This is going to be a long post so grab a cup of coffee or any other beverage you might find suiting for the Lake Mountain summer journey.
I have been horrible at updating the blog. Work has been very overwhelming to the point of many tears. Its slowing down to a healthy pace and I feel like I can catch my breath. Maybe....and that is a HUGE maybe, I will be able to get to the point of actually exercising to take off the extra LBS the summer graciously given me and clearing out the junk drawers.
First and most important. Most of you may have heard about my nephew Taylor. He was in an ATV accident on the 11th of this month. He is still in ICU in a coma but expected to make a full recovery. Its going to be a very long road from here and we arent out of the woods yet but so incredibly grateful he is still with us. Sleep well my sweet nephew! We cant wait to hear about all you have been dreaming of. Sending you lots of love and energy.
Taylor
Guster, Morgan, Caleb and Taylor
Taylor, April and JJ
Taylor and I
Taylor, Mom Melissa, JJ and Mom April
Here is a run down of the many events that have taken place and where we are going from here.
Morgan graduated from High School! I cannot even express my joy, I was over flowing with emotion when he walked. I recall him saying as I hugged him at the end of the line "Mom....okay....let go...I have to keep moving down the line." I am still holding onto that moment! Child of mine, it was touch and go there for awhile but I knew you could pull it off, I just knew it! There is no one in this world that has more faith in you than I do.
Houstin Graduated! Not only High School but he also got his welding certificate. I was so very proud to see him graduate. We are far apart in miles but he is so very close to my heart!
Houstin and Dominic, his best buddy ever. I just love the look on H's face..
Houstin, Caleb and I
Ahh Yeah...let the Party begin!
Then there was Morgans graduation.
We were so fortunate to have his Aunts from Colorado come and join us. Thank you Melissa, April and Leslie for being there!
The family less Noodle...
Aunt Leslie
The creators of this fabulous child
The Clan!!!!
Melissa, April, Mom, Me and Leslie
I heart these ladies!
So Morgan starts college next Monday and was just hired on at Walmart. His plan is to save a few bucks and be able to move out in a few months. I think he is in for a rude awakening....sleeping until 2:00 in the afternoon is no longer an option.
Camping trip with the Percell's
I cant say enough about the Percells. They are amazing people and we love and adore them! We planned this trip around the fourth of July and we were so very excited. Prior to, the truck had been in the shop for about four weeks off and on. We thought for sure we had all the bugs worked out and the truck was running top notch. NOT!! Half way up the mountain the truck broke down and we had to turn around and come home. Kaylee sitting in the back seat of the truck says "This is the worst day of my life!". We had four days of fun packed into that camper. So we did what any normal family would have done. We came home and threw what ever we could fit in two cars and headed to the hills! We build tent city for the kids who absolutely loved it. We wont mention that it rained most of the time and we were all soaking wet and dirty!
A little Daddy down time
Caleb and his little girlfriend Kora who we just love having around
Kaylee and Brit playing in the river. Brit is the BEST babysitter EVER!!!
Ryker playing in the river. He and Daddy built a dam together.
The dam building project.....hours of fabulous fun!
Beautiful Girl Kora
Sherry, finding her peaceful place at the river
Mike and Sherry. You couldnt ask for better neighbors and friends
Mary Kay was able to come and spend time with us this summer. We loved having her here and wish she and Al werent so far away. We took her on a day trip to Eden Utah where we were looking at property and loved spending that time with her. I of course had to work but Dean and the kids had a few adventures with Nana. Wish we could have done more when you were here!
Mary and the kids
Mary in the pool with the kiddos
The Oaks in Ogden Canyon, Love that place
One of our biggest craziest most incredibly insane adventures was Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. I have to admit, I wasnt sure if I had the power to get through it without having a total melt down. I love the children, dont get my wrong but they can run you into the ground! They did just that, but we loved every moment and every second of it! They were amazing on the drive to San Diego and the most well behaved, funnest kids ever! I would do that again in a heart beat and strongly recommend it to all that have kids. DO IT, you wont regret it. A trick that worked for me......the kids earned a dollar for every hour they didnt ask "Are we there yet" or fight. They got another dollar for finding land marks such as letters on the mountains, tall buildings, palm trees, emergency vehicles...well you get the idea. It kept them entertained and allowed them to spend their own money in Vegas and San Diego. We didnt hear "I want that I want that". We heard "How much money do I have left and what can I do to earn more?" Best trick ever.
We left early on a Sunday ,morning to miss all the weekend traffic and stayed the night in Las Vegas at the Excalibur (The Castle Hotel). I am not a fan of Vegas...simply not a fan. It can be a great adult playground but not my cup of tea. We took the kids to the M&M Factory and played in the pool. Kaylee had what I would imagine was her first run in with a homeless person and wanted to know why I wasnt giving them money. How do you explain that to a six year old???
The Castle Hotel
Dean and the Kids
Leaving Las Vegas and headed to Sea World!
The kids were so wonderful at helping haul bags around and being patient.
Paradise Resort and Hotel in Mission Bay....the best place ever ever ever! Here is our room, right on the beach. Heaven for me.
Ryker and Kaylee had so much fun playing on their "surf boards".
Little Miss playing in the Ocean
A little Daddy fun!
This is my man! I love and adore him....amazing guy. He is so hot!
Priceless!
I did get in trouble for taking this picture....Kaylee yells at me "Can I have a little privacy please!" She was very much enjoying a walk on the beach as the sun went down.
I love this picture of Kaylee, she looks so happy with nature. No cell phones, TV, video games....just nature with a beautiful little girl who makes my heart melt.
On the beach at dusk building sand castles with Daddy
Sea World waiting for the Shamu Show to start.
This was my first time at Sea World and I didnt know what to expect. I cannot express how cool it was to see the whales come out and put on a show. I was all choked up. What an experience!!!!
Dean and the kids did a few rides at Sea World. Ryker went on the Ship Wrecked Rapids with Daddy and Sissy. They were soaking wet! Kaylee loved Atlantis, I wouldnt even go on that ride. Crazy girl.
Sea World Pet Show
Monster!
Pumpkin!
I could seriously go on an on about our trip. I was so wonderful and we were very fortunate to be able to go.
Next...........
We are about to be the proud owners of four and a half acres in Huntsville Utah! I blurted out one day its going to be the "Sugar Jar Ranch". Who knows if it will or not but it sounds lovely! Kaylee wants a ton of kittens, Ryker wants a shark tank big enough to hold a great white, Dean and I want a fabulous place to call ours in the country. We are extremely excited for our new adventure and hope to have a building done by the end of the year. Crossing our fingers it will all work out.
Thats it in a nut shell! The kids are all back in school, Caleb started 10th grade this monday and little miss started 2nd grade. The house is so quiet! I thought I was longing for a quiet house but honestly.....I miss them already!
Peace.....Love...Cheers!
Dean and Brenda
