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!
So I posted earlier about our new front lawn and all the Chinese Elm that had sprouted up in the midst of all the new grass and how several friends and neighbors helped pull them out one Sunday evening. Well this photo, below, is the start to that project. My friends, Kiki and Gina, volunteered to start pulling the Chinese Elm the day before and here's the photo proof. We made a pretty good dent in the project.
Greg got to snuggle with cute baby Elliot.
This is a photo of what Greg deals with at 'the office' most summer days. Pretty rough!
Cute baby Elliot is wearing her hand-me-down biker shirt. She's #3 and is just as cute as #1 & #2.
And today we made our way to Oregon with Charlie and one of her closest friends, Mackenzie for a little visit with family.
Quick stop at the Salt Flats for a photo.
Cute girls.
And these disgusting things were splattered all along the highway in Nevada. So gross!
Great travel buddies.
So we started with a photo from the past with the grass, then we had a photo of baby Elliot wearing a shirt from the past but also a photo in the recent past/present with Greg as well as Greg's current work environment and then our photos from our travels that are the beginning of our trip that you'll have to wait for the rest of the adventure in the future. (If that doesn't make sense I don't know what to tell you.) Can't wait!
Last weekend Greg and I went on a little overnight getaway and had the best time, in Ogden of all places. The Best Western we stayed at over 28 years ago has been vastly improved and we got upgraded to a room with a view of their back property oasis. Koi poinds, waterfalls, water features and a beautiful view of the mountains. It was really awesome and who would guess the train tracks are right behind it and the freeway. Anyway, we had a blast and we treated ourselves to a little ring and clothes shopping as well.
So pretty!
My recent ring purchases. Only $2.50 for all but two of them.
And Greg got some much needed new clothes.
On our way home we took the back/long way and saw views of the mountains we've never seen before and it was awesome. We passed 5 different reservoirs along the way: Pineview, Echo, Rockport, Jordanelle, and Deer Creek. We also stopped and had yummy pizza in Kamas.
A view of the mountains we've never seen.
And, of course, we've had lots of fun visits with neighbors on the porch and now we've added hammocking to the mix.
Cute Ada and Greg
For our youth activity we got to go to a local driving range and get some fun tips on hitting golf balls. Greg got the hang of it pretty quick, plus, it wasn't his first time, but I struggled!
The putting was more my speed.
And Charlie, along with her primary activity group, had a fun visit with a local beekeeper.
It's finally feeling like summer around here and we're trying not to think about how quickly the days are passing.
We've had a great week. Greg and I got to go on a couple different hikes/adventures. McClane got his braces off and set a record beating his brothers by years on how short a time he had his braces on. And we're finally experiencing some really great summer weather.
A little air guitar while cleaning out the garage.
Our friends took us to a nearby 'cool' spot that they've known about for years and wanted to share with us. It was definitely a hike and an adventure and super fun.
The treehouse.
The patio & treehouse and some of the best people we know.
Random tiny ducks were glued all over the patio and the views of the valley were amazing.
There were a few snake sightings, thankfully nothing large but one was a baby rattler.
Some of the favorite finds on our adventure.
Pretty views.
Monday McClane got his braces off. None of his older brothers ever got through their orthodontic experience before getting to Junior High so McClane definitely made it through his braces super fast. He was the most diligent rubber band wearer and is definitely being rewarded for his obedience to all the rules of wearing braces.
Before and after
At the orthodontist office McClane even got to be the very first person to sign their latest signature wall.
Then Greg and I did a repeat of our hike from the 4th of July so we could take our other friend, Gina. It was just as pretty as last week and we even saw a long horned sheep on our way out of the canyon.
And I also got photos from the 4th that I didn't have last week.
This was with our neighbors Perry and Wendell.
So many fun things. I sure love summer! This weekend Greg and I are headed to Ogden for an overnight getaway in honor of our 28 years of marriage, which should be fun.
And in case your wondering, only 164 sleeps until Christmas.😀
