Kie-Yak

We spent the weekend up at the cabin and much to my delight, we were able to go kayaking.  My in-laws, Kris and Bob recently bought these and were nice enough to let us try it out. 

We took them up to Causey Dam and had a good time.  What a work out!  My arms are sure to be sore tomorrow.  I got a little discouraged about half way through our “trek”, thinking, why does this look so easy for Joey.  He always seems to take to things so well and I always seem to struggle.  Whenever I try to do anything “sporty” I always feel like everyone is staring and pointing at me; like I don’t really “fit in”.  But, I put my mind to it and actually got OUT of the kayak all by myself….without making a scene.  Yippee!

Unfortunately, I used the foot “pedals” of the kayak to try to situate myself better on the seat and broke both sides!  OOPS!  I felt just terrible.  Now we will have to see if we can replace the parts that I broke.  Hopefully, Kris will forgive me one day….she seemed pretty mad.  (no, just kidding)

I think that my in-laws are pretty hip for getting and using these kayaks.  I hope to one day be cool and sporty like them.

this was the place

We had planned to go to “This is the Place” monument/park for our fun friday adventure.  Either we are very lucky or very un-lucky that it was “KSL family fun day” as we noticed on the giant sign as we pulled in.  On the bright side, we got in for free , experienced numerous extra fun activities and enjoyed free water and popsicles.  On the other hand, it was VERY VERY crowded and kids plus popsicles equals messy. 

I hate standing in lines, really hot weather, and walking up a lot of hills.  I had to do all three of these things on the same day.  Ick!  Needless to say, I got a little grouchy by the time we left this little outing.

The kids really had a lot of fun, though.  They got to ride a pony and a train, play some games,  get their faces painted and make a few fun crafts.  I guess it was worth it in the end.

weeding with grandpa

I heard that my dad was going to be over at GeGe’s helping to weed her garden, so I thought that would be a perfect thing to do for our Thursday “service” day.  I didn’t tell my dad that we were coming and I think he was pleasantly surprised to see us. The kids were not really too helpful, but enjoyed raking and digging in the dirt; looking for worms.  They always enjoy a visit to grandma’s candy jar too.   After we finished with the weeds, we did a drive by at Wendys and enjoyed our lunch at Riverdale Park.  It was a nice time.  It’s so good to have my dad back.

God Bless America

We celebrated Independence Day at my cousin’s house.  We’ve been going there for the past 13 years and it’s always a good time. 

We usually start with a good swim, followed by some good food, and then finish with some good fireworks. 

A couple years ago, I was feeling experimental and came up with the idea of making homemade corn dogs.  It is much harder than it might seem to make the darn things, but they are now a huge 4th of July hit.  I made 32 corn dogs and they were GONE within ten minutes.  That always makes me feel special. 

The kids had a really fun time with Nicole’s firework pre-show.  She lit a bunch on the road and they were mesmerized by them.  After the pre-show, the big fireworks began, and then they were bored.  I guess that nothing compares with Nicole’s show. 

Ducks, geese, and lots of seagulls

We held our second “fun friday” at Layton Park.  We had a nice little picnic followed by some bike riding and feeding the birds.  It’s amazing how much the kids love to throw pieces of bread at birds.  They went through about six loaves in about a half an hour.  FYI:  You can buy “bird bread” at the wonder bread outlet.  You get 6 to 8 loaves for only $1.

After the bread was all gone, they hit the playground for a little while.  They played until it became apparent that everyone needed to take a nap….including the parents. 

Before leaving, we made plans to meet up again in the evening for a drive-in movie.  We had a lot of fun.  I love the summer!!

lessons in swimming

The kids finished up their two week session of swimming lessons on Friday.   They both passed their levels and had a blast doing it. 

I believe that Tessa had a little crush on her instructor, Randy.  She ran to him each morning and gave him a big hug.  She is still talking about him. 

Nate was the jokester of his group and the only boy.  He had a great time teasing all the little girls from his class.

On the last day, after passing off all their skills, they were VERY happy to receive a sucker (which they ate immediately) and a certificate. 

As for me, I am so happy to that it’s over for now.  It’s freaking hot in there!  I got a steam bath each morning!