We've had a very exciting summer and it has run it's course and school is officially underway. We had a great time visiting family from Montana to Utah.
We began our trip with cousins in Utah and enjoying their fabulous pool they built. Jared who was just okay at swimming picked it up rather quickly and had no problem with the diving board. Though he did learn fast that belly flops are not fun but quite painful. Payton also who really had so swimming skills to speak of is now a fish and with a pair of goggles has no problem either. He also enjoyed the pool. Liza liked the pool as long as someone held on to her for dear life. She had an incident where she fell in and wouldn't go back in after that without some coaxing. The twins loved the water and really liked sitting on the edge and falling into someones arms. We are grateful for our DeMille cousins in Utah for all the hospitality and how much they love our kids.
Next was the Montana reunion with my mom's side of the family. My great-grandparents both passed away 2 years ago and due to one of their daughter's living outside of the US for the past 2 years the services we postponed till she would return. My mom's four siblings came from all corners of the US, my 8 cousins, the 7 great-great grand kids and many other family members were there to celebrate the lives of George and Julia McDonald. July 3rd was the internment of their ashes up on their old ranch that looks over the current ranch and Dillon. It was a lovely day and great to hear so many stories of them. July 4th we relaxed and had a picnic with my Grandpa who recently moved to Dillon from Corning, CA. Later that night we headed out to the the ranch to light fireworks and watch the Dillon Jaycee fireworks show.
Monday the 5th we drove to the capital city, Helena, and took a river boat tour down the Missouri River. It was very interesting learning some history of the area including stories of Lewis and Clark and The Mann Gulch Fire that in 1949 13 smoke jumpers lost their lives fighting a fire near the river and 5,000 acres were burned.
We had a great time in Montana while also enduring sick puking kids for the time we were there.
Once again we were able to celebrate our anniversary with family on July 8th. It just wouldn't be right if we were actually alone! 10 years already? Hard to believe that one little question lead to all this!
We spent more time with the DeMille family in Utah for a 2-day pit stop before heading to Moab for yet another reunion, this time with Barry's family.
Moab in July in one word.....HOT! It was 105 all four days. Thankfully there was a cool pool at our condos where we all spent the afternoons. Air Conditioning was a blessed item as well. There were 51 of us all in different condos. We split ours with Barry's cousin Jim and his family. It was great getting to hang out with them more. We ventured to Arches Nat'l Park and took a hike to see the delicate arch. We were disappointed by the hike thinking the view would be better and we should've done the real hike rather than the scenic one, but with Liza and the twins it wasn't a possibility. Small walk about were more our speed this year. I was worried about the kids getting dehydrated and made them all chug water even when they complained that they weren't thirsty. I didn't care though, I felt too much water was better than not enough. Initially we had decided that we wouldn't do the jeeping that is an attraction in Moab due to the price tag, but Robert, one of Barry's cousins was generous enough to make sure everyone who wanted to go got to go. I was less than thrilled after finding out the Jared and Payton were taken out to a cliff that was a complete drop off. I took my chances the next night amid my fear of heights. It was amazing to watch the jeeps crawl up and down those rocks and now it's a "been there done that" feeling.
Jared was able to go on a rafting trip down the Colorado River with his cousin Donovan, Grandpa Clark and Uncle Brian. They enjoyed getting out of the raft and swimming down the river as well. During the raft trip they were able to watch a rock slide in the distance and the tour guide said it was a once in lifetime opportunity to see such a thing.
The week ended with a chuck wagon dinner and show. All the little kids ran out and danced to the music that the performers played. The kids were more entertaining to watch than the actual show!
All in all it was a great place to meet up with family. The kids had fun playing into the late night catching frogs, riding Donovan's scooter and swimming. Thanks for the memories!
Upon returning home we were anxiously awaiting the wedding of our friend Brittney. Brittney played basketball for Barry when she was a freshmen, babysat for us throughout high school and even college. I volunteered months ago to make her wedding cake and as the day came closer I began to feel the weight of my commitment. After talking in more detail with Brittney and her mom I felt more at ease with our decision of flavors and display. It turned out fabulous!! The cake was tasty and was eye catching as well, but not to out shine the bride on her day! It was a a wonderful day to be a part of and we're so grateful for Brittney, Keith and Logan.
Next on the summer agenda was to completely finish the basement. We succeeded! The bathroom is fully functioning and the handrail is up. Yay!!
I also got a hair in my rear and decided to resurface my kitchen cabinets. They are standard oak builder grade cabinets and since my kitchen is in the center of my house it's always felt dark. I have only the sliding glass door to let light in and it wasn't enough for me. I added bead board, primer, paint and an antique stain. They turned out great and added more light to the room!
School started last week with a 1/2 day on Wednesday and then in full swing on Thursday. Jared is in 3rd grade while Payton is in 1st. Liza is doing some home school and doesn't quite understand why the boys get to go to a real school. She desperately wants to go to "Payton's school" and even went so far and getting her own backpack on and starting down the sidewalk to try to catch up to the boys on Friday. It's great having them back in school and getting into a routine once again. Football camp starts on Monday for Barry and then starts school on the 16th.
It's hard to believe that our summer is over. We had a great time and look forward to next year when the kids will be another year older and be that much more fun!
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