Camping @ Whitney Lake

So maybe you've noticed I was MIA for a few days (no Friday FIVE for one - sorry). We've been camping in the Uintah Mountains with Scott's siblings, our nieces and nephews and his parents, as well as a few others thrown into the mix. It was a huge group and lots of fun...

Our campsite

Scott, Audrey & Hallie on sheep rancher's horse

Kesley, Angeleah & Spencer (cousins)

Eating suckers in the dirt

Me with Hallie & Audrey

Scott shooting skeet

Dallin eating lunch

Grandkids (most of them)

Our Family

The HEAT is on!

Summer is in full force. We are melting. As I walked from my car to Costco this afternoon carrying Audrey and half dragging sleepy Hallie, it felt like I was walking through an oven.

And speaking of ovens, I haven't turned mine on in days and even then I baked a cake at 8am to avoid heating up my kitchen. We are existing on grilling, salads and fruit - ok, and I admit it, cereal and toast.

At least we have a shady backyard, so the kids can still play outside for a little while. But mostly, they are playing in the basement with their toys and Dallin's xbox. It's so much cooler down there - I may sleep down there on the love sac tonight.

Can't complain too much though - Utah is afterall, a desert. Anyone want to go on a trip to New Zealand? I hear it's a blizzard there.

Friday FIVE

I just realized today is Friday - I have completely lost track of time this week and it felt like a Saturday today because Scott is home. He's off tomorrow too, so it is really strange to have him home 3 days in a row. Anyway, I'm getting distracted...


This week's Friday FIVE:


1. FIREWORKS. We went to our hometown fireworks last night and since out girls were exhausted tonight, we stayed home. BUT, our neighbors had a TON of illegal mortar fireworks, so it was quite the show again tonight - from our own front porch.



2. RAINBOW SLUSHIE. Paces Dairy Ann is one of those greasy spoon places that just makes great food. I love their signature Popsicles, greasy onion rings (and fry sauce) and their rainbows - your choice of peach, lime, cherry or grape slush with vanilla soft serve ice cream in the middle. YUM!



3. GARDENING. I weeded my front flowerbeds this morning and I love the satisfaction of completing that task. Plus it is nice to get outside on a beautiful (although hot) day. Tomorrow I'm on to the backyard beds.




4. SCENTSY. I love my scentsy wickless candles. They smell so yummy, I could just sit and inhale them all day long. Right now I have "sugar cookie" in my jar. Heaven.



5. SUMMER NIGHTS. I love the calm, warm summer nights. It is so fun to take a late walk or cruise around in Scott's jeep. Even just sitting on the front porch enjoying the stars is so nice. Love that!

Summertime Blues

Well, here it is already - one more week in June and we are onto July. Here in Utah, July moves pretty quick: we celebrate not only the 4th of July, but also the 24th of July (also called Pioneer Day when our pioneer settlers first came to the Salt Lake Valley and established our area). And then once July is over, we can pretty much label August as "back to school" month as we prepare for another school year.

And so far what have we accomplished? Not much. So, I am making a summer list of things I want to do with my family (some just with the kids while Scott is at work, others with all 6 of us)...

• Get a pioneer picture taken at Lagoon. We haven't had one done for a few years and need to get one with Audrey! So, I guess going to Lagoon, period is on the list - even though it really isn't my favorite place to hang out.
• See Kung-Fu Panda.
• Go swimming at the Bountiful Rec (I still haven't ever been there).
• Visit the Museum of Natural History - this is Kesley's request. She remembers it from when she was little and wants to go again this summer. Ahhhh.
• Roast hot dogs in the canyon.
• Go on a 4-wheeler ride in the Bountiful hills.
• Go boating with Jones (they invited us to go to Powell with them this week, but we just couldn't make it work - yes, we are feeling super bad).
• Obviously attend fireworks in July!!!
• Have a family barbq in our sweet backyard - hopefully more than once!
• Go camping in August with Scott's family (really looking forward to this one, even though we'll be in a tent for the 1st time in MANY years).
• Dallin has already talked with our dentist and asked if we can go swimming at their house - there is a long history here, so I know we'll do this one.
• Spend a day in Park City and go on the Alpine slide, etc.
• Scott really wants to take Dallin to the Larry H Miller Sportspark.
• The zoo (done once, but we'll probably go again in Aug/Sept)
• Lots of running through the sprinklers (at home and at Grandma Bee's/Jennie's).
• Spend afternoon at the Gateway fountain.
• Rent (or maybe buy) Horton Hears a Who.
• Hike Timpanogas Cave (and no, I have NO idea how to spell that).
• Raging Waters (maybe - it's gotten so expensive).
• And finally, we are still planning to go to Disneyland in Sept - but since we are driving to CA, if gas keeps going up, we might wait until spring so we can use some of our tax return to help with the costs.

Even if we accomplish half of this list, I will be happy. These aren't must does, just ideas to keep the kids busy, me sane, and make some fun memories!

Happy Summer!!!