And then it was September

       I probably should have posted this calendar photo last week to usher in September, but it fits on this post just as well.

Who's ready for some harvest time!?

And sometimes you get a quick snuggle on a Sunday evening.

    And it's officially September. Just under three weeks of summer to go, don't rush it!

Jeep adventures

     This week we had a double adventure in Carter's Jeep. But first, a cute photo of Charlie and baby Hudson.

 

        Our first Jeep adventure was up to the old 'sheep camp' with several of the neighbors. We grilled burgers & hotdogs and, although the grilling options weren't as planned, everyone came together and made it work and that's how memories get solidified. It was the perfect adventure, with amazing weather, great food, and some of the best people.

 

 

Amazing views in every direction.

        Then on to adventure #2. This was an impromptu trip, out west, to the Tintik railroad tunnel. This time it was just myself and Greg in Carter's Jeep and it was hot and there was some over-heating issues with the Jeep, but we still had a great time and stopped for a yummy lunch at "Raising Canes" and a great way to spend a Thursday when things are slow at work.

        A fun week and Greg is really getting his 'batteries recharged' with these Jeep and mountain adventures. Hopefully we'll get in a few more in the next few months.

A lot of fun things!

     From fun family & friend gatherings, Alpine day activities, including an absolutely fantastic fireworks show, to a few other fun events, (like school starting), let the photo dump proceed.

Can't go a year without this photo duo.

A great visit from Uncle Mark and family.

What a fun way to spend a warm August night. And thanks to 'mother nature' for cleaning off all my chairs with a much needed rain shower before the party.

Alpine parades are special.

The bottom photo is of our ward primary's float. 

Leaving the parade with Papa in the lead. (Guns out, of course!)

Now time for a day at the park.

Yummy food, great friends, and maybe a little 'too loud' live entertainment.

A little variety of photos from the day.

One of the many performers throughout the day, the girls were big fans.

Just a glimpse of the finale that was out of this world!

    Then it was Sunday and Greg got to hang out with cute baby, Mack.

We also finished celebrating Charlie's 13th birthday. Jello cheesecake is her favorite.

We had Asher and his friends, Gage and Thomas stay over the weekend and the Wendel girls were big fans.

    And some how, another school year has begun!

8th and 10th grade. 

And we must share this little guys smiling skills. He's really getting the hang of it!

    Now on to the weekend, which I believe will be much quieter than last weekend.

What a fun week!

     I was just sitting on my porch, minding my own ice cream gathering, when Kayli shouts, "MOM, is that Jackie and Ben?!" What!? I believe it is. What a fun surprise and Hudson was just as shocked as the rest of us.

What a great surprised expression from Hudson.

       (Not photoed was a great visit and lunch with Jackie and Ben. And just for full transparency, they were mostly here to pay respects to a sweet sister, Ben's former mission presidents wife, who recently passed away.)

    And then I was off to get my nails done and I love my new set!

I’m a big fan of stripes!

    And then it was time for the Alpine Car Show. Here are a few of my favorites.

 That little Tiger Sunbeam, bottom right, is the same car I sat in last year at the A.F. car show.

    Then we had another adventure through the more obscure parts of American Fork Canyon. We made a loop around the back. We went from Mineral Basin to Cascade Springs. We had a great time and thanks to Gina, we had some great snacks for everyone's vehicles.

    And then it was Charlie's 13th birthday! She's officially a teenager. (At least digit-wise. She's been a teenager most her life.)

First round of gifts/clothes, that she picked out and wrapped herself.

This is the second batch of clothes that she picked out but didn't wrap.

    And last, but not least, Greg and I attempted attending the Alpine Rodeo last night. It started out fine but before they could even finish the "Mutton-Busting" the rain, lightening and thunder rolled in with a vengeance. It was a little disappointing but at least we didn't pay for our tickets. And just to be clear, the rodeo did carry on about an hour later, when the weather cleared, but we made the executive decision to call it a night and just went home. Here's the few photos we got before we left. 

Charlie didn’t come to the rodeo with us so I just had to get a selfie with the clown myself. Hopefully she gets one with him tonight.

Greg snapped this photo before he went to buy himself a burger. 

What a backdrop!

Taking shelter from the downpour.

So there we have it. We still have a busy weekend ahead and I'm sure I'll have a photo or two to share next week. Not only is it Alpine Days but we're also having a more official birthday celebration for Charlie on Sunday and we're just 5 days away from the first day of school, so stay tuned for all those moments.

Random

    You guys, look how cute Reggie the Raccoon is. She still drags her back legs but she does have movement in them.

    

    And Greg had a happy surprise for me, a belated anniversary gift, my most favorite treat from Australia.

And our friends dog, Scout, stayed the week with us and was just as cuddly as ever. 

    Heading into August brings mixed emotions. I'm looking forward to Alpine days but absolutely disgusted that it's also the month another school year begins. I think I'll just keep Alpine days our top priority. And just to be clear, even if school starts soon, summer still hangs around until September 21st so lets not get too caught up in 'fall' ideas quite yet!

Final week of July

      Another fun parade day in American Fork.

Just a few shots from my spot on the grass with baby Hudson.

How cut is this, Elliot cozying up to uncle Isaac.

    And then on to fireworks. We watched from G & G's front yard. 

Hudson slept through the majority of the blasts.

    And we can't head into August without featuring our most favorite calendar photos. 

Did someone yell, "Fire"!?

    And a new favorite nail design.

Lucky McClane got to ride Isaac's bike to church.

    

    Greg has been enjoying 4 X 4 adventures up American Fork Canyon in Carter's Jeep. Things might have gotten a little sketchy up mineral basin, but we were wise and turned around before we found ourselves stuck or broke down. And we had a fun time all the same.

What a beautiful 'backyard' we have to enjoy.

I love seeing a little wildlife on my morning walks. Finding 3 bucks and their little lady was a rare treat.

        

    And last night we finally made our way down to Nephi, with some of the best people, to experience the Bar-W steak house. What an absolute treat! A splurge worth repeating in the very near future. 

Waiting for our table.

Seated and so excited!

Hello! Absolutely DELICIOUS!! And that huckleberry lemonade was phenomenal.

    And last, but not least, sweet Reese had her surgery on her upper lip and was a superstar through it all. 

Sweet girl!

    July 2026, that's a wrap!