Jungle June...because it was wild! Flanked by two big youth activities, we filled the month with all sorts of summer shenanigans. As the end of the school year approached, I got kind of excited about the possibility of a slower pace with lazy summer mornings and lackadaisical evenings, but that was definitely not the case! Sure...there were a few lazier days sprinkled here and there, but Jonas and I kept the pace up all month long. Some shenanigans were simple...others took more time, but all were a blast!
The Sunday after youth conference (June 1st), I had a few river rocks that I put out for the little kids to paint (in preparation for that week's activity with them). Little did I know that the bigger kids would engage in this activity just as much as the little kids! It was a fun Sunday after dinner activity with the family. That following Wednesday (June 4th), Carter, Everly, Jonas and I took those rocks to the Dripping Rock Trail and placed them with the hundreds of other painted rocks on the path. This is such a cute, easy trail to walk (or even push a stroller) that leads to a little cove in the river where the kids played in the water. I love these little adventures! I love that Laurin, Casey, Jacob, and Amber share their kids with us (sometimes out of necessity, but always with love). I love watching the kids find joy in the simple things like painting a rock or throwing rocks in the water, even Jonas (who is growing up too fast). After our excursion, we stopped at Soda Retreat for a little sweet treat.
Friday (June 6th), Laurin, Ava, and the Tanners joined us for another easy hike. We started our hike with some Lehi bakery donuts to celebrate National Donut Day then proceeded to traverse the dirt trail to Grotto Falls. This has always been a favorite hike for me. Jeff brought me here on our first weekend together. I used to hike this trail with Jonas when he was little. And now, I get to make those memories with my grandkids. We played in the water, had a picnic, then started to hike back when a random little storm passed through. Carter said it was "terrible" to hike in and Addie added that it had been her best and now worst day ever. Thankfully, the rain wasn't torrential and it only lasted a few minutes. We made our way down the Canyon and indulged in a free Frazil (like a slushie) for Free Frazil Friday (in June).
The next week got a little crazier! Monday (June 9th) Jonas and I met up with the Tanners bright and early to head to Millard County. As a part of the academic curriculum for 4th grade, students study their state. In the past, the students would be assigned a county to do a report. I'm not sure why this was discontinued at Taylor Elementary (because Nolan did one at his elementary school last year), but Jonas did not have to complete one. I was a little sad because: (1) I think being at a Title I school has limited his learning opportunities (I think they streamline the curriculum to accommodate the lowest learners), and (2) I was looking forward to taking Jonas to the county he was assigned and exploring what that county offered. So...we decided to do our own county project. (I think I decided more than Jonas, but when I offered a free ditch day as an incentive, he was all in!) Originally, Jonas wanted to do Salt Lake County. I'm sure there are many things we haven't explored in Salt Lake County, but that seemed a little overwhelming...and we have done a lot of things up there already. After talking to his siblings (which the oldest three did Millard County), we decided to explore Millard County. I honestly thought this would be simple, but after researching what there is to do there, I realized it was more than we could pack into one day so we narrowed things down. We started in Meadow at the hot springs and lava tubes. Who knew there was an ancient volcano in this region?! The kids loved swimming in the springs! I'm pretty sure this was a highlight for all of them. After splashing around, the kids dried off and we headed to the lava tubes. These were fun to explore. There was one tube that challenged my claustrophobia a little though! The kids had no trouble bouncing off the rocks and climbing all over.
We moved on to Cove Fort after that. I have been driving to Utah for years and have never stopped. I have always wanted to, but I never seemed to have the time...so today we made time. I love the church history sties! I love the peaceful feeling I feel there and the sense of awe I am left with. This place was no different. This little fort was to be a stopping place for travelers - a place of refuge. It was not to be a place of war or divisiveness. We learned about the man, Ira Hinckley, who was tasked with building and managing this fort. We learned about what life would have been like then and the people who passed through there. We explored the different rooms and found fun artifacts (like a phonetic Doctrine and Covenants). We completed a scavenger hunt and the kids were rewarded a small wooden disc on a string that they could play with by twisting the string and then using its force to spin the disc.
