Provo pool

While I was in Provo, the weather was perfect, so we headed for the pool. Megan (the nanny) and I took all four for the afternoon. We spent lots of time splashing around, floating in the "lazy river", and playing in the splash pad. It was great to spend time and have fun with Tayson, Luke, Claire, and Sophie.

Boating

One of the things that I enjoy while visiting Todd, Kathy, and the kids during the summer is that we almost always manage to get to go boating on Utah Lake. Rod and Sue, Kathy's parents are always willing to indulge me with a trip on the water. This year, Amy and the kids got to go along for some swimming, tubing, and some great sun. What fun.

The girls didn't want to tube...they just enjoyed the water and the fast boat ride.



The boys, on the other hand, had a great time on the tubes.

"The Birthdays"

For as long as I can remember, we have always had a party in Twin Falls the weekend around July 26th. Grandma and Grandpa Busby's birthdays were then as well as my dads. After Grandpa died a few years ago, dad insisted on changing the name to a family reunion, but it still is "the birthdays" for most of us. This year, with dad's health issues, it was a bitter-sweet time. It was great to spend time with my family, but it was awfully hard to watch dad struggle so with his physical health. We did get some great pictures of dad with the four of us and also with his great-grandkids.

Frustrated Farmer

Today was a great day, for a farmer, that is. I have always enjoyed having a garden, even though some years it hasn't been too successful. This year has been pretty good. I started the day by watching the bees pollinate a couple of pumpkins. I'm excited to have some home grown pumpkins for Halloween. Next, I picked enough green beans for a batch for the canner. After that, my peach tree needed attention with several peaches ready to harvest.
By noon, I had 7 pints of green beans and 7 pints of peaches canned and ready to go on the shelves. Tomorrow, I plan on making jam and a pie from my boysenberry bushes. I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I see my cupboard full of food that I grew. But I'm also very grateful that there is a Von's nearby and that my whole survival doesn't rely on my success as a farmer. It takes the stress out and makes this whole experience fun.

Happy Birthday America

We have celebrated the 4th of July many different ways: the ward pancake breakfast, the HB parade, a bar-b-que in the back yard, fireworks at the high school, or fireworks at the marine base. We even went to the Stadium of Fire at BYU one year. This year, the 4th was on Sunday, so most of the usual activities were out. Instead, we had dinner at Amy and Todds and then join in the neighborhood celebration of fireworks on the street. I must say, their neighbors really go all out and it turned out to be a pretty good show.