Summer in Summary

Whew! Now that we are full-swing into the hectic school schedule, I am determined to record what I failed to do as summer went along. So, here goes . . .

Baseball. For our family this year, summer meant baseball games. Nate played on a competitive baseball team for the first time, the Davis Dawgs, and boy, did we get our fill of baseball! Truthfully, I loved it (once school got out, that is--it was a bit too much with everything else involved when school was in session). I mean, I have never been a baseball fan; in fact, it was only a year ago I told my husband something had to give, and I thought it should be baseball. That's when he told me he thought our son might be really good at it. Oh, great! I'm sorry to say that's exactly the expression that went through my mind. So, we thought we'd give this a go, and I have to say I'm glad we did. Turns out Nate is pretty good at baseball and he really loves it, so we spent a few afternoons and weekends each week at the ball park.

He had such great coaches. This one is Scott Robinson, the head guy. He's so passionate about baseball. Nate loved him and all the coaches.

Such a cute team of boys, I just have to say. They won second place in their league.

This was in Park City at some major national baseball tournament. Teams from all over the western United States were there. It was a ton of people!

The boys had a chance to trade pins with players from other teams.  It was cool. Nate was really sick with a double ear infection and strep throat (we found out later), poor boy, so he's not looking his best.

This was his team walking down Main Street in the parade. It was such a fun experience, even in the rain.

Swim Lessons: Boston and Regyn absolutely love to swim. And since we have great friends who invite us over nearly every week of the summer to swim at their incredibly nice pool, it's imperative these kids learn to swim well (this coming from a mother who never did learn to swim well and is basically scared of water). This year was especially fun because their cousins came up to have swim lessons with them. It was great fun.

Wow--she looks like a swimmer!

Are these two cute or what? I can hardly stand it!

Beautiful back float

These three girls are the best of friends--I hope it lasts for life.

This photo might not look impressive, but I'm telling you, some of these girls were scared spitless of the water at first and wouldn't even stick their noses in. By the end of the week, this is what they were doing for fun. What growth!

Regyn loved her teacher! She was truly awesome!

Perkins Family Reunion: It's not very often that my mother's side of the family gets together, so when my Uncle Larry, who lives in Kansas, suggested a little reunion at the Pine Creek Ski Resort in my hometown of Cokeville, Wyoming, we just had to go. It really was great seeing people I haven't seen in years. And all the kids quickly became good friends. I know it meant a lot to my grandpa. It was worth it just to see him soaking it all up. He's such an important person in my life and always has been. He lived right next door to us growing up, so I went over almost every day. My grandma passed away three years ago and I will always miss her, but I'm sure glad we could get together and share memories and laughter with everyone else who could come. Oh, how I wish I would have been able to get a picture of the whole gang!

My Grandpa. What a guy. 

My parents talking with my cousin, Celeste (woman on the right) and her college-age son, Jaden. Wow does time fly!

Here is my mother with her younger brother, Craig. My poor mom had an eye infection and so had to wear sunglasses.

These two are a hoot! They were born just hours apart, but their personalities are night and day. I got the biggest kick out of listening to their conversation. Olivia and Paisley--what little darlings!

This was my husband pretending to be having a good time.

Kamille and Nate. These two have been best pals since I can remember. I hope it never changes.

I can hardly stand how cute these cousins are.

They all wanted to eat together, so they just kept scooting over to make room. I wondered how many plates that one little table could hold, let me tell you!

Upstairs Neighbors: One fabulous benefit from our family moving to the basement is that a darling family moved upstairs from us, the Wardens. We truly love them! They moved here from Alaska, and because the mom of the family, Smadi (shes' from Israel--I love her name), got deathly ill with a pregnancy right after they got here, they spent six months back in Alaska where her mother could help her out. She was totally bed-ridden (what a sacrifice to bring a child into the world, let me tell you). Finally, in May they moved back (after the baby was born) and we sure enjoyed spending time with them this summer. Especially the kids. It's like they had cousins move upstairs or something. They all get along great and have a ball together. I think it's an amazing blessing. I need to get Paul and Smadi's picture taken so I can add it here. Also, I will try to take one of the baby, Jordan. Such a cute family.

Nate and Nathan (nothing like two Nates running around together)

Daniel and Boston--do these two look like trouble or what? Daniel makes us laugh so hard. 

Cousins: I know I posted a whole lot about cousins not long ago, but right before school started, some of our favorite cousins came for one last visit. As always, they played until we forced them to stop for sleep. They just never tire of each other--it's amazing! Here is what they looked like at the end of the day, however. Since we live in tight quarters there isn't a lot of room for guests. Four of my sister's kids slept together in one bed--see below. You have to sleep landscape style (rather than portrait) when you have them many sleeping partners.

Then there were my kids.

I have to show this a little closer up. I could not believe Boston could sleep this way.

Hyrum Dam: Our last big bang the weekend before school started. Our insurance agent, who just happens to be Dan's old neighbor from Hyrum where he grew up, invited us to bring our family to Hyrum Dam to go boating with him and his family (everyone needs an insurance agent like this, I tell you). We had a fabulous time! It was such a gorgeous day and my kids got to do stuff they don't normally get to do. I was happy to simply enjoy the breeze and the beauty and the boat. It's always so much fun to watch your children have a good time. I never understood that until I became a parent, but it's truly better than having fun yourself. Such was this day.

Beautiful Hyrum Dam

Five darn fabulous kids, I just have to say.

Is it a bad sign if my 10-year-old is often checking his muscles out?

We even got brave and went as a family on the water rocket. Berkley loved it (the boat pulled us very slowly).

Nate got his first shot at knee boarding. He had a great time.

Hallee and Berkley--I love Hallee's smile.

Berkley really enjoyed the boat (and the other kids enjoyed the pop). I was happy  just to be there.

This is Eric Derr, our insurance agent. I feel bad I didn't make it home with a picture of his wife and boys. He was so much fun. He had a hat on that said FBI (Farm Bureau Insurance) and told us about a time when a man came up to him and asked if he would pretend to be an FBI agent for his grandson, who was enamored with the FBI. So funny!

Love that smile!

 And then there was the car ride home . . . needless to say, we wore them right out. I love days like that.

Ah, summer. There really is nothing like it. Ours was so carefree and happy and just the right amount of busy. Of course I couldn't record every little event and moment, but man, it was good. Now we are back to a grueling schedule and I feel tired all the time. How grateful I am for so many happy memories, though. Life is good. It is just so good.