Fall Break

The weather and beauty of 

Utah made me break out into song and dance.

We spent the first half of the week in Park City with the Frosts and Collins.  

When you see a tree covered in shoes...you must stop and have a look.

Then we were off to Provo......

Hiked the Y

My brother Chad's little house..right off of condo row.

 (Right around the corner from where Tom and I officially first met)

Got to see my sister Bridgette and her husband Corey.

Nothing like being put in front of a camera with no idea what they are going to ask you....uhhhhhh

We met Charles Abouo.  He is from the Ivory Coast of Africa where

my brother, Adam, served his mission.  

He plays basketball for BYU

Choir Concert

First choir concert for Summer and first time Cole donned the "outfit."  The guys are good sports for  wearing this get-up.  I don't know what they were thinking with this....but I digress.
 I  love  that these two are in junior high together.
It is reassuring to have Cole looking out for her.

Finding one of my kids enjoying a good book -- puts a smile on my face.

Apparently it is Peanut's first birthday today.  Meg would never let that go un-celebrated.  She splurged and got him a new nesting spot.  Summer kicked in for a carrot chew toy.  Happy birthday Peanut.

Conference weekend

Without fail, this child of mine comes home from school and either puts a wig or costume on....everyday.

Yesterday he was crazy wig boy and today he is a red fox because that is his favorite kind of fox.

Sunday

 Now that we go to church in the afternoon we have all morning to eat, read, watch old family movies and maybe throw in a back rub.

Summer the Teenager

13 years ago we had a brown-eyed beautiful daughter.
She came out-- cried and then started smiling.
She has been such a gift.
We love you Bear!

Power Balls

I was introduced to these by my sister-in-law, Carol.  They are a hit with the whole family.

I have had a few questions and requests for the recipe, so I thought I would share. 

2 Cups of Oatmeal (almost grounded to flour, leave a little texture)--We order the gluten-free oats online

1 1/2 Cups of Golden Flax Seed (I get this big bag at Costco by the vitamins and protein bars)

1 Cup of Protein Powder ( I like the chocolate EAS brand...also found at Costco)

1 small 15 oz jar of natural peanut butter (I can't stand the peanut butter with the oil floating on the top-so I use Jif )

1/2 cup of agave or honey


Sprinkle mini chocolate chips (Carol used dark chocolate) Some of my family likes it with very little chocolate...so do it to preference.

I start with the peanut butter and agave (or honey) in a glass bowl.  I warm it up in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make it nice and soft.  I then add oatmeal, protein powder, and flax seed.  This will require a little muscle to stir in.  I add a few chocolate chips at the end when the mix isn't warm.  Roll into balls and keep stored in the fridge.

How long can I stand Ping Pong?

So I have been switching furniture around...if you know me, you know I like changing things up.

Our piano moved from hardwood into a room with carpet...brilliant move on my part.  I no longer dread the sound of piano echoing, pounding throughout the house.  Piano practicing is now the background and not the main event.
I made the piano room-- the dining room and now the place we used to eat --is now the place we play ping pong.
Confused?
Tom was when he came back from his trip.
We are actually all getting pretty good at the ping pong play.  I know that my friend Amy is going to think I copied....well, maybe a little.  She did help me think outside the box.
And would someone please help me find something to put in the frame that sits below the clock on the wall....jeesh!

First Day of Piano.....about 10 years more

Ike was sure excited to start piano....lets see how long the honeymoon stage lasts.

I keep letting the other 3 know that they

 will thank me one day for  "helping" them stick with it.

My good friend, Diane, is his new teacher.
I love this lady and am so glad she agreed.
We are trying the Jane Tan method.

Pirate's Cove

The Oklands invited us to a great 2 day getaway at Pirate's Cove. 

 It is located about 10 minutes from Hoover Dam, just overlooking Lake Meade.  

It is a 22,000 square foot home/Pirate themed water park.

I have never stayed or seen anything quite like it.  

Absolutely unique and fun place to gather with friends.

The view was so pretty overlooking Lake Meade.

Unlimited icecream and slushes helped keep us cool.
The weather was still awfully hot there in Boulder, Nevada

Want a fun game for the family....  Perudo (or we know it as Liars Dice)

The owner loves pirates, old Cadillacs and Marilyn Monroe (she was in every garage)

With 22 thousand feet of living space, there were a lot of doors...unique and all different.

Grandpa Ray

My grandpa, Ellsworth Sims Ray, passed away on August 3rd. 

 He was 92 years old.  I will always remember his big warm hugs, 

the many missions he served, and his devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 This is a sweet moment when he visited the grave of our 

 grandma Betty.  She passed away when I was very young.  

What a reunion they will have.  They raised a family of 11 children.

I look forward to celebrating and remembering his life next Saturday, August 14.

Quick Beach Get-away

I think the beach is the only place that kids can 

dig for creatures, bury, get dirty, get wet, splash water ...

and entertain themselves all day

We decided to try and squeeze in a quick get-away before
Summer and I left for Camp Lomia.
We went with the Shills and Tingeys to Newport Beach.
Great beach days and game nights!
It was not an easy thing to pack up and head back to the heat.  

Pure entertainment
These guys could dig all day "to China"

for hours and hours

Our ferry ride over to Balboa Island.
Fun little trip down memory land, for me.

I want to have one of these contraptions in my backyard.

If I could pick a place to have all my friends and family relocate, it would
be Newport Beach.   I love the city's layout and the clean beaches.
The Newport Temple is right across the street from their church building.
I loved the gardens and the color of the temple's stone.