Happy Birthday to Me!!!

And what a day it was!!!  Birthday french toast at Kneeders.  Funny thing, both Kathy and Amy brought a candle and matches so they could sing happy birthday!

4th of July Week--Utah

When I found out that Amy and family were going to be with Todd and family in Utah for the week of the 4th, I invited myself to join them.  I didn't want to be home, looking at all the fun Instagram posts, missing out!  So, I flew up

Monday evening--Sidewalk of Fire
Soon after we got there, we joined the neighborhood celebration.  It was scaled back a little from past years, but still an amazing party.  There was still face painting for the girls...

...and food eating contests for all.  Todd and Trent always host the contest and love what they are doing.

And of course, some amazing fireworks shared with some amazing people.

Tuesday--BYU Tour

Amy had arranged for a BYU tour for her family.  We rode in a golf cart around campus with a guide telling us about the different buildings.  It was really a trip down memory lane for both Amy and Todd, sharing college stories with the kids.

 Some of the highlights of the day...

The Bean Museum was lots of fun.  We saw a stuffed "Liger" (a lion and tiger mix), but Amy seemed to be drawn to the bear.

Emma was excited to see the Education building.  As of now, she wants to go into the family business!

However, she seemed more impressed by the library...so many books, so little time!

At the end of the day, it looked like we walked more than we rode on the gold cart!

Wednesday--Boating on Utah Lake

We were nervous about how crowded the lake would be on the 4th of July.  No need to stress, it was amazingly empty.  The kids had a great time tubing and Carson even got up on his first attempt on water skis.

Thanks Rod and Sue for the use of your boat.

Thursday--Tubing down the Provo River

We chose to go tubing early in the day so that Todd and Kathy could join us, but also to avoid the chance of afternoon thunder storms.  As it turned out, we choose the only morning all summer that was cold and had overcast skies.  The water was freezing--I mean numb hands and bums cold.  It even rained on us with big honkin' drops.  But, by the end, the sun peeked out and warmed us up.

I may or may not have run into a lady fishing in the river.  She kept yelling at me to go around her, but those tubs are harder to maneuver than they look!  OPPS!!

Friday--SLC

I was flying back home Friday, so Amy figured that would be a good day to go up to Salt Lake, before dropping me off at the airport.

First up--Ensign Peak--It wasn't very long, but pretty steep, with little shade and lots of heat.  And remember, it isn't at sea level.  I had to stop a few times to take a "breather", but I made it to the top.  And sweet Wyatt made sure that I didn't slip on the way down.

The rest of the day was spent at Temple Square touring the Tabernacle, Conference Center and Beehive House.  We attended an organ recital and had lunch at the Lion House.  And we spent some time in the genealogy library with their new interactive exhibits

No surprise here, except maybe Germany!

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When I got home, I was surprised by my fitbit numbers.  Evidently we didn't walk around a whole lot, but Ensign Peak was steeper than I thought!

Happy Birthday Carson

Yes, I know that Carson's birthday is the 27th, not the 22nd.  But, he was going to be at scout camp on his birthday, so we celebrated with him early.

After birthday pancakes, he went to the temple to perform baptisms.  That evening, he had ice cream caramel crunch for his "cake" and got a new chrome book!  I guess he's ready for high school now!
Happy birthday sweetheart.

Peek-a-boo!!

Wyatt was asked by his band teacher to start learning the tuba over the summer...

 ...and Owen found a new hiding place!!

Mother Daughter Getaway

Glen Ivy?  Yes,please.