I leave Arizona every July for most of the month. You probably assume that is because Arizona is hot. Well, OK, that might be one reason, but I will list all the other reasons why Utah is so great in July...
1) Walks on the trail
Mostly we do this to get these 3 tired right before bed!
2) Fireworks with cousins
Isla was in awe of the sparklers, Ive never seen her run so fast!
Leo was cool with the craziness
3) Old friends
I've known Shelley since Kindergarten. She knew I was in town, so called me to go trail running. It felt so great catching up! Even though I don't keep in touch the best, I can still see these gals once a year and have the best time!
4) 4th of July hikes
Utah is gorgeous!
5) Just hanging out
We live with the Jolley cousins for a week or so, so we just swim, play, eat and sleep whenever we want
Sometimes mid bite
6) Grandpa Sid's 60th birthday party
I can't believe my dad is 60! The night was magical filled with friends and family.
7) Fun adventures
We went to the Curiosity museum and had to basically drag the kids out after 4 hours.
8) Becoming one with nature
We go up to the mountains every summer and have a fire
He got spent from all the action
9) Bear Lake
We went with the Stoddards, Chows and Bradleys. It was the best! The Chow's were our friends in Globe. They had recently moved to Idaho, so we met them up there. They supplied the boat, we all rented the cabin and it was seriously 3 days of Heaven.
Brooklyn discovered that she is actually a fisherman. She accidentally hooked her friend Ari though. Sorry about that Ari! We took the hook off soon after and she fished for 2-3 hours.
We also rented wave runners. Best idea.
He felt the sea breeze and helped himself to a snooze
Avery loved the wave runners, she actually drove one for little bit. She also learned how to wake surf. She loved riding on the boat.
"I am Moana"
I don't think Brooklyn ever left the shore. She is terrified of boats and wave runners and water weenies. She just played and swam for hours.
Isla loved everything. She especially loved the boat. So much, that she made it her bed.
The crew
Even though I wasn't there, I need to document that last boat ride before we left. The sun was going down, the water was beautiful. Travis found his zen and couldn't stop talking about it!
Bear Lake is something that needs to happen more!
10) Bloomington Lake hike
While we were in Bear Lake, we snuck over to the Idaho side and went on the most gorgeous hike. I thought I was in New Zealand.
The water was freezing, but a bunch of us jumped off the rope swing. Don't look at me, I was on baby duty! Seriously, it was cold water!!! Avery and Travis sucked it up!
11) Draper Days
I remember going to Draper Days as a kid, it was on of my favorite things during the year. Now I get to take my own kids and I'm pretty sure they feel the same way. Parade, outdoor concerts, hot dog on a stick, fireworks, you can't get more American than that!
12) Family reunion in St. George with Charles family
This hike was the best!
We left Isla at home with Mumu! Thanks Mumu!
Brooklyn met some random teenagers and decided to ditch us for them
Midget Olympics
More hiking because that is what you do in Southern Utah!
St. George was bloody hot! But we lived it up!
Wow! That was our Summer. I'm so grateful that we get to do this every year and that we have great families on both sides. My kids will have forever memories!
Now back to hot AZ and school!!!
