Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Today in church we talked about keeping the Sabbath Day holy.  So, tonight, when the sun started to set and the temperature dipped below the 105º high of the day, we pulled out Tom's Father's Day gift (a fire pit) and had a little family time.  That's a pretty holy activity, isn't it? :)  Anyway, we had a great time just hanging by the fire.  The kids laughed and played and fought.  We loved the dry, warm air and tried to stay away from the heat of the fire.   Even more, we spent our family time in our awkward, little backyard.  We never do that.   It was a pretty great night.

The kids tried to fry an egg on the street after church.  It should have been hot enough, being 105º, but the egg didn't cook.  We're going to try aluminum foil tomorrow.

Childhood Perfection

I had one of those childhoods everybody dreams of.  2 loving parents, siblings that kept the house from being boring, a nice neighborhood that was safe enough to ride my bike throughout and play night games of kickball or hide-and-go seek.  It was the upper middle class version of the Wonder Years 80s/90s neighborhood.  I don't remember feeling the oppressive, humid heat of south Texas.  I went from my house to my friends' houses and to the neighborhood pool in shorts and my swimsuit.  In fact, I don't think my mom ever had to buy summer clothes, as long as I had a swimsuit.
We had the greatest pool in our neighborhood.  It opened at either 12 or 1 and closed at 8 or 9, depending on the day.  My sisters and I would spend hours upon hours there every day.  We'd get our simple chores done in the morning and then my mom wouldn't see us until late.  I remember one of the lifeguards asking us if we ever ate dinner.  I don't remember my answer- or eating summer dinners.  I'm sure my mom had something simple for us when we got home.  We were nut-brown and sinewy trim because we spent our whole day expending energy in the sun.  It was pretty fantastic.  When I was 15 we got a pool in our backyard.  By then, my closest friends had moved away so I was happy to enjoy the quiet of my own pool.
I tried to find pictures of that time, but couldn't .  Instead, here is our swim team.  I'm on the left edge partially covered by the super-happy blond boy.   Ginger is next to that happy kid.  I think that's the same punk kid who called me out on having a wart on my thumb as loudly as he could in front of my whole 5th grade class- but I could be wrong.  The next picture is taken on Susie's birthday.  Liz scanned this one in.  I just liked it because we were all so cute.

Anyway, I've been thinking about my beautiful childhood a lot this summer.  For the first time ever we have a pass to a pool.  We don't have many HOA pools in Utah, but there are city ones.  While I don't love swimming with the whole city, I do love that my kids are finally making swimming memories.  They don't stay for 8 hour stretches, but the 2-3 hours we spend there are so much fun.  When they aren't swimming, they're doing small chores and schoolwork to be productive.  Then they watch tv and play with neighborhood kids- just like I did.  I can't help but think that I'm making some of the same memories for my kids that my parents made for me.  I can only hope that one day they can say that they had a happy childhood, too.

You Take the Boys, I'll Take the Girls

There are some benefits to having all boys and one girl.  #1- It's less expensive.  Girls' clothes are more fun and require more shopping.  I can buy one of everything and not feel so guilty.  Besides, boys just want t-shirts and shorts this time of year. #2- The drama of just one girl is enough for me. "You love Jake more than me?  *Sob, sob, sob*"  #3- For Fathers/Sons campouts- I get to have Girl Time with my little sweetheart.  Here are some pictures from the boys getting ready- and the girls getting ready for our nights apart.  The boys camped and the girls went shopping and to a ladies' dinner at Noodles & Co.  Then I put Avery to bed, watched a movie and then brought her into my bed so we could sleep together.  I loved waking up to her sweet smile this morning.  (It almost made up for the fact that she thought my pillow was more comfortable than her's throughout the night.)

Happy Fathers Day to My Favorite Dads

 Tom became a dad almost 15 years ago.  He was a natural from the beginning.  I'll always be grateful for the good daddy he is to my babies.

My dad is pretty much fantastic.  I adore him and am thankful for every moment I've had with him.  I'll always be his Turkey Leg, Pain in the Neck and Reject. ;)

(This isn't my baby.)  Tom's dad raised a pretty great guy.  His influence is found throughout our family.

A Cool 13.1

This year I recruited Philip to drive up here, wake up in the middle of the night and then be bussed up Provo Canyon for the purpose of running 13.1 miles down the road. I'm pretty sure he hated me at about mile 10. At mile 11 he would have speared me with a loose branch had he found one. And as he was vomiting next to his car afterwards, I'm positive he never wanted to see me again. But he did it and rocked it. So proud of him and so thankful he kept me entertained for the duration. It will always be a happy memory for me.
ps- He got a medal, too. He was just too delirious to grab it from the medal distributor.

Best Day Ever

Today was one of those days I will always remember.  I got to spend it with my parents, hubby and kids.  The only thing that would have made it better is if my siblings could have been there.  Anyway,  after a lazy morning and nice church, we had a blast enjoying fun company in gorgeous weather.   We played lawn games then walked to a neighborhood park where the kids played and the adults talked.  I then took my parents on a drive around the city.  When we got back, Sam and Alyson were here.  We had a good time hanging out.  I couldn't have imagined a better day.

 Loved this shot.  Avery loves my dad.

 68 never looked better.

 I take no credit for her outfit.  It was 90º out there.

 It's hard to imagine that my dad was on his death bed a couple months ago.  He looks great.

 Always teasing each other.

 Gracie has never, ever liked my dad.  It's so sad because he LOVES dogs.  Tonight she actually let him love with her.  Miracles never cease.

Jakes Big Day

Today is a big day for our little 8 year old Jake.  He decided to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  What a big, fantastic step for my little buddy.  I can't believe he's old enough to be baptized, but I'm so glad he decided to do it.

He started the morning with a soccer game, where he scored the only 2 goals.  After half time he and Tom went to the church to get ready.  We all met up and enjoyed the morning and early afternoon together.  It really was a fabulous day.

Things I want Jake to remember-
1- It was seriously the most gorgeous day EVER.  Ever.  I don't know how he lucked out.
2- His dad baptized him and grandfather confirmed him.
3- He looked like an angel coming out of that water.  So young and pure.
4- We couldn't ever be prouder of the little guy.  What an amazing kid.

Jake after he game showing off his medal. 

Before the baptism

The whole group.  I love little Mikey in this one.  We have a picture of Jake doing the same thing at Austin's baby blessing. 

 Excuse Garrett's eyes.  He had horrible allergies today.

 So glad my parents could come.  Jake sure loves them.  We missed Tom's parents, but love that they are serving the people of Georgia.

Dance Festival

We ended the school year with my favorite tradition at the elementary school.  They use the 1 1/2 hours of school to perform for the parents.  Each grade has a dance, which they perform on the lawn as we sit on our blankets and watch.  I loved it.  Here are the picture from this year.  Now on to kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, 8th and 10th grades.  This coming year I will have everybody at school for at least a few hours every day.  Crazy.