Fremont and Fourth of July

On July 1st Michael set off to Colorado to teach a class at UNC for three weeks. While he was excited for the prospect of teaching deaf-students working on their Master's degrees, it was also really hard on all of us to have him gone. He had weighty task of living in the dorms and teaching a semester's worth of graduate level class in three weeks. Meanwhile, I got to hold down the fort with all six kids on my own. But teamwork makes dreamwork and we all survived.

That same morning Michael left, I picked up two very tired  girls from a week of girls camp. From all I heard, they had a great time! After a quick stop at home for showers, we loaded up the car again for an overnight trip down to Fremont. It was time for the annual Cox family reunion, and this year Michael's cousin Haley was having a celebration of her upcoming marriage. We couldn't miss seeing her, supporting Aunt Calla and Uncle Nathan, plus all the reunion fun, so the kids and I made sure to be there. This year's reunion was Hawaiian themed and the kids loved it! 

Walter did so well camping in the backyard! He also LOVED seeing Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Calla. After just the one night we had to head home for gymnastics and swimming lessons, but it was still such a fun trip. 

For the Fourth of July, I decided to take the kids to the hot air balloon launch in Provo. I've always wanted to do it, but the early wake up time is rough. I admittedly almost cancelled when my alarm went off at 5am. But we dragged ourselves out of bed and headed up to Provo. It was absolutely worth it! The balloons are so close. The kids were in awe. 

Since Michael was out of town and we were already in Provo, we stayed for the parade. We haven't attended since Hazel and Eliza were little. It was just as fun as I remember it!

The kids and I finished up the Fourth with naps in the afternoon and fireworks from the front lawn after dark. Walter was mesmerized by the fireworks! 

Not the same with Daddy missing all weekend, but a fun Fourth of July nonetheless.

Spend Summer Outside!

If the photos on your phone highlight your priorities, I guess it's not surprising that 99% of my pictures include one the kids (especially Walter) or the outdoors. 

Already this summer we've had some wonderful outdoor adventures beginning with my birthday campout! We were in South Dakota for my birthday last year, and I loved it so much I decided an outdoor birthday adventure is becoming an annual tradition. 

Last minute I was able to find the most idilic camping spot in Maple Canyon. It was quiet, wooded, and full of fun little hikes among some amazing rock formations. And it was less than an hour from home! I love exploring new places in our own "backyard." 

The wildflowers were incredible while we were there! My favorite birthday gift was the bouquet Orson and Lenora picked for me. 

 

This area attracts a lot of rock climbers, and it's not hard to see why. 

Walter seemed to love his first camping trip! He slept well and loved the fire. 

Some other fun summer adventures included: 

The Alpine Poppy Fields 

A Week on the Farm

We spent a week "farm-sitting" for our good friends. The kids loved caring for the animals, and we can all now milk goats! 

Forest School Fun

Picking Cherries! 

 A Hike to the Grotto 

Walter LOVES the sound of running water. When he's fussy, just the sound of us drawing a bath is soothing to him. So, no surprise he was mesmerized by the waterfall. 

Do you spot two girls in this picture?

More Forest School Fun 

The water levels finally decreased enough to head back to our normal location. The swimming hole is better than ever! The heavy run-off carried away a large log and opened up even more space for swimming (and some rock "water-slides"). 

Walter had no complaints about his first creek swim!

It's a good thing this cutie loves being outside just as much as the rest of us.

Girls Camp for Hazel and Eliza

The big girls got to enjoy a full week of tent camping for girls camp. They had a blast! 

Can't wait for even more great adventures this summer.