Prize for Posing: Summer Memories from Utah

Almost a week ago, on Friday, August 2nd I was driving my four children back to our desert home after a month in the mountains of Utah. Admittedly, I was feeling down. Yes, I was going to miss our families, the shady trees and blooming flowers, a break from the daily domestic grind but at that moment all I could think of was my dread of returning to the awful Phoenix HEAT!! Ugh!

Today, I'm putting off showering and the compulsory hair drying which I detest because it just makes me sweat and puts me a rotten mood, and I'm going to take a walk down our Utah memories lane.

Provo, Utah 4th of July Fireworks viewed from the lawn by the Harmon Building.

This area of lawn has been in our family for many 4th of July years. I remember rolling down this hill when I was about Buster's age.

#3 and Nana putting together some glow bracelets.

I'm catching up with my cool brother in law while holding sleeping Baby E. That poor girl had had such a rough day, not a minute of sleep until she finally zonked out in my arms around 10:00 pm.

The first thing Buster wanted to do was show Papa the new moves he had just learned at wrestling camp.

#1 and Papa riding home, 4th of July style, in the back of the truck

Sandy, UT July 5th extended reunion with cousins from my Dad's family

My extended family gets together every other year but I haven't ever been able to attend one of these reunions. It was so fun to see my cousins and their children! The reunion was held at this wonderful park in my cousin's private neighborhood. There was lots of good food, swimming and organized games.

Here's #1 completing the obstacle course competition. It was hard! But she did awesome!

Spouse and Baby E waiting for dinner.

Buster waiting in line with some cousins to do his world famous, huge cannon-ball!


Buster and #2 digging into their pinata loot with some 2nd cousins.

July 9-14 Logan, UT my family reunion

My siblings (minus 1 :( ) and our families gathered at my parents home for a week of togetherness. There was lots of trampoline jumping, playing at the park, Aggie ice cream and 4 wheeler rides. Each day we had one or two organized activities. Some of these included a fun run, water games at the park, the 2nd annual family dance!, a service project at the pioneer cemetery. We also spent a day at Spouse's family cabin riding four wheelers, roasting marshmallows and competing in a billiards tournament. We took a day to visit my grandmother in the hospital in Salt Lake City and then tour Temple Square.

#3 and cousin Joph-fes

One day I was looking all over for Buster, calling for him. I finally found him tucked away in the library reading "Battles of Freedom." He was so engrossed, I didn't want to disturb him so I took this picture through the glass door. He loves military histories.

Family Fun Run! It was a mile for most of the kids or 2 miles for the older boys. My nephew on the right of this picture was the first to come in. He ran the two miles faster than anyone ran the one mile: 13 minutes. And that is with a lot of hills! I was impressed.

#1 and her cousin racing into the finish line!

Buster really wanted to beat Joph-fess!

Fresh donuts are the best reward after a grueling one-miler :)

#1 and her Papa

Nana, Spouse and Baby E, post race. I gave Spouse a free pass on the run since he helped me get the music, tables and water set up.

My nephew Zack on the 4 wheeler at the cabin in Logan Canyon

"This is hot, don't touch it!"

All these years coming to Utah, I've never taken my kids to Temple Square. So glad to have remedied that. But I think we need to come again next year and plan to spend a lot more time.

The Conference Center roof was really cool. But actually it was really hot up there.

#3 and her cousins at the Children's exhibit in the Church History Museum. That's another place I could have spent another hour.

July 15-21 Bear Lake with Spouse's family

This is a week my children love and look forward to with great anticipation. They love running free with their cousins. Making little trips to the resort store for ice-cream, jaw breakers and candy. They love the beach and boating. They love going to the Pickleville shows and go-karting. They love making a Bear Lake t-shirt every year.