Busy Month of July

Doing Sparkler's....

Waiting for fireworks....

Lewiston Parade...

Erin loved playing with the wet sand and throwing it on herself...

Bailey collected a bucket full of seashells

Well, it has been a super busy month. After we got back from Chicago we did a lot of 4th of July activities-city fireworks, BBQ with neighbors, fireworks with the neighbors, parade, etc. Great times, and since July 4th was on a Sunday, our celebrations were from Friday-Monday.

Then July 6th-9th I went to Girl's Camp with our young women. I thought I was off the hook for being one of the camp directors again this year since I did it last year but boy was I wrong! :) It was an amazing week to spend with the young women of my ward and some of their leaders. Girl's Camp planning has been consuming a lot of my life the past couple months though, so it was a relief to get it over with too!

For July 24th (Pioneer Day) we went to Bear Lake with our good friends, the Jasper's. It was a great day to go, a bit crowded but we still had our own little spot on the beach to play on. We packed a picnic dinner and spent several hours being beach bums and enjoying the water and sun. And of course on our way out of town we had to stop for Bear Lake's Famous shakes. The girls had a blast digging for seashells and playing in the water. We had a little hiccup coming home though because we needed gas before we left town-and who would have thought that getting gas would be troublesome? Well, there are only 2 gas stations in town and we went to the one that was out of town a little bit to avoid all the boats, etc. at the main gas station. Well, the pump wouldn't work and then all gas was turned off for the whole station! Argh, we waited there for 20 minutes with still no gas, so back into town we went to juggle with everyone else. We might have had enough gas to get home since the you coast most of the canyon home, but we didn't want to risk it.

And last, but not least our house is for SALE!! Crazy, I know. It still feels weird to have a sign in our yard. We have debated about it for quite some time but it never felt completely right. Well, when we got back from Chicago it suddenly felt right and we knew it was time for us to move on. We love our ward and our neighborhood, but it is exciting to think about a new place. We will stay in Cache Valley, but looking for a bigger yard, bigger house, etc. I was worried how the girls would take the news, but they are both really excited about the idea, and to me that is a huge sign in itself. Bailey especially has a really hard time with change (she cried for 2 hours when we got rid of our old couches a couple years ago) but she is wanting to be involved with every step of the moving/buying/selling process. Such a relief to have the girls wanting this change too. Now hopefully we won't have our house for sale forever.

Chicago

We had a wonderful trip to Chicago visiting Josh's parents. It was a wonderful week-a nice break from the everyday grind. The girls were super excited to go on a plane to get there and for a full day after we got there Bailey kept saying to me: "I can't believe we are finally in Illinois!" Here is an assortment of pictures for our week there.

Josh's parents have a beautiful yard, complete with pond. Didn't take Bailey long to slip in it though!

"The Bean" at Millenium park, downtown Chicago. We took the train downtown which the girls thought was a great way to travel (and I would have to agree with her, no traffic, parking costs, etc.)

Also, at Millenium park-a water park. Bailey and Erin got SO wet, but it kept them cool while we walked around downtown all day in the sun!

Beautiful gardens all over Chicago.

Bailey saw the HUGE ferris wheel at Navy Pier and wanted to go on it. It was really high-both Bailey and Josh got a bit freaked out up there, but it was great to see Chicago from such a height.

Nancy, Bailey, Christine, Erin, Gary, and Josh at Navy Pier

Josh, Amy, Gary, Nancy, and Pete

We went up to Wisconsin to visit Josh's brother and family. The girls had a great time playing with their cousins. The 4 girls slept together and didn't get to sleep until 11pm so they sure were tired the next day! :)

Zac, Sam, Bailey, Ava, Alysa, and Erin

We went to the Farmer's Market at the Madison Capital building--the biggest farmer's market I've ever seen (and most expensive one too). In this picture we had just finished up a nice little snack of goods bought at the market.

We went down the Lake Monona, and the kids were all trying to fish with seaweed and sticks. I love this picture of Erin. "The Lonely Fisherman" She perked up though because there was a man that came to fish on the pier and he let her help him reel in a fish. Guess there are benefits to chatting up every person that you see. :)

Just outside of downtown Madison there is the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. It was a really beautiful place, even in the dead heat of the afternoon.

The girls made a huge fort in the living room, I love listening to their imaginations.

Another day downtown Chicago. We had lunch before heading to the aquarium. There were tons of seagulls begging for food, and I think the birds got more of the girls lunch in their stomachs than the girls did. :)

At the Shedd Aquarium before the Fantasea Show. Bailey said to me: "I think I am dreaming because this is the best day ever. I will always remember this day." Needless to say they really enjoyed themselves at the aquarium.

Relaxing in the backyard: reading, playing cards, and Erin is playing in a pool.

I think there were a lot of memories made on this trip. I am so glad we went!