Summer Winding Down

Before we know it, we are cramming in all we can for these last carefree days of summer!
Of course, one final trip that marks the last week of summer for us is the annual Mesquite trip with Dev & boys. This year we opted for a fun house we rented in Santa Clara, St. George. It was perfect. Plenty of room in the house, super comfortable, nearby community pool, and full kitchen to make meals for our large group.

My dear pal, Kimberlee (my 2nd counselor) and I were able to attend the big Stake Laurel High Adventure again in Moab. We got our hands on a 10-seater van from a generous family in the ward so we were all able to be together on the drive down, it was great! Great chats, talking, singing, snacking~ our Laurels make it so fun. This is how I would describe the River Rafting trip in 100+ degree weather, with hiking in the heat where your face is beat red and you can feel your heart pounding in your head: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Truly. The river was so low because it was August- so we waded out in the mud to get some relief from the heat. That night it was so windy! My goodness! Our tents were just batted around. At one point Kimberlee and I looked at each-other about 3 in the morning in misery when our walls collapsed because we couldn't stake it down in the gravel. The other tents didn't fare much better. And the heat! No relief even in the middle of the night with the wind. My fitbit told me I got a total of 45 minutes sleep. You can imagine the next day during the 7 hour rafting trip it was hard to keep my eyes open in that hot sun, going so slow due to the low water. But again, the girls made it so fun. On our ride home I pulled out a list of fun questions to answer and we got laughing and telling stories. There were great parts~ I would just vote we don't go to Moab in August next time!

14 bodies in a 15-seater van!

I made the most delicious vanilla cake (from scratch, of course) with the most delicious chocolate icing. Sometimes you just need that, ya know?

I just love this Zekey bears. He came down to fix himself some breakfast before church and I appreciate how he just puts his suit on every Sunday, because that is what he wears. He got it when he was baptized. Never mind he can barely raise his arms and the pants are so tight on his bum and thighs. He's soooooo cute!

We sneaked away to the Hurricane House for a quick couple of nights to relax and be together. We love that place!

This kid! He is so happy and confident~ and hilarious. I love his independent personality, 

so comfortable in his skin.

I love this shot Eli grabbed at the top of Y mountain overlooking Provo City.

Zeke sure enjoys pal Andrew. His mom, Tina is my 1st counselor and dear friend. We love getting these boys together as often as they want to. I appreciate that Tina parents very much like I do. I really like to get pics of the kids friends as often as I can because it's fun to watch them grow up, too!

 Cute morning faces with bed-head, in their jammies having a pancake breakfast.

Ok, kiddos~ the next stop is First Day of School!