Next up, the Territorial State house in Fillmore. Fillmore was organically going to be the capitol of the state of Deseret (or Utah). A capitol building was constructed with plans to make it even bigger, but ultimately, without the resources or facilities in the area (and because of the population growth in Salt Lake), it was moved to SLC. We explored the historic building and completed another scavenger hunt. We learned about the early leaders of the state and the history of the territory. The kids even enjoyed the "jail" room where, without bars of the door, the prisoners had to be chained to the floor. The upper room had a piano and pump organ that Jonas got to play. The sound echoed throughout the empty room.
At this point, our explorations had taken more time than originally planned so we opted to drop the fossil dig site near Delta to accommodate our schedule better (and because we wouldn't have had enough time to really dig before they closed). (Jonas was a little disappointed but maybe we can go there ourselves one day. There is still so much more on the western side of the county that we didn't even explore, including the area at the border that leads to Great Basin National Park.) However, we still headed to Delta to learn about the Topaz Relocation Center (better known as Utah's Japanese Internment Camp). This little piece of WWII history is tucked away in the barren Central Utah desert. We stopped at a museum in town to get a little more history about why this site was constructed and what life was like for those Japanese families who were relocated there. It made my heart so sad to see the living conditions they were given. It wasn't complete filth or squalor, but I'm certain it wasn't like the homes they were forced to leave. I'm sure many were defiant and angry, but it appears that many simply tried to make the best of the situation. I admired their resilience and grace. After we walked around the museum, we headed out to the site where the "town" of Topaz had been. Everything was taken down after the war. There are only small remnants of foundation walls or pieces of life strewn about the desert floor. I know this wasn't the kids favorite stop (it really wasn't mine either), but I thought it was important to see...and to hopefully remember.
By that time, the kids were ready for dinner and Krystle and I were ready to be done. It was a full, fun day! We grabbed dinner at a little burger place in Nephi before splitting up back in Payson...only to be reunited on Wednesday (June 11th). This time, Carter and Everly got to tag along too. We met up at Ashton Gardens and Thanksgiving Point for another fun day of play. This summer, the gardens are hosting an "Imaginaria" event. There were 5 different "lands": Prehistoric Park (with dinosaurs), Bugtopia, Splash Bay, Enchanted Hollow, and Pirate Cove. Each location had different crafts or STEM type activities the kids could participate in. We spent well over 3 hours in the gardens as the kids played, explored, made, and had fun. I'm pretty sure the foam pit was the favorite. The kids got so wet and slippery! The large inflatable obstacle course was probably the next favorite, but I'm sure the best overall was simply doing it together. These kids love hanging out...even with Carter and Everly. It is so rewarding to watch them grow up together.
The Tanner kids got to come home with us after the gardens because Krystle was heading to Girls Camp the next day. Jonas and the Tanners spent the rest of the night swimming!
Thursday (June 12th) the party continued. Like last year, Jonas and I gifted each of the Tanner boys an experience for a birthday gift. Last year we did the Provo Beach Resort. This year, we did Rush Funplex. We give them their gift on Lincoln's birthday then usually cash in on the gift closer to Jonas's birthday. Today seemed like as good as time as any so we headed to the University Place Mall. The kids were able to participate in go karts, bumper cars, mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, and a giant foam pit. Jonas normally loves laser tag, but the go karts and bumper cars won out this time. The foam pit was also a favorite. We spent another 3 hours hanging out there before returning to the house for more swimming. I'm pretty sure the kids were conspiring on how to eek out another night together, but ultimately Jordan came to get his kids so they could get ready for the Father's Day weekend campout in Levan on Friday (yup...one night apart before they were back together again! See "Father's Day" post for more info.)
The next week things slowed down a bit...thankfully! Honestly, I loved sending Jeff and Jonas off to their campout and enjoying silence in the house. It wasn't all downtime for me though; I cleaned the upstairs and downstairs and did laundry...but I didn't have any distractions or noise. I have thoroughly enjoyed all our summer activities and memories, but balance is a good thing and I needed a little downtime after our crazy week. The week of June 16-22 was more restorative than crazy. Sure I still watched the kiddos, and Jonas and I still made time for little adventures, but it wasn't every day and there were down times each day too (which was great for me...and a feat of endurance for Jonas...haha). Wednesday (June 18th) I didn't end up watching Carter and Everly so Jonas and I grabbed Audrey to join us for a scavenger hunt at the BYU Museum of Art. I had originally planned to do this with the kiddos, but after completing the hunt, we all agreed that would have been a little too much for their ages. We, however, enjoyed it! We were solving a mystery of lost art from WWII days. We had different clues that led us to various pieces of art in their exhibit, Crossing the Divide. The final clue led us to a painting with pocket watches. The time on the watch was the code we needed to open the treasure box in the end. I love little activities like this. No cost but fun nonetheless.
