Feeding a mass of hummingbirds. (The video doesn't really do justice to how many hummingbirds actually swarm this feeder but they even land on it while Greg's holding it. It's entertaining.)
Lego cars, courtesy of Isaac and pirate ships, courtesy of Carter.
Definitely the best version of the Corvette body styles.
And bushwhacking our way to a hidden waterfall that very few people have seen.
Awesome! This is the G & S waterfall, according to us anyway.
A fun week for sure! And we all survived the first full week of the school year.
We finished up our summer break with the Alpine parade, carnival and fireworks. It was also a great way to celebrate Charlie's actual birthday. They even sang to her at the parade. Such a fun way to finish up summer before the reality of school hit.
So much fun every year.
So many teenagers and kids.
McClane all geared up for the carnival.
Charlie catching a water break at the carnival.
Thank goodness for these teenagers always taking photos and then so generously sharing them with me.
Brock can't take a photo with a natural smile.
Our stake president was talked into sitting in the dunk tank for the high school band fund raiser so Greg thought he'd do a good deed and pay to toss a few balls and try dunking our favorite Built guy. Well El Presidente said that if Greg dunked him on his first try he'd donate a $100 right then to the band. Well, you know Greg nailed him on that first throw and Nick immediately pulled out a wet 100 dollar bill from his swim trunks and handed it over to the band. Greg got him 2 out of three throws. Fun times!
We all wished we could get dunked, it was a hot day!
The fireworks show has been better but it was still a decent show and it was fun to have our older boys join us with their cute girlfriends.
Cute couples.
Charlie's birthday present arrived just a couple days after her birthday and McClane was more then happy to attempt assembling it for her. He might have come across an issue or two but with a little help it came together and is about the perfect size for Charlie.
And then it was the first day of school! Why does summer break have to go so fast!? Thankfully the three school kids have been cooperative getting up and out the door on time all three days this week. I'm sure it won't last but it's good for now.
Brock headed off to 10th grade at Lone Peak.
McClane is in 7th at Timberline Middle School.
And Charlie is in 5th at the elementary school.
Charlie has a few photos thanks to more then one mom seeing her off to school on the first day. She's a busy girl!
Charlie and Momma G.
And Charlie with her buddy Benny who's also in her class.
I'm still not sure how I feel about school starting but I never feel bad being home alone for several hours a day. And at least it's still summer and warm outside. Next big event? Life just keeps going so we'll just wait and see.
We start with a 'throw back' photo of the O.G. neighbor guys.
Scott Albert, Andy Smith and Gregory Ralph
Then, miraculously, Greg finally found and bought the lawnmower of his dreams this week, finally completing his Father's Day celebration.
Thank you Isaac!
Maiden voyage!
Greg had another 'hard' day at the 'office'.
And poor McClane had a spill on his bike and got some serious road rash on his face. Thankfully no teeth are damaged and he should heal up nicely.
Don't mind the band-aid above his lip, there's a scrape under there too.
We made a quick trip to the car show and finally found a car I like and felt was picture worthy.
Then we had a little early birthday celebration for Charlie's upcoming 10th birthday. First she got to go to dinner to the "Brick Oven" with her two friends, which she's been begging to do for months now. Then there was jello-cheesecake and cupcakes with even more friends. (She's got a few friends.)
We can't believe she's hitting double digits!
Lots of friends to help celebrate.
And to start our weekend of Alpine Day's we began with the rodeo.
The cash-cow line-up and the flag ceremony were highlights.
And Charlie finally got another photo with the rodeo clown and a bonus photo with the tractor driver, a.k.a. our friend and neighbor, Dean.
So many fun things! There was also a river floating activity down the Provo river, earlier this week, for Brock, McClane and me but I only have bruises to show for that fun time, no photos. Greg was there too, but he's like a cat and can't handle getting in the water so he just waited at the bottom of the river so he could shuttle a few leaders back to their cars. Fun stuff!
We still have the parade, carnival and fireworks and, of course, Charlie's actual birthday, to enjoy and look forward to and then the real count down for school will begin! Yuck!
Our trip to Oregon was so fun! We had great adventures and I especially enjoyed my time with my family. My dad took me for a ride in his airplane and there's no better way to travel to see Crater Lake.
Crater Lake & Lake of the Woods
We also buzzed Klamath River where David had a group tubing and after my plane ride Greg and I joined them on the boat and had such a fun time. Charlie and Mackenzie especially loved the boating and just being with all the cousins.
We had this portion of the river all to ourselves.
Definitely a perfect boating day.
Crazy kids!
We might be sisters.
Meanwhile, back at the house in Utah, Sunday dinner and ice cream still happening!
Kayli, Tanner and our great neighbor, Gina, had no problems taking over.
On our final day in Oregon we took Mackenzie to see the ranch and take a few turns on the infamous rope swing.
Greg doesn't mind taking a turn or two either.
It's a little trickier then it looks but super fun.
Charlie freaks out every time but can't get enough.
I know Greg has other photos from the trip that I might post on a future day, all-in-all, it was a super fun time and I loved hearing Elle's mission report and my sister Ann also gave a talk that was great. We also had yummy food and plenty of cousin time for Charlie and Mackenzie. I'm so glad we got to make this trip!
Now lets celebrate Beau and Charlie's birthday and Alpine Days before the dreaded school year begins!
