I have been putting this off for much too long & am now going to end up with a post the size of Texas.
Hmmm... Where to start.... We've had a great summer & hope to squeeze a little more juice from it's sweet fruit in the next couple of weeks. We headed to gorgeous little Cache Valley a couple of times to see Jack's last T-ball game (he's headed for the major leagues), play time at the park & much loved time with sisters & cousins.
We were lucky to have Ty's darling cousins from Texas here for a bit & were so happy they joined us on a few adventures such as the zoo, Willard Bay & Flaming Gorge. They need to move back here. Speaking of Flaming Gorge, I'm not sure what the deal is, but we have no luck with that place. Don't get me wrong- we had a great time, however torrential downpour in the middle of a rafting trip with many babes & small children in tow isn't exactly ideal. BUT we made the most of it, got everyone out alive & will no doubt try it again in the next year or two. (Just as a side note, last time we went to the Gorge we had the brilliant idea to take my parents' old van which broke down on the way home & rendered us helpless & stuck in Vernal for 3 days. Blech.)
We also took a quick camping trip to Lava, floated the river, swam & ate s'mores to our hearts content. There's been ample swimming in the backyard on the many days that soared into the high 90's. Mr P has a new-found passion for stripping down, turning on the sprinklers & going to town. We had a fun little family outing that took us to Layton to enjoy the sweet rock of Grand Funk Railroad. (Ummm Who?) Yes, we were probably the youngest there; yes, I did know a few of their songs & yes, Mr P was quite the crowd pleaser as he danced around & sang with the best of 'em. (You'll note in a couple of pics he's covering his ears. This is not due to his dislike of said band, but to sheer loathing of the shrieking & whistling of people seated by us. He glared at the super loud lady by me a couple of times, to which she took no notice. Haha.)
We spent a little time at the fair admiring the many blue ribbons my aunt won for various crocheted items & canned goods as well as some of the animals. (Giant bunnies, Kenzie!) We also enjoyed some good country fun watching the ATV rodeo Ty & his friend Rex participated in. Their events were the polo derby like the one they did on the 4th of July & also the gunny sack race where Ty drove his 4-wheeler, towing a piece of tarp, onto which Rex jumped & was then dragged around barrels & through a mud pit. Boy, doesn't that sound like a good time?! They didn't win, but it sure was entertaining. I bet it took Rex a good while in the shower getting the mud out of his ears, nostrils & elsewhere. Good times.
We rocked a really good time at the Monster Jam, cheering for the old classic Gravedigger & the new classic Ninja Turtle truck & trying not to concentrate on the smells of neighboring patrons or the lack of attire. My son's love for anything with motors & wheels is almost comical. We heard "Oh boy!!!" a lot that night. Man, I love to see that kid's face light up when he's excited. They don't come cuter than that.
My mom celebrated her 60th birthday amid family & friends, complete with the timeless sounds of Michael Jackson & some quite entertaining dancing. This woman has the spirit & heart of a 16 year old. The only thing old(er) about her is her wisdom. She's utterly amazing. I'm certain there aren't that many 60 year olds who can totally kick their 20-something daughter's tail at running or biking or any of the other crazy things she does. Not only that, but I can guarantee you there is not a kinder, more generous person to be found. I love her & wish her a splendid year ahead. She's the best.
So, if you're still with me after all that, I'll just sum by saying it's been a great summer. I don't know how it goes by so fast, but I'm also excited for fall. Mmmm, cozy sweaters..... Life's good.
It also brings out the motor-head in my son. At least he's getting in the habit of wearing a helmet...
Step 1: Get a trailer. Step 2: Get some pallets. Step 3: Get some shrink wrap. Step 4: Get a forklift. Step 5: Stack & move. I could not be more glad that we have completed step 5. We got the majority of our stuff moved in one weekend, got the house cleaned & closed last Wednesday. Whew! The past month has been a whirlwind of activity, since it was only about 6 or 7 weeks from the time we put it on the market to the time we closed. Which is a good thing-- It's a really good thing! Don't get me wrong-- I feel insanely blessed that we've had such good fortune & are on to our next adventure. However the thought of never going home to my little Terrace house again, never running across the street to swim or borrow an egg, never having neighbors show up with a delicious treat, never sitting on my front porch as the sun goes down, watching my offspring ride his big wheel with the many neighbor kids-- it all tugs at my heartstrings. We knew the time in our home there was temporary going into it, but I never could have known how 'at home' I would end up feeling there. I miss it a great deal already. I hope the cute couple taking our place feels the same happiness there that we did. And I hope our friends & neighbors don't forget us too quickly because I know I'll remember them always. Thanks for everything. I say a little prayer in my heart every day that we'll be as happy in our new home...