That evening, we met up with everyone else for the Strawberry Days Rodeo. This is our third year attending the rodeo. Jeff is good to do one rodeo a year and this is our preferred rodeo. It's early enough in the summer that it isn't too hot; plus there are plenty of seats in the shade. It's also not as crowded. We enjoyed an evening of patriotism and pageantry. These cowboys and cowgirls are incredible in their sport. Jonas even got a little involved with the cash cow. It is so funny to watch all these kids chase the cows around the arena. Unfortunately, Jonas wasn't able to grab any cash, but he had fun anyway.
Thursday (June 19th) was Juneteenth. This has only recently become a national holiday. I'm grateful there are diverse holidays or days of observance to help us honor various days of historical or cultural significance. For the past couple of years, Jonas and I have chosen to use this day as a simple day of service. We try to do something to help members of our community. This year, we chose to grab some food to fill our local food box near our city offices. This is so simple yet so important for those in our community who struggle to have enough food, especially over the summer months. That evening, we had a little "fried" chicken, macaroni & cheese, and biscuits for dinner. Nothing super grand...just something a little special to honor the day.
Friday (June 20th) Jonas was invited to a friend's (Riggs) birthday party at the Hive. He loved jumping around, driving go karts, and of course eating cake and ice cream. He did, however, save a little room for another treat later that afternoon to celebrate the first official day of summer. Again, nothing special. He chose to go get a soda and treat at Bevvy's in Payson (since he'd already had ice cream). Just a little something to celebrate the new season.
Saturday (June 21st), we took the boat out again. Out of all the "toys" we have, the boat is by far my favorite. I love hanging out with the family on the water. This time, Dallin invited Grant and Liz to join us. We headed to Yuba to where everyone (minus Dad and I who are content to simply hang out on the boat or jump in the water when it gets too hot) surfed and hopped on the tube. I'm sure there will be many more boating adventures in the coming month.
The last week of the month, Jeff, Jonas, and I attended different youth camps. Jeff and Jonas headed to Camp Koholowo in Payson Canyon with all the young men in the stake while I headed to Heber Valley Girls Camp. We spent three days (they came home Wednesday while I didn't make it home until Thursday morning) hiking, hanging out, and having fun. Jeff was in charge of cooking for all those young men and the leaders, but that didn't stop Jonas from hanging out with the youth from our ward. He hiked, learned some survival skills, and played for those three days (and no, there are no photos to document it because I wasn't there). I too hiked, hung out, and had fun! To be honest, I think this was one of the most poignant and spiritually strengthening girls camps I have been too (and I've been to quite a few). I love interacting with the young women in our ward. I love feeling their faith and sharing mine. I love laughing with them (which we did a TON). We got to play on a lake, throw tomahawks, traverse a high ropes course, put on a silly skit, dance the night away, and simply hang out together. However, the most impactful activity was a faith walk, which we did the first night we were there. This walk was an individual experience. We were each given a set of headphones that narrated our walk. The script talked of Christ as music lifted our hearts. We were reminded of who He is and whose we are. We were reminded of what He has done for us and how much He loves us. At one point, we were given a clipboard with an invisible ink pen. We were prompted to write down our doubts and fears. These cards were later transported to a part of the hike with a black light path. Our doubts and fears were then illuminated. These anonymous cards carried so much pain and anguish. As I walked through this "tunnel", it felt so heavy. There is so much hurt that we cannot see. I could only think of how heavy He must have felt as the weight of our sorrows and sins rested upon Him. The walk proceeded from there as we were told about His light and His grace. Towards the end of the walk, we were presented with another card and a permanent marker. This time, we were prompted to write down what He would tell us if He were here. I watched as girls furiously scribbled out the phrases that were pouring into their hearts. The cards couldn't contain all that He wanted to say to them. We then got to hang up these cards in a tunnel full of light as we read the encouraging words from others. I could feel His light. I could feel His love. By the time we were finished with the walk, all of the girls had tears in their eyes. They knew whose they were. I am very grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve with these amazing young women over the past (nearly) three years. I know change is coming. I know I will be asked to serve in other ways, but I am so glad I got to end on this note.
And with that...here comes July!!
