It is the unofficial end of summer and I couldn't be more excited!! I know school started a couple of weeks ago, but Labor Day always marks the beginning of fall for me (even though I know we're still technically in summer until the 22nd). I am so ready for a new season! Summer seemed extra long this year given the current pandemic situation. (In answer to your query, yes...we are still experiencing the effects of the pandemic. Face masks are everywhere. All restaurants encourage "social distancing" and mark off every other table for seating. Hand sanitizer is seen in abundance. There are still stickers on floors to tell you where to stand while waiting in lines. And so much more...) This weekend, we actually decided to leave the state! What?! Yup...we haven't taken the boys out of town since last December. That is so sad! Especially for someone who loves to travel like me. To be honest, there was a little anxiety about doing so. I was a little worried about the hotel situation and the other guests, but if my boys are at school all day with random other students, why would this situation be any more risky? In any case, we didn't go too far. In fact, we only went to Idaho, but we had a blast! In years past, we have gone camping up Santaquin Canyon over Labor Day weekend, but since the fires (yes, there has been another fire this year), the canyon has been closed. Last year, we went to Flaming Gorge, but we already did that this year, so Jeff and I started to look at other options. With the boat, we decided to look at other lakes in the region when we found this large reservoir in American Falls, Idaho (just outside of Pocatello). We contacted Stan and Kristi to see if they would like to join us and invited Gma, Grumpy, Laurin, and Casey too. We drove up Friday night after the boys got out of school then met up with everyone on the lake on Saturday. American Falls is a very large reservoir with plenty of space for everyone. We never once felt crowded by other boats. I was a little concerned when we went to the first launch area and were told that it was too shallow to launch there, but there was plenty of depth at another launch area and throughout the lake. We stayed on the water ALL DAY! Everyone took turns tubing or surfing or kneeboarding. Even with the abundance of rough-housing boys on the boat, I'm happy to report there were no injuries! Jonas got to kneeboard for the first time and loved it (after the initial expression of fear). I'm grateful that Danny is so patient with him. Danny, of course, had a blast with his cousins no matter what they were doing. I simply enjoyed watching it all. I have yet to even get on the tube, but I like being on the boat and jumping in the water to swim around.
It was a short trip. After boating, we went back to the hotel where we swam a bit (as if we didn't have enough of the water). The next morning, we had breakfast together at the hotel (they did a grab and go breakfast rather than the buffet they normally offer) and a little family devotional before saying goodbye.
On the way home, the boys endured a couple cemetery stops along the way. I am still on my quest to visit the graves of my ancestors. It has been gratifying to read about their lives and visit the cities/towns where they spent their final moments. I stand in awe of my pioneer ancestors. I envy their faith and conviction. I am proud of the lives they chose to live, even those ancestors who did not have the gospel in their lives. I am the product of great people...I can only hope to pass on their legacy. In any case, the boys were good sports and actively helped me find the headstones. Surprisingly enough, Jonas found two on his own! I had pictures of what the headstones look like that I found on find-a-grave website. Two of the stones had a distinctive pioneer plaque adhered to the stone, and that was all Jonas needed. We were able to narrow down our search with the help of the cemetery directories and off he went, scouring each headstone until he found those plaques. At first, he yelled that he had found one, and we slightly dismissed him as we continued our own individual searches, but once we came to where he was, we discovered he had indeed found the right stones! It may not have been as much fun for them as for me, but I enjoyed our journey home.
The next day (Monday, 7th) was Labor Day. We started our day at the annual Payson Days car show. I appreciate all the incredible old/classic cars on display and the work that went into their restoration, but Danny and Jeff really get into it! They love looking at the engines and talking about the mechanics. I just love watching them. Jonas ran around looking for his "high school" car. He zeroed in on all the old 70s muscle cars, but eventually settled on the newer Mustang models that were there.
Once we left the car show, we grabbed a quick lunch at home before hitting the water again. This time, we just went to Utah Lake for a couple of hours. Scott, Laurin, and Casey joined us as well as some of Laurin's and Danny's friends.
After boating, we headed back home for dinner and fun with family. Amber and Jacob caught up with us at this point. We had a yummy carne asada dinner followed by some fun with the parachute before ending the evening by watching the new live-action Disney movie, Mulan. This was scheduled to be released in theaters in March, but with the pandemic, all theaters closed. They kept pushing back the release date until finally deciding to simply release it online. I really wonder if this pandemic is going to change the entertainment industry. I hope movie theaters will survive, but I do have to admit, it was kind of nice to watch a new movie in the comfort of my own home. Jonas LOVED it! and yes, he was very active throughout the show. He grabbed a yardstick to use as a sword and had me help him put on his knee/elbow pads for armor. He then flipped, kicked, punched, and twisted his way through the battle scenes.
Now bring on Fall! It was a great weekend to end our summer. I always love spending time with family. I am grateful and humbled by the blessings we enjoy and have received. This year hasn't been my favorite, but I know I haven't been forgotten.
