Summary of Summer!

Its common knowledge I am not very good at taking pictures-getting a quality photo or taking enough of them. While I haven't toted my camera around to all our activities over the last three months, we have had a fun time. We've done Lagoon, Seven Peaks, a playdate at a new park every week, watched fireworks and parades, taken swimming lessons, gone swimming, gone to splash pads, played water park in our back yard, killed some grass with frequent slip and slide episodes, been to the float preview, the dentist, the Bees baseball game, done some house projects (painting) not exactly a happy memory I would like to reconjure. Grant's played on his first basketball team (and made two baskets, might I add!), had soccer training, Katelee's learned to ride a tw0-wheeler, we've visited with cousins and had Grandpa and Grandma visit from Florida, we've welcomed home my sister Paige from her mission-YAY!, visited with childhood lifelong friends (and their moms), gone to the canyons for a hike (we needed to do that WAY more), gone camping, we went to Lake Powell for the first time....Thanks to Dave's brother Brian-surfer and boater extraordinare. Here is Brian surfing with Katelee:
Grant loved the tubes, it couldn't be fast enough for him-two thumbs up with Dave crying out that he was going to die and it was too reckless!
Dave took to wake surfing really quickly and loved it.....me, on the other hand, I needed much more assistance, but eventually I got it!We welcomed our first pet and later buried (or should I say flushed) our first pet. Katelee wanted to take a picture of the floater on his day of decease, but I was a little grossed out by that, so we have no proof he ever lived. We've done free weekly bowling and started piano lessons. We are ready for school and we are TIRED!!!

The Mister

Just a little post to honor the provider of the house...Dave just had a birthday, so he is one year older and wiser too, at least we like to think so! He continues to work super hard at ADP, always pushing himself and motivating those around him. We appreciate him so much and love him a lot! Dave is a lover of travel and food. He is a self acclaimed food conniseur. If you need recommendations on where to get the best food (specifically dessert) he can direct you. Because he is so enticed by that which goes in his mouth, he runs a half marathon...one half marathon a year, and he trains for it very minimally. He believes this will counter act the calories consumed the other 364 days. Don't know if that is a healthy outlook, but I'd say a half marathon is impressive, no matter the preparation done before! Way to run it! Dave requested no cake this year, but opted for his mother's much loved Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. We sang, had some neighbors over for ice cream, and he indulged and loved every bite! Miss Brenna, however, seems to have cravings for mud pies these days-YUCK!

Culture

We as a family want to experience culture...different cultures, discover our own, explore the meaning of the word. Is being 'cultured' being familiar with the refined and high society? (Katelee just had another dance recital. She is taking a one year leave to try out soccer. Now she is second guessing her decision. After the final curtain call, she yet again stood in front and waved to all her adoring fans. The girl needs the stage!)

I suppose some cultures are like that. But, we too have our own culture. I guess our kids have some religious traditions with our LDS faith. They, along with their father, have some southern culture sweetly dripping out with the occasional 'y'alls' and love for grits, Karo, grouper and the likes. This week we were all exposed to various cultures as we accompanied Dave to Las Vegas ...and exposed we were! He had work, we wanted to play, so it worked out. We had a great time. Grant pointed out some 'immodestness.' But all in all, we left unscathed! I love the representations from different architecture of the world. (A view from our hotel room...great spot to watch the fountains at the Bellagio). As we explored the Italian corner at the Venetian, the gondoliers were floating through the waters, serenading the passengers with elegant operatic tones. Katelee, leaned over the edge, and joined in song. But her choice was a more familiar one-Row Row Row Your Boat. I am sure all around enjoyed it. Here she is by the NY NY hotel.

I love people watching and I love variety. We have some diversity in our neighborhood, and I think we need to have some explanations about it in our home because recently Grant rode his bike up to our little neighbor whose parents were born in India and he stuck his head close to this boy's and exclaimed, "Hola! Como estas?!" Grant was across the street and I couldn't help but chuckle. We notice differences, and I hope we can all learn to appreciate them!

Crybaby...

My eyes leak...a lot! I have been known to shed tears at the library story time, passing Grant's bus on his way to a field trip, and of course at various shows, commercials and websites, even the animated movie, "The Incredibles" has evoked emotion from this lady. Recently, I have been choked up at my little graduates. And, I mean really, how many graduations am I going to be attending? At this rate, we will be having ceremonies for graduating shoe sizes. I never had a graduation for every event, but despite how often they may occur, I still teared up. Dave shakes his head, I try to look down or blink them away, but to no avail. I feel sheepish that it happens, but the truth is-it does. I blame my mother, really. She is known to have some water works, but I think I am surpassing her in the "crying at ridiculous moments" category. I can't believe our kindergarten and joy school
years are over for Grant and Katelee, they were tears of pride and love and amazement at being able to watch the munchkins develop. This one: on the other hand, brings other sorts of tears to my eyes....tears of insanity and defeat! Brenna and I aren't really at war, per say, but she still wins. She is yet to find an obstacle she cannot conquer, and I would like chandeliers or kitchen butcher knives or every shelf in the pantry to be unreachable for her. Someday I may see those qualities as strengths, and it is pretty safe to say that I will at that moment...cry.

Anniversaries

Dave and I will be celebrating our 9th anniversary next week. No, we didn't decide to go have a couple photo session, this picture was taken when we were in Florida a couple of weeks ago, celebrating another special anniversary.



Fifty years ago, two marvelous people wed in the lovely Pensacola, Florida area. There they raised 8 fabulous children (my charming husband, included). FIFTY YEARS! Seriously, how momentous is that?! Dave's parents spent their actual anniversary date on the beaches of Hawaii. Little did they know that a family extravaganza was planned to share in the happiness! All 8 kids gathered (which in and of itself is a big deal-8 kids spread across 7 different states) and some of their spouses, a few of the grandkids joined in the fun. All the prep work and arrival of each family member was done without my in-laws ever suspecting. We mostly all stayed in hotels on the beach -no complaints here :)! They went out to dinner to celebrate another anniversary-that of their lovely daughter Anna, and her husband Curt. (This really was just a cover story, but Anna and Curt's anniversary was close enough to the date, they fell for it!) They arrived at the restaurant, were brought into a room filled with those they loved the most and it was a touching moment none of us will ever forget. The shock was apparent, the emotions were high, the smiles and laughs were plentiful and it was a marvelous time. Every detail was attended to-flowers, party favors, champagne (non-alcoholic, of course!), gifts, presentations, a toast, a professional wedding cake. It went off without a flaw. The next day we held a luau in their house, in honor of their romantic getaway. Because the events where all 8 siblings and parents get together have been at funerals or never, the kids took the opportunity to fulfill their mother's dream and get professional photos done. Here is everyone: Carl and Catherine, Anna, Serena, Amy, Brent, David, Brian, Dean and Russell. I can only hope that in 41 years, when Dave and I hit our 50th, we will have evolved into a couple like his parents: committed, completely in love, graceful, respectful, happy and shining beacons to all who they come into contact.





Meanwhile, back at the farm, my mom tried to keep the kids out of trouble. Kind of hard with this one:


She even filled in for me as Grant had his kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Festival. He debuted as 'The Muffin Man,' and she and my sister supported him in his singing/reciting endeavors. We are so grateful for our families!