Summer 2024: Silliness

What's summer without a little goofing off and silliness?????

Summer 2024: Firsts

In reverse order (because that's how the pictures loaded), here are some of the fun firsts we experienced this summer: 

First Day Boating!

Michael has the opportunity to frequently work with Elder Jason Jensen who oversees all the ASL units in Utah. He and his adorable wife were kind enough to invite us for a day of boating on Strawberry Reservoir. Most of the kids had never been on a boat beside the ferry, so it was a great day for them! They were so sweet to us and caught the most perfect weather.

First Major Virus

Poor Walter came down with his first major virus. He's been sick before, but never the knock you down sick he was last week. For a few hours his breathing was pretty labored and I nearly took him to the doctor, but then he turned a corner. Glad he's feeling better again now. 

First Independent Chapter Books!

Orson's reached the stage of reading where he's enjoying reading chapter books on his own! Such a great first that opens the doors to so many pleasurable hours. 

First Time Climbing a Tree

Okay, he didn't really climb it, but isn't he cute! 

First Film Appearance

Michael was asked to film a clip as "Deaf Captain Moroni" for a friend who runs an ASL Primary website. It turned out so great! 

First Child Driving

Hazel now has her learners permit. How? Just how?

First Dress Ups

First Visit to Bear Lake for Mommy!

I attended a two-night Relief Society retreat up at Bear Lake. It was a blast! I loved getting to know some of the sisters better and enjoying some relaxing days. 

First Time Licking the Spatula

First Bat in Our Hammock

As Lenora was taking down her hammock to leave Forest School one day she screamed. There was a bat in her hammock! So crazy. Luckily I was able to scare it away. 

First Time on Swim Team

This was a big one. Hazel did swim team every morning all summer long. It was a big stretch for her since she's never swam much before, but she ended up loving it! Due to choir tour and Summit conflicts, she was only able to attend one meet, but it was still such a great experience. 

First Solo Hammock for Walter

First GIANT Camp Chair

First Fruit Pizza

In leiu of cake on my birthday, Hazel made me the most amazing fruit pizza and I will never go back!

Summer 2024: Adventures!

 In no particular order, some of our favorite adventures this summer included: 

Visiting the "Fairy Gardens" at Gardner Village with cousins. 

Forest School! Most days were wonderful. One day however a HUGE gopher snake paid us a visit. He (she?) repeatedly climbed up and down our favorite hammock trees. At one point the snake went through a hole in the tree and came out another. My girls said it was the stuff of nightmares and Indian Jones movies. The boys of course wanted to touch it. Hazel hasn't gone near those trees since haha. 

We visited a great Lego temple/church building exhibit at BYU. The boys were in heaven. 

We had a FUN Fourth of July! The kids and I went first to the hot air balloons, then had breakfast in the park, and finally visited the colonial village. All were wonderful. At the colonial village the girls loved the costumes and authentic dancing/calligraphy workshops. The boys couldn't get enough of the historic battle demonstrations. We will definitely be back next year. 

The boys and I took my dad to a Bees game! This was Orson and Conrad's first professional baseball game, and they loved it! Of course my dad and I had a blast just watching them take it all in. Plus, it was great to spend time with my Dad enjoying a day at the ball fields! 

Walter rode the trolly cart at Cal Ranch and it might as well have been Disney Land! 

We caught the Rodeo at the County Fair again this year. Walter especially enjoyed the horses. And of course, the kids shoe race was a hoot as always. 

We had a FUN day with cousins at the splash pad then getting ice cream. It was Walter's first splash pad and the way he stopped through the water was about the cutest thing ever. Especially once Hazel the Monster started chasing him. 

Yay for simple summer fun!