Sunny Days ahead!

Oh Warm Summer days - I have been dreaming about you for so long!!  So far we have had a pretty good summer.  Yes, it has been hot and my pale skin always has a hard time adjusting.  However,  I appreciate the warmth and sun so much more than I ever have in my life.  Snow cones, bike rides, green hikes, flip flops, shorts, water activities, being able to go outside without five layers, camping, swimming, and warmth.  Yes, Winter is harsh up here but it helps me enjoy the other seasons so much more than I ever did in California.


We got a yearly pass to This Is The Place monument this summer, and we have been loving it.  Its a simple pioneer town, but my boys love the gold panning section, petting zoo, train rides, and visiting all the cute old pioneer buildings.  I usually treat them to mini donuts or an ice cream cone before we leave.

Fun with cousins at This is The Place 

Cousin cuddles 

One of my good friends that moved away last year came back to visit.  We enjoyed a day at a local rec center.

Every Summer we make a summer "bucket list."  I try to complete as many activities as I can before school starts, but we often don't get to do all the super pricey activities.   One activity on our list was Funtopia.  Normally its $15 per kid, but I received a coupon that got them all in for $15, so I was excited to check that off our list while also being frugal!

There is a pond about fifteen minutes from our house (walking) that always has tons of frogs during the summer.  My boys always have a good time visiting the cute frogs.

My friend gave me this amazing cordless vacuum and Blake has been doing a great job at using it!

One of Utah's favorite holidays is Pioneer Day.  Utah goes a bit overboard, and July 24th is full of parades, activities, and fireworks.  Instead of spending the night to get a good seat for the days of 47 parade, we decided to just visit the floats this year at the Sandy convention center.  Not only was the event free, but they also had free face painting and free balloons!

One of Chase and Blake's favorite places is our local pump and jump bike course.  Wesley, however, finds it very boring and usually waits on the side with me.

More This Is The Place fun -

One day Blake decided to throw a Birthday party for his Pikachu.  He put out decorations, played games, and we even gave Pikachu a few gifts!

This summer Blake took an art class at the park.  He loved it and was really sad when it ended.

I get pretty excited anytime I find out about something to do in the Salt Lake area that I have never heard of before.   I just recently found out about the International Peace Gardens so I had to take my boys this summer.  Wesley loved them, but my other two boys were rather board.

Blake and Chase took some private swim lessons this summer.  Chase is doing GREAT - he just struggles to breath without sinking.  Blake still has a lot to work on.

I bought a giant 25 feet slip in slide in California, and the boys have been enjoying it with friends.

One day Blake said, "Mom, I am going to make you lunch. You can sit and watch tv and I'll tell you when I am done."  Sweetest thing ever!!!

Evening neighborhood hikes with my little buddy!