The Rest of the Story (July 4)

This afternoon we went to This is the Place Heritage Park. The weather was great and we did some things we hadn't done in times past. They have a 'new' playground. It's several small building for kids to pretend they're in a town from times past. We missed the staged 'bank robbery' (in a different part of the park) because the kids were busy getting Layne while he was staging a 'train robbery' in the playground area. The kids also went for a pony ride (except for Jonny), we went on the small train - we love this one. The whole family went. It's track goes around a pretty pond and the view is great. Today was also our first time in the "Indian Village". It's one of the newer parts of the park. All those that wanted to had a chance to make an arrowhead necklace. It's fun to be there with the workers/volunteers in costume. The gentlemen helping at the Indian Village told us some things that Jonny and I got to learn about this past year in Social Studies. I actually knew something Layne didn't - kind of amazing.:}

After the park - we came home, had a BBQ (chicken, corn on the cob - two grilled favorites...fruit salad, tomatoes/cottage cheese and a drink Layne did (with the boys) - limeade, lemon/lime soda and strawberries...yumm.), did some sparklers and a couple of fireworks, played tag in the backyard and called it a day.

We had beautiful weather today. Sunny, some clouds, rain for a few minutes and warm but not 'dying of heat' hot.

Happy 4th of July

We went to a concert in the park last night - we heard the Army Band play some patriotic favorites. Fun show!

Today we have participated in our stake's program/parade/breakfast and gotten a couple of productive things done.

The morning is almost gone and we're trying to decide which of the outdoor plans to go with today - or, we might just stay indoors considering it has sprinkled and looks like more rain is coming.

Right now we're just doing low key stuff. Layne and Jacob are playing golf on the Wii and the other kids are watching a show Megan chose at the library yesterday.

We're hoping to BBQ a little later on.

This past week, our family has talked about our country, the freedoms we enjoy and how lucky we are to be a part of this nation. We are very blessed! Happy Freedom Day to all!!

What? No Camera

During the summer, I usually have my camera attached to my hand (or at least in my pocket). It seems like there are just too many 'picture moments' to put it away. My current issue is that the battery compartment won't open! So, the camera works, there's plenty of memory space - just no power. I've found if I wait a day or two there's just enough juice to take another picture or two. I know - sounds so desperate. Now, I'm hoping that by waiting a couple of days I'll be able to download some pictures. (I've been downloading more often these days - just in case.) Wish me luck!

Here are some things I would post pictures of if I had them (some I just plain didn't take and some might be here in the future if I can get them to download).

I had a GREAT time at Girls' Camp a couple of weeks ago! Wonderful gals, cool leaders to work with and a beautiful setting. (Thanks to babysitting grandparents who made it possible - Layne was even out of town on business part of the time.)

The boys are taking guitar classes and the girls are taking a music class. They're through the community and are a great deal.

We went downtown last week for Disney's Water Day - kids running through water and getting free Creamies were the highlights. (They weren't too interested in dancing with the 'Disney dancers'.)

The kids and I went to the library for an 'interactive' viewing of the Incredibles movie.

Our garden is taking shape. We're excited to taste the 'vegetables of our labors'.

Both of the boys went to their respective Scout Camps and had a great time.

Jonny has completed all of the requirements for his Wolf. (He should receive it during the next Pack Meeting.)

We went to an outing in the park for both Megan and Jacob's classes. It was fun to spend time with classmates/families outside of class.

I've been doing some fun things with the Young Women. This ward really does have some great youth.

Aunt Kerri came to visit. The kids were bummed she and their grandparents couldn't stay longer.

We've played in the backyard - the kids are starting to associate that with 'otter pops'. It's hot!

We finished putting together the fountain in our backyard - and, the roses are finally pruned.

The kids and I have gone a few times to 'free lunch' at the park.

We tried a new park a couple of days ago. It has a skatepark (Jacob liked that part) , a couple of playgrounds, plenty of shade, and is home to the International Peace Gardens. (It's also one of the 'free lunch' sites - so, we didn't even need to pack a lunch.) We might try it again.

We've gone to several 'Concerts in the Park'. It's good music and an informal setting - so, it works great for the whole family.

I had a Birthday that I got to celebrate at camp and then we also went out the night we got back from camp. (Not sure it was an actual Bday celebration - but, it was fun to do something with the whole family and g.ma/g.pa.) We went to dinner, a concert in the park and then for a scoop of ice cream.

The kids and I went to the 'Spring Fiesta' (in June) at the Multicultural Center that's not far from us. It included 'bouncy toys', food, live music, water and all the cotton candy/snow cones they could eat. We went home tired and happy.

We've been doing some things with our ward - a Primary Activity to Temple Square, the Scout BBQ, Father/Son Camp-out, Ward 'Olympics'

We've also gone to a couple of gatherings with friends - BBQs, Birthday parties and 'Showers' (baby and bridal).

We're looking forward to: celebrating the 4th of July, a family reunion, Pioneer Day, events at the library, more outings, free days at local places/events, a ward reunion/camp-out, more classes (guitar/music - next month...TaeKwonDo and tumbling).

Now, if I could just get a better learning time/job routine going it would be great. I usually start the summer with more of a plan in place. This time it seems there's so much to work on I'm a little overwhelmed.

Quick Quotes and Quirky Quips

The other day Layne noticed a sticky floor from where Megan had tried to clean up the lemonade she spilled. Megan stated, "Me had an accident." Layne attempted to correct her by saying, "I had an accident." Megan responded..."Me too!". She was thrilled she and her Dad had something in common.:}

The other day we were driving in the van. I'm not sure how the topic came up - but, I asked the kids if they thought we should have another child in our family. The boys simultaneously exclaimed, "YES!". It was 'in stereo' and had an excited ring to it. Megan thought for a couple of seconds and then gave a definite "No". She seemed quite sure of her answer. Rachel didn't answer me - so, I repeated the question. More silence from her side of the car. She eventually let out a very subtle, "blue". I wasn't sure what to make of it - so, I asked her to repeat herself. She then said "Blue" with a little more conviction - still in her cute, little voice. Hmm...still not sure what to make of that one - but it has cracked the boys up ever since.

Wii Fit

Layne gave me a Wii Fit for Mother's Day. I was a bit surprised. It seemed like a lot for a day we usually get showed with homemade gifts from the kids. He said something about a huge sale he couldn't pass up. (That usually means he's been thinking about it for awhile and just found the best deal.) The difference between Layne and I? I would have hid it and saved it for a birthday or Christmas.:} Layne is not one to wait - which also makes it hard to purchase gifts for him. We can get to the day before his birthday and he'll go buy it for himself! What is that about? Why don't you just wait a day so we don't end up having two?:} Anyway!! My real point was...

I LOVE MY NEW WII FIT!! I tried it again today. (Yes, it's taken me awhile to get around to it.) I like the variety and that it starts out where you are and goes from there. I also really like the idea that I can do a few minutes anytime during the day. Thank you Layne!!