Lake Powell

We decided to say goodbye to summer with one last boating trip. And, of course, we saved the best trip to the last - Lake Powell! This trip has been planned since the beginning of the summer. We knew Dallin would want to go so we made sure to wait until now to make it happen. Plus, we decided to invite the Lowe's to join us so Tyler and Dallin could hang out and catch up. The only thing I didn't plan was getting a little sick right before the trip. Yuck! Still, we made sure to make the trip happen even if I decided to spend the second day in the hotel and not on the water. All in all, however, the trip was awesome! Everyone had so much fun catching up and catching some rays. We all met up on Thursday evening (September 9th) in Page. The next morning, we headed out. The water level had dropped drastically this season. We were a little concerned about launching the boat or discovering shallow rocks in the water, but all went well. In addition to the boat, we rented two wave runners to buzz around on. Even Jonas enjoyed a little time on the wave runners with me. He is a very cautious kid (for which I am thankful) so we took it slow at first, but by the end, he was ok with us gaining a little speed. Still, he mostly just wanted to jump and swim. The other kids tried it all - swimming, jumping, surfing, kneeboarding, wave running, etc. Ryan and Jeff joined in a few of those activities while Nichole and I simply enjoyed the sun and the water. The second day out on the lake was cut a little short when a storm rolled through, but by then everyone was done. We enjoyed the evenings going out to dinner and hanging out at the hotel. Dallin relished in making sure everyone knew it was Tyler's 21st birthday! He got birthday treats at both dinner places we went to...and it wasn't technically his birthday until Sunday, the day we all left. Tyler was a good sport about it all, including when he got a face full of whipped cream. Oh boy! I love hanging out with family. I love all the fun things we have done this summer...and I love that fall is just around the corner! Goodbye summer 2021! You were fun!

SHHS Homecoming 2021

While the rest of us headed to Lake Powell for a final week of summer, Danny opted to stay home to enjoy a long standing high school tradition - homecoming! It's crazy to think that he's already in his junior year. Lest you think this is his first high school dance, it is not. He actually went to Prom last year, but unfortunately didn't have any pictures saved from the event so this is his first recorded dance. They had a blast! His date was Abby Wilson. On Friday (September 10th), the group took their dates to Park City to ride the Alpine slides after school then returned to the school that evening for the game. Saturday, September 11th, was the dance. They picked their dates up, took pictures, had dinner, attended the dance, then watched a movie at the Chisholm's afterward. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves...and yes, we got pictures this time! Here's to a fun year of high school traditions, dances,...and hopefully academics in there somewhere!

Happy Labor Day

I seriously can't believe it's September! This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer (although this year, we're going to stretch summer for another week before we start our fall fun festivities). This year, much like last, has been a little different. Our nation is still fighting a pandemic. This COVID-10 virus continues to mutate and has exhausted our healthcare system. It is hard to see the division that this has caused. There is still misinformation, fears, shaming, etc. Jonas is still not able to be vaccinated, which remains a concern for us, but we have chosen fun over fear. We choose faith and family over anger and division. We have had an awesome summer and even have a few trips planned in the next coming months. We are looking forward to a future without COVID and trying to do everything on our part to be "good global citizens". This school year has started off mask-free! The boys are excited to have normal school activities. Danny is looking forward to the homecoming dance and Jonas may actually get to experience a school field trip! This weekend, we gathered all our kids home (and even enticed a couple of nephews, Jessop and Grant, to join the fun). When we all get together, it's loud and crazy (and sometimes a little conflict arises), but we wouldn't have it any other way. Jonas and I started the Labor Day weekend with actual "labor". He was my little harvest helper as we picked and processed some of our produce. I'll admit that I always have great plans when I plant in the spring, then the fall harvest hits and the summer exhaustion wins out! I did make some jam and some fresh desserts and dinners, but I haven't bottled as many items as I had envisioned. It's been a crazy, busy, slightly exhausting couple of months! Still, we enjoy eating our fresh produce!

This is an apple from the little tree I grafted two years ago!

Sunday night (September 5) the party started. We spent the next 24+ hours laughing, eating, and playing! When we were at home, everyone enjoyed playing volleyball and trampoline dodgeball with our giant ball. There were also wrestling matches, acrobatics, and a game or two of wiffle ball.

On Monday (Labor Day, September 6), we started the day off at the annual Payson Car Show. I enjoy walking around and seeing all the old cars, but I really love watching all the boys (Jeff included) oooh and aaah over them. They get so excited and start throwing out all the car terminology that I don't understand, but their smiles say it all. Even Jonas got involved in some of the car banter. 

Following the car show, we grabbed a quick lunch then went to see the new Marvel movie, Shang Chi.  It's been awhile since we've all been to a movie together. Jonas loved it! While we waited for the post-credit scenes, he moved all over the theater practicing his martial arts moves, then when we got home, he grabbed his walking stick and continued his training outside. The rest of the evening was spent at home. We had a steak BBQ and continued playing games outside. We do not have a perfect family, but we keep showing up. Jeff and I hope that we will always be able to create an environment and host events that entice the kids to keep coming home.