What Happened to Summer???

Well, apparently I blog about the same way I write in a journal - I do really good for a while, then I get busy, then I get so far behind the thought of catching up is utterly depressing until I finally buckle down, get it done and vow to never do this myself again....

Until the next time...

In any case, here's the summer recap, if for nothing else to PROVE that we have been busy - not just (completely) slacking! :)

Pioneer Day
Typically, Pioneer Day isn’t a huge event among my family. But since the kids got such a kick out the 4th of July parade, we thought we’d give it a Round 2! Plus, we needed another excuse to pull out the old Red White & Blue outfits again!

We pulled into Logan just in time for the little kiddie parade. Lance saved us great seats in the shade except this DUMB family came and STOOD right in front of us for the ENTIRE parade! Can you believe that!?! We didn’t say anything, but between that and the stupid big kids crowding us out on the other side it was kind of irritating.

(I love how Lily is waving in this picture - just like the princesses!)

It wasn't the best parade I have ever been to, but seeing Ella out there waving her heart out made it all worthwhile!

We went to Hyrum Dam for a little while and played in the water...

(That's Wow on the tube, and Dave driving the wave runner!)

Oquirrh Mountain Temple
Our family had the opportunity to visit the Oquirrh Mountain Temple before it was dedicated. It was so beautiful. Although it took a lot longer than anyone expected, and there were a few minor meltdowns, the spirit and beauty of the temple is something that is incomparable. Lily loved seeing all the pictures of Jesus. It truly is one of the most breathtaking temples I have seen.

Birthdays
Within about 6 weeks during the summer, my family has no less than 7 birthdays. Needless to say we party party party all summer long! We did a big combo-birthday party for me, Mom, Sarah and Granny at a local park. I’m telling you, parks are the way to go! The kiddos can go nuts (and eat all the watermelon they want without Mommy freaking out!) and clean-up is a BREEZE!

For each of my sisters, I have given them “Sisters” bracelets on their birthdays, and this year, Sarah gave one to me, and I got one for my mom this year that says “Mother.”

Phoebe's Blessing
Sweet little Phoebe was blessed on August 2. This baby is just a doll! She is so smiley and so happy (unless she’s hungry, then watch out!) I loved her SUPER frilly dress and her pearls. She looked like a little grandma to me! Lily loves little Phoebes. Dave gave a beautiful blessing to his daughter. We did a delicious roast dinner at our house afterwards. Lexy’s family came too! It was a houseful, but so fun to celebrate this precious girl!

Sabrina

Sweet little Sabrina Anne was born on Sunday, August 23. She is Rebecca and Lance’s third daughter, and such a little sweetheart! She was 7 pounds 5 ounces and 19 inches long. Such a little love!

Bear Lake
For the last few years, our family has made an annual excursion to Bear Lake for a day of fun in the sun! We had to postpone our outing because there was NO SUN on the weekend we had planned, so we rescheduled later on. Unfortunately Seuao had to work all weekend, but I ventured up with the girls anyway.

We had a picnic lunch and a quasi-surprise party for Dave’s birthday.

Someone LOVES cake!

Although it was kind of overcast and not super warm when we got there, as soon as we finished lunch, the skies parted and the sun started shining and we were ready for the water!

I hung out on the beach with my girls, and helped watch some of the others whose mommies were incapacitated…

Of course, Tessa had to eat the sand, but still both she and Lily had so much fun!

Sarah took Lily out on the boat - I think the pictures speak for themselves...

When we got to the car after we were done at the lake, Lily wanted “chicken and an ice cream cone” but fell asleep about one minute after the car started moving! We stopped for chicken and ice cream cones when we got back to Logan – these girls definitely enjoy their ice cream cones!

We played outside until it was time for baths and bed, and let me tell you the concoction of sand, ice cream, peanut butter sandwiches, watermelon and stinky diapers was enough to convince anyone these girls need a bath – no doubt about it! But a fun, stinky, sticky end to an awesome day.