difference.  I think it helps him to know that it's a stepping stone for where he wants to be.

Brooklyn went back to school.  She is in Middle School now and loves it so much.  She still attends North Star Academy.

I went back to work to help alleviate the costs of having two college students and soon a missionary.  I work in the lunchroom at Brooklyn's school for two hours a day.  I am the lady who sits at the computer and takes the lunch numbers.  I actually really enjoy it.

We took a trip to Southern Utah to see Linc's mom.  It will be Ben's last trip south before his mission.  We had a great time with family.  The guys hiked Angels Landing in Zion National Park and had a great time.  The girls shopped and enjoyed girl time.

On our way home we went to a place called the Parowan Gap.  It is a place with a lot of hieroglyphics.

Here are a few pictures.

Home away from Home at Heber Valley Camp

This year as part of my calling as the Young Women's President I had the privilege of attending some events at Heber Valley Camp. I am going to refer to it as HVC for the rest of this post.

I don't think I have ever spent so many nights on a wooden bunk.  Thank goodness for air mattresses.  I first went HVC this year for Youth Conference.  It was just a two day conference on July 20, so only one night on the bunks.  Just one sleepless night listening to my 3 young women laugh and laugh.  The boys were in other cabins and sound asleep early.

About two weeks later, August 6-10th, back up to HVC for a week of Girls Camp!  What a blast!  If you want details see my Walk Tall blog...after I update. :)  But let me tell you, I have the best young women EVER!!  There was no arguing, everyone gets along and strengthens each other.  It was four long nights.  Man, those girls don't need much sleep.  So much laughter.  There were so many great events that happened at girls camp this year.  Times when the spirit really testified to us what an inspired place this camp really is.  It truly is the Lord's camp, the Lord's mountain really.  I feel blessed to have been able to participate in camp.

 The road entering the camp is lined by flags in all the Value Colors. 

 You know your at Young Women's camp.

 This picture of the bunks is before the cabins are totally finished.  

There are blinds on the windows and tables in the center of the room

Friday camp ended.  Our girls loaded up on buses and headed home.  Me and my leaders...not so much.
It was now time for Relief Society Retreat, also at HVC.  I love Relief Society Retreat, it is an event I NEVER miss!  It has always been a time of building friendships and love.  But, after five days I knew I could not, no way, no how sleep on that wooden bunk for even one more night.  So the other young women leaders and I spent the day with the sisters and after dinner headed home.

A long hot shower, a real bed and hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Summer Salads

 I LOVE LOVE LOVE summer salads!!

Fruit Salad

Green Salad

Pasta Salad

You name it I like it.

Last night our Relief Society had a summer salad dinner.

Everyone brought a salad or desert to share.

It was delicious!!

I know they will have the recipes to share on Sunday..

I can't wait.

If you have a great salad recipe

I would love to have it.

I googled images and found some great ones.

I have had this layered one,

my sister in law makes it and it is delicious.

 Frog Eye...one of my favorites.

I make it with lemon pudding instead of vanilla

I think it adds a little extra flavor.

 I need a good bow tie recipe...anyone?

The one we had last night was wonderful.

 One of my kids favorites is this a version of this pasta salad.

They love the rotini noodles

with vegetables and a simple Italian dressing

 Fresh fruit salad?...

I love them all.

 A mix of greens and fruit with a sweet dressing is always good too.

Don't you just love summer?

Lazy Days of Summer

The Summer of 2009 started off with a visit to the hospital.

A long one.

Because of this our summer travel was limited to

things close to home.

Day trips and short trips.

Any time spent with family is a good time.

No matter where you are.

So we'll hit a few highlights.

First stop.

Cowabunga bay.

If you look REAL close

you will see my 3 kids on top of that tower.

Next on the summer list...

A new car.

For me.

WE had been shopping for a older car for Bailee,

to no avail.

We couldn't find anything we really wanted to spend $ on.

So she got my car (which btw she loves)

and I got a new car.

A minivan!!

Yes I know, A van?!

But I'm going to own it 100%

you can't travel better and we love it.

I am a 40 year old mother...

can't change it, so might as well ride in comfort.

Not to mention I really jewed the guy down on the price. ;)

Then it was off on a day trip to

Promontory Point.


on our way out, we found a great rocket display
by ATK.
It had 30 or so rockets to walk around and look at.
A nice little stop.


For those of you who don't know
Promontory Point is home of the
Golden Spike monument.


This was a great lesson in the history of the railroad
and a lot of fun to see.
Took a great picnic and saw a snake.
Didn't download the snake Pict's. Sorry.



Here the two railroads met.
They also have a great reenactment
of the two steam engines coming together.
Blowing their horns and all.



What would summer be without the

July 4th Celebration

Here we have Ben doing pyrotechnics.

You have to have your own fireworks

after the big show in downtown Riverton.

Which I might add were awesome as usual.

The family and some little friends
watching the family works.
In their jammies no less.
Who says we don't have class?

(if you look close you can see the phsyco dog having a fit)
-fireworks aren't his thing-

The 4th of July wouldn't be the same
without...

The Riverton Parade

Here we have a rare smile from Benjamin.
His energy level depletes in the heat.
Hopefully next summer he'll be back up to par.

Bailee catching some candy and some fun.

Brooklyn and friends

standing as close to the white line as we allow.

Must Get Candy!

Next, we were off to

Palisades State Park.

One of our favorite camping spots.

Usually spent with fireman friends and their families.

A little downtime in the trailer

after a hot day in the sun.

This is Bailee's favorite pose of Ben...

She thinks he looks like a concentration camp survivor.

Sad for Ben :(

I will admit the heat took it's toll.

He decided that he has officially outgrown the top

pull down bunk

Next year it's all Brooklyns.

Palisades is all about the water.

Canoeing, kayaking, swimming,

platform diving, catching minnows and

fishing.

Bailee just had to get a pose in,

so she could have a new profile pic on facebook.

Brooklyn paddling the kayak.

My kids love these things.

One fun game we all tried.

Jump off the swim platform and see if you can

land smack dab in the middle of the tube.

Caught a great picture of Brooklyn...

Not landing in the middle.

She's about to do a faceplant.

Ben did everything possible to stay out of the water.

Very unlike him, however he is so skinny

he was freezing ALWAYS.

So one of our Fireman buddies and his sister dump him.
We also had a great time with my two of my sisters

in August.

We had a rapid, wild ride floating the Provo River.

Pictures MIA.

Let me just say. It is fun and scary at the same time

Then we had a day out 4-wheeling and shooting.
Somehow the only one I got a picture of on the wheeler

was Brooklyn.

Didn't even get a picture of the other wheelers.

GO FIGURE.

Shooting is always a blast.

Hit a few targets and go through the 22 ammo.

WE also shot Lincolns dads old pistol.

It was a blast.

Bailee doing her Charles Angels impersonation.

Ben and Cousin Alex

All business, no posing for them.

Brooklyn giving it her best shot.

Well there is a piece of our summer in a nutshell.

What began in the hospital....

Ended the same.

Benjamin made it to ONE day of high school.

Then off to the ER in the middle of the night.

Looks like more surgery.

For now we look back on the past three months with

gratitude and love for some time well spent.

I've decided to have a goal for the new school year.

Have a happy healthy son.

Wish us luck.