Timpanogos Cave

This has been on my Utah bucket list since before we moved to Connecticut. We finally got to cross it off! Boy, is that 1.5 miles hike (with a vertical climb of 1,000 ft) tough stuff! We all made it without carrying anyone. That includes the 4 year old and the girl with the sprained ankle! Once we were in the cave the kids were sooo chilly. I think going back down the mountain strained my muscles more than the climb up. McKinley's ankle was sure feeling it. But we did it! We've crossed Timpanogos Cave off our Utah bucket list!

I almost brought my camera, but decided one less bulky item to carry up the trail would be wise. So these pics are iphone quality only. You still get the idea.

Fresh strawberries

We planted some strawberries last year, but they were too puny to do anything. This year they are strong and healthy. We were able to harvest our first batch of garden strawberries. Yum! Tastes like Summer!

Swimming Lessons

We just wrapped up our summer swim lessons. We took from Miss Amee again, so Josh was very comfortable with her and the water.

Sawyer and Hayden were in the same class as each other again. They have improved a lot since last year. Especially Sawyer. Next year is his last year of swimming lessons! I can't believe it!

The best part is the saline pool. I love not having chlorine all over.

We wrapped up our lessons with the traditional snow cone from Lani's. They enjoyed every bite!

Lagoon Day

It was Kent's work Lagoon Day, and Hayden's birthday. So we took the boys out of school and went to play instead. Kent and I are no longer able to really ride like we used to, so we talked Grandpa in to coming along for some fun. Grandma came along to socialize.

McKinley's favorite ride was the Cannibal. Sawyer loved the go-karts, Hayden liked Rattlesnake Rapids and Josh liked doing the little bumper cars the best. He kept running back in line again and again. Luckily there wasn't a big crowd today. Also there were no meltdowns or kids fighting. A Magical day!

Birthday Boy

Hayden turns 9 years old tomorrow! We'll be at work Lagoon day, so we celebrated with the family today.
He is not a big cake eater, so he ordered an apple pie. He's been asking for apple pie for months, but none of the rest of us are big fans. I told him he could have it for his birthday though, and he's been counting the days! Grandpa Korth made him his own delicious apple pie. He also wanted sparklers instead of candles. He had a cake with sparklers when he was two and he tried to kick them out, so he wanted a redo. There was no kicking this time :)

Birthday interview:

What's your favorite color?  blue
What's your favorite food?  Meat
What's your least favorite food?  Green beans
What is your favorite breakfast food? French toast
What is your favorite animal?  Panda
What's your favorite thing to do?  Play with friends 
What's your favorite thing to play?  Video games
What's your favorite toy?  Legos
What's your favorite book?  Humphrey 
What's your favorite tv show?  So You Think You'll Survive
What's your favorite subject in school?  Reading
What do you want to be when you grow up?  Scientist or astronaut 
Where is your favorite place to go?  Boston 
Where do you want to go on vacation?  Hawaii
What makes you happy?  When I get to play with friends 
What was the funnest thing about being 8? Having a lot of friends
What will be the best thing about being 9? Being older 
What do you really like about yourself right now? That I'm a good writer, reader and I'm smart.

Last day of school

First day of 7th grade                                                     Last day of 7th grade





Well, we survived our first year of middle school! Wahoo! I can't believe how much she's changed from the first of the year. Now this girl has a full summer ahead of her.

Peonies

After transplanting my peonies trying to find the right spot for them, I finally let them take root for a year. This is the first year they've grown big enough to produce some decent blooms.

I love cutting them and bringing them inside to decorate and enjoy. They smell soooo good. I didn't know that! They are now on my top 3 favorite flowers list!