July brought lazy days of summer. We set up Carter's hammock (his birthday request) and it became everyone's new favorite backyard spot. We dressed up for the neighborhood 4th parade, made our flag cake, and watched fireworks from our deck. Our family vacation to Thousand Springs with cousins kicked off with a stop in Ogden for family laser tag (Brad and Carter were the champs), lunch at Ogden Beer Company- most amazing pretzel ever, and trampoline dodgeball. We had a great time at Thousand Springs Idaho- yummy food, frisby golf, playing in the snake river with our paddle boards, games in the cabin, smores, exploring the cliffs of the snake river, seeing the Thousand Springs, learning about the Oregon Trail crossing, ice cream cones, more playing in the river, bird house making, exploring a suspension bridge and Shoshone falls. It was hot- but a fun family vacation. We cheered on Messi and played soccer for Copa Americana. We checked out Tibblefork with our paddleboards. We celebrated Carter's preschool graduation with Despicable Me 4. We took another mini vacation to Cedar City- laser tag, ropes course, swimming, Shakespeare Festival, Centro, Shakespeare on the Green, date night to see 39 steps, a tour of Hoghaven and stories, of Brad's family heritage, and ice cream with Grandparents on the way home. Jefferson and Carter did great in their final basketball games. They learned so much, and we were grateful for an indoor airconditioned summer sport. We checked out Causey Reservoir and Bella had her first swim lesson. We had a Lagoon Day with the Meeks family and all were fans of the new ride. We made a big change- traded in the Honda Accord for a bigger car- Buick Enclave. The boys have been holding band practice and writing new songs- one of which is "You just got busted" (Jefferson's favorite phrase this summer). Carter's funny summer phrase has been "Catch you on the flip side." These boys keep us laughing. And what is summer without splash pad days! It's been a fun July!
