Summer Happenings--Family Picinic

Just before Coree, Gavin, and family left for China we got together in Provo Canyon for a family picnic. The day was beautiful--sunny, not too warm, scenic location, good food, with friends and family present. Oma and Opa were still in Utah, so it made the gathering a little more complete. This one wasn't fancy or organized to death, but it was relaxing and enjoyable. Maybe we can plan another for next year!

Lars and Lauren--the stroller is not theirs!

Poppa and his Sy.

Gathered together.

I really miss having opportunities for the family to get together. We may not be perfect, but we are family and I am so very grateful for each and every member of it.

Summer Happenings--Oma and Opa

Oma and Opa hauled their trailer from Arkansas, parked it at Heidi and Josh's house, and spent several days here. Of course there had to be fishing days scheduled--so Opa, Mike, and Deegan loaded the float tubes and other fishing gear and headed up to Matt Warner. Deegan had his "own" float tube tethered to Mike's and the boys enjoyed a day of fishing. Opa and Mike went up another day as well. We had to take pictures of all the fish they brought home.

Sy took a liking to her Opa--it reminded me of how much Heidi was loved by her Opa.

Rural Schools Conference--on Motorcycles

In July, the Utah Rural Schools Association sponsors a conference for educators and administrators. The conference is held for four days in Cedar City concurrent with the SUU Shakespearean Festival. As a Literacy Specialist supporting nine school districts in Northeastern Utah, I am expected to present at the conference.

This year, Mike was able to accompany me to Cedar City. We decided to ride the motorcycles and make this our first multi-day trip. The difficult thing for me was planning my presentations and wardrobe to fit in a backpack and saddlebags. I am used to having a whole car to take "stuff" in, so was a little worried about the space limitations. It all worked out, and was so-o-o-o much fun. I think this trip turned me into a "biker fan." Now I can't get enough of it!!!

After day one of the conference, we rode the bikes up to Brianhead. Wouldn't you know it, part of the road had been chipped with gravel and not yet sealed. Novice bikers and gravel can be a scary combination.

Different day, different location, different land formations.

Kolob Canyon

It seems every time we turned a corner, my breath was taken away by the scenery.

Kolob Canyon

We stopped in Richfield at this little dairy/cafe. Oh my goodness! It is definitely a place to visit again.

I have always appreciated the beautiful world we live in. Seeing it on the back of a motorcycle adds another dimension of awe and wonder. I am so grateful to the Creator for the splendor of this home on Earth, and testify that this was not some random mistake, but a purposeful creation by God.

Random Summer Happenings

Summer has gone by way, way, way too fast! It seems that just a few days ago we were discussing the activities to engage in, and now the time is gone. Work called us back from summer vacation and now our schedules revolve around those obligations.

Much of our summer fun centered around grandkids and family--just the way it should. We are so blessed to have occupations that allow for "Summer Fun."

Random Summer Pics

Deegan and Poppa fixing shelves that Nonna overloaded!!

Root-beer popsicles! Yum!!

Sy put Cheerios between her toes and Taz would lick them until the Cheerios came out. Sy laughed and laughed and would sign for 'more.'

Kisses for Mikie's raccoon, "Crunch."

Deegan helping Poppa with a yearling colt.

Deegan helping out with Emily's yearling. A few minutes later, he was letting this horse experience a rider for the first time. Of course, Poppa is there to make sure everything is safe.

Playing with the hose has always been fun for Dee. As a little toddler, he would chase everyone with the hose, laughing hysterically when we got wet. Bullseye (the dog) chased the water and tried to bite it. Deegan was in heaven trying to play tag with the hose and Bullseye.