celebrating birthdays in July

our latest find is Mirrior lake up in the unita mountains and we are already excited to return and try truck tenting, We figured out with the kayak on top of the truck it is almost a perfect cover up above.Now it is just about getting these old bodies comfortable in the truck bed. here is Jim at his 77th. 

Izaak and Nik also celebrate at the end of July, So much fun seeing these cousins share each others adventures and love

Niks party was a fun day with a big group of fill energy boys

we also hiked the TImp cave to test out our legs and lungs and here we are with Emily and Jan

the latest fun is creating domino structures

more biking at mapleton

on Jims birthday, one of our favoirte ways to show thanks

creating memories with the family is what I love to do, I am always thankful for times shared with loved ones and especially when we  are growing more healthy both physically

  mentally and   spiritually

And many more happy birthdays

 

summer goals

our families love adventures, Most of us have been locked up too long, Even now as I type this and think of all the dty heat we have had for the last month, I am glad that we have been able to be outside, together. Here we are at the Hiawatha trail in the boarder up by Idaho and Washington and Montana . It was an easy ride through beautiful scenery and tunnels that really cooled us off. And Dan rode this the day after his IronDAN.

As you can see it is a nice mountain bike trail which is slightly down hill and you can do 15  or 30 

here is a photo off the Jordan River trail that is quiet and calm in the middle of the Salkt Lake valley, 

Our family goals of more soccer games started off the season with Niks team going to finals in his first ever tournament which went into over over over time which each team member having to kick a goal  leaving us only one short,

In the middle of all this we celebrate the birth of America,

here we are at Dry canyon ( I think) with the second largest flag waving over this open canyon reminding us of the freedom and liberty we have

Derek brought (our) boat up to Eden to help us celebrate with the Chatterley kids reunion. I say our because he is still paying it off! Boats are fun but alot of responsibility and we are thankful to Derek to keep us wet and wild and reaching more goals

Huntsville 3rd of July parade

Jim and his tools rolling in the parade

Jan and Auggie= LOVE

Spokane with Celeste

Eden with Jaton and Nikkis family

Megan and Shellys family

Reaching our goals this summer.? I have no photos of me reading which is always a goal for me. One book a week is about average. Some of the grandkids are working on their reading and writing goals also, So as much as it looks like we are always moving some of my favoirite times are in the quiet times whien I can ponder and pray and find peace.Finding peace has been harder this time as we try to return to a life filled with service and love to others.

 

hot fun summer re runs

Bring out the kayakes, here we are at American fork Marina on Utah lake, We went early so only a few fishermen and one boat were out but the winds were strong so an hour was just about rightm but it is only 12 minutes from our home

Derek and Dan rode with the Iron Cowboy famous in our area for doing 101 ironman workouts in a row, Karina also rode with them and then rain a 1/2 marathon with Mariah down Provo canyon,,, they have really done a fabulous job keeping fit and strong.

Jim and I ride the same Murdock trail as the Ironcowday does and even got to cheer them on a couple of times, But most of the time I just want to stay out of their wsy as they go zooming by ( that used to be a term for speed, now we use it for close up communication on the computer )

And after all the aerobic activity I love doing my yoga, with cats here doing down dog or cat!. I have been in alot of pain in my legs and went to the specialist thinking my hips needed a rehaul but lucky for me they are super strong around the metal in the thigh.. pain still continues so I am trying to be less aggressive in my workouts. And my GP reminded me that I have OA, OsteoArthritis which is very significant and Osteoporsis,, ugh, but not going to worry about that,, ITs SUMMER

heres me reading while Jim Irons

Nik and Izk

Nik reading , good old summer fun

My cats Oreo and CC help me keep calm and warm in between all the outside activities

more hiking up by American Fork canyon in Alpine

oh the Poppies,,Thanks Emly for taking this cool shot, we went up to see the poppies in bloom near where Megan got married, We saw some beautiful homes and had a fun visit looking at all the dream homes up in Alpine. Being with friends and family and enjoying nature is the best way to share love and ohhhh the memories 

one last thought,,The return of going to the TEMPLE again, now that is the greatest memory to share with family and friends. Loved ones passed and present!!

 

Sweet dreams

childhood times remembered, being outside most of the time, playing by the creek, making forts by mermaid rock and swinging  so high until you almost flip around, Being in Michigan witih Valerie and the gang feels more like Pennsylvania than any

 other place that I visit. I love the wetness and the sky that  changes so frequently. I love the parks with creeks and many different colors of green. I recognize the flowers that need lots of moisture. I love that I can hop on a bike and ride without fear of getting run over. And I love that the Mercados are there to extend their love and share in all the fun each time I visit

this time we got to see Victoria dance and had fun getting a make over with nails and hair by Victoria

Val and I love to eat healthy and cook great food that sometimes only we like because it ,,just maybe is too healthy. Fun in  her great kitchen

Lyrical dance to Yellow

Rayven and Victoria before the dance 

Even more fun, I feel like I can use my skills from teaching when I go and help at Vals school, Here is nursery rhyme day

We got together with another family and they helped take a photo with all of us and we share the sabbath and learned more about her Chinese culture 

just before leaving we celebrated two birthdays

And I got to see more soccer games, both Erik and Austin are terrific players with many oppurtunities to grow and learn about gettng along with others and keeping active, Oh how I love my times in Michigan, I always enjoy and always look forward to the next time to go to my home away from home. my sweet dreams.