Time Flies When You're Having Sun

All year-round, our family talks and plans for all the fun things we're going to do over the summer, and then all of the sudden it's almost over already! How does this happen? Okay, I admit I have secretly wished for school to be back in session a time or two, and with 6 of us home all day and toys scattered everywhere I have really been feeling the need to get the basement finished, but overall we've just enjoyed the sweet freedom. It has been especially nice to have Jef out of school for the last few weeks. We have loved all of the time we've spent with both of our families. We have tried to keep busy with some projects around the house and yard but mostly we've ended up just hanging out and never seem to get too bored. Funny how that usually happens. Now that there are only 3 weeks left I feel a little panicky about all of the we didn't get around to. Luckily we have some of the funnest stuff saved for last. And our house and yard projects will still be there waiting for us when it's all over.

Anyway, here's some things we've done this summer since last I posted:

Jono gets a summer buzz. He was so excited and kept rubbing his head saying "Dad shaved me!" A couple of days later he changed his mind and wanted us to put his hair back on.

The annual Pony Express parade. It's still just as fun our third year as it was the first.

Jef runs in the RAGNAR and also in two 5ks. And he loved it so much he wants to do it again next year. He inspires me enough that I've stared running one lap around the park once in a while. Almost the same thing.
He also replaced his old truck with a bigger, newer one. Now he's been called as the Young Men's President. Coincidence? We are curious if we will ever see him once school starts again, but he will do a GREAT job and hopefully have some fun too. Our bishop told me that I would be blessed with energy here at home while Jef is gone more often, so I am excited for him to get started because I could sure use it!

A happy end to a fun baseball season. Go Twins.

Fun times lighting off fireworks with my WHOLE family. Every single one of us.

Fun times in Park city with Jef's WHOLE family. Every single one of us. My kids saw every cousin, aunt, uncle, grandparent and great-grandparent they have in the same week. How cool is that?

A trip to my old hometown in Idaho for my Grandpa's funeral. (Also the same week -yes, it was a busy one!) It was, of course, very hard to say goodbye to Grandpa, but is always a neat experience to show the kids where I grew up. I got to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in ages - both family and old primary teachers and such. I am glad that Grandpa is with Grandma and can't wait to see them both again someday.
One of Jef's good friends also passed away that week. We were sorry to miss his funeral and hope his family knows that they are very much in our thoughts and prayers.

Me and mom at the cow mailbox. Memories like this aren't easy to top.

Logan enjoying Fine Cuisine

Taylor at our Cub Scout Day Camp.

Jane, just being silly. She starts on her soccer team this month.

Hannah losing her first tooth and getting super excited for Kindergarten

Summer is especially good for just hanging out...

and relaxing.