June happenings...

We have concluded our first official month of summer...even though it honestly feels like we're into the 3rd month of "summer". Honestly, I think we're all begging for school to be "normal" in the fall! They are anticipating a return to face-to-face, in-person instruction at school, but there are still so many uncertainties. Face masks or no face masks? Hybrid classes - online and in-person? Once the governor started to lift restrictions on "non-essential" businesses, the number of coronavirus cases spiked. In the state of Utah, there hasn't been a reduction in number of cases...ever! However, the curve was starting to flatten when the restrictions were lifted. It has to be incredibly frustrating for our state and local leaders to try to balance the physical and financial health of the state. We are social people! We like to be with each other. I know Jeff and I are part of that population that has greatly relaxed their activities as time has gone by. We still try to be careful. We wear masks as required. We use ample hand sanitizer and frequently wash our hands, but we have been going out more and enjoying time with family and friends. Life isn't back to "normal" though. I'm not sure it ever will be. I took Danny shopping for shorts one day, and we encountered variable rules at the several stores we went to. Some required face masks. Others capped the number of people allowed in the store at one time. And still others didn't seem to care. It is a weird world we live it right now!

So what have we been up to? Well, like I said, we have significantly relaxed our own personal restrictions since this whole thing started. Since we won't be taking a summer trip (too much uncertainty in other states to be able to definitively plan anything), we bought the boys season passes to the local water park, Splash Summit. I never doubted that Danny would stay the whole day, but Jonas has surprised me! I thought for sure he would only last a couple of hours before wanting to leave, but I'm pretty sure he's half fish. We have had a blast cruising down the slides and simply splashing in the pools.

The first Friday of June is National Donut Day! Of course, we had to pay homage to that very important holiday. Haha! We actually had a donut week. There is a local business called Utah Taste-off. Each week, they pick a food and gather at least 6 samples of that same food from different vendors for a taste-off. They originally planned elaborate tasting parties, but since COVID, they have simply made kits to pick up and try at home. Honestly, I think this is way better! Well, during the first week of June, they did a cake donut taste-off. We grabbed a kit and indulged! That following Friday (June 5th) was the actual National Donut Day. Jeff and Danny were busy at work, but Jonas and I stopped by Cowboy Donuts to grab a donut and honor the day.

When we aren't trying to escape the boredom of home, we are actually working or simply hanging out around our little 5-acres. This month, we finally finished the living room! I think it turned out nice. Jeff and I tiled around the fireplace and found some couches that worked with the space we created. I am looking forward to getting our custom table...whenever we can figure out what we want.

This month, we also welcomed some new additions to the family...other than the little baby growing inside Laurin. Jeff purchased 4 pigs! Two pigs are already HUGE and two are still piglets. The piglets are so cute! Jonas has always wanted a pet; I think these little sows fill that void...for now.

Since the restrictions have been lifted, Jeff and I have finally gone out on a few dates. Most of our "dates" consisted of looking at furniture stores for couches, but one week, we enjoyed a serene stroll around Springville to look at sidewalk chalk art. Many of the town festivals have been canceled due to the coronavirus. Springville decided to do a sidewalk chalk art walk to honor Art City Days since there would be no parade or festival. Some of the artists were IMPRESSIVE! I was amazed at what they could do with chalk. We loved our quiet evening.

Towards the end of the month (June 25th), Danny had his first surgery. Thankfully, it didn't come as the result of an accident! Danny has struggled with snoring, mouth breathing, minor sleep apnea, etc. His tonsils were very enlarged, and it was time to get them out. The whole procedure went fairly quick. When he came back from the recovery room, he was still under the influence of the anesthesia. It was pretty funny to watch him struggle with his straw every time he tried to take a drink. Now he is fighting a nasty sore throat and swollen uvula. However, I think, in the end, he will be grateful to have them out.

Other than the events that deserved their own entries, that sums up our month. July will be a fun month! Our AZ family will be visiting us throughout the month, which means fun activities and more time to enjoy family. With as long as this "summer" has been, I can't believe that June is already over!

Sweet Cupcake or Stud Muffin?

Tonight Laurin and Casey held a gender reveal party! It was so fun! Laurin graciously let me plan it out. I have way too much fun hosting parties, and she was more than excited to do something special for this event. It was even more exciting because it's for our first grandchild. Boy or girl? Laurin and Casey chose the theme of "Sweet Cupcake vs. Stud Muffin". We, of course, had cupcakes and muffins with milk and water for refreshments. We gathered at a park where we decorated a few tables in a pavilion with balloons and baby necessities (e.g., wipes, hygiene items, and toys!). I printed out some posters to welcome everyone and for everyone to write his/her name under the cupcake or muffin column as to which they thought the baby would be. I am grateful for talented friends and family who added to the celebration with the cupcakes (thanks Sandy!) and beautiful flower arrangements (thanks Shannon!).

Once we all gathered, it was time for the big reveal! Laurin and Casey chose to fire confetti canons with either a blue or pink color. They had a couple extra canons so Danny and Becky (Casey's mom) joined in. With a quick 3-2-1 countdown, there was a pop followed immediately by a flurry of blue! It's a boy!! Laurin's face was the BEST! She (and Jeff and I) were convinced it was a girl. The blue surprised us all! Jonas jumped around shouting, "Yay for boy!" Danny shook his head in disbelief (he was also a fellow pink believer); however, we are all thrilled! The whole evening was perfect. The weather was cool. The location was inviting. The refreshments were delicious. The games were fun. But most of all, the reason for the event is beyond exciting for everyone! We wish Laurin, Casey, and baby boy Irons all the best! Just hang on and enjoy the ride!