Grandpa's Boat

Arguably, one of my favorite parts of vacation each year is heading out on Grandpa's boat. This year was no different. We've enjoyed so many fun activities on this trip, but a carefree day on the water was a perfect way to finish off our vacation.

Jeff looks like a pro out there.

I'm more cautious, but I love every minute of it!

Savannah gave waterskiing a valiant attempt. 

First try.

Where did she go?

Well, maybe next year...

 

Sam tried several times with one ski.

He popped right up with two.

The kids love the tube. They get wild and crazy on that thing!

Grandpa is always a good sport. He's the best skiier of us all, but he stayed in the boat today.

A well deserved nap!

We leave for home in the morning. It's been a great two weeks!

Sadie and Ana

If Sadie had her wish, her cousin Ana would live next door. While that's not going to happen anytime soon, it's a bonus that Ana and her family live around the block from Grandma and Grandpa. These two have spent a lot of time together this week and are quite the team. It's going to be hard to leave!

The Gravel Pit

My sister-in-law, Kristin, took us out to the gravel pit at her family's farm today. It's a big water hole with a rope swing and plenty of rocks for skipping. The kids were pretty brave on that swing! There were a couple of kayaks for paddling around and, despite the wind, we had a great time!

Go Spencer!

Boog's the bomb.

Yeehaw!

One of my favorite faces!

Ruby preferred to just swing.

I always love to see the flower of Scotland!

Grandpa's '32 Chevy

Because Savannah has her permit to drive, she was excited to learn how to drive grandpa's '32 this year. I even took a little spin behind the wheel. It's a little tricky and there's definitely no power steering, but it's always a good time!

BYU-Idaho: The Tour

I'm not sure how I ended up with only pictures of flowers and Sam for this post... Regardless, we enjoyed a beautiful morning in Rexburg. The campus is beautiful and much bigger than it was in my Ricks College days. The kids are intrigued by what BYU-I has to offer. They are still leaning toward BYU as a first choice, but it's good to have several options. :)

Moving On

Sadly, our time in Utah ended way too soon! We loaded up the van (not an easy task) and said goodbye to Dave and Tanya and their cute family. Man, we really need to live closer!!

Before heading to Idaho, we made a stop at a wedding reception for a friend (the groom) from our little corner of the world. It was so fun that the timing worked out so we could be there. His bride is from England and they make a cute couple. We wish them all the best!

The reception center was so nice with beautiful surroundings.

Friends

Last night and today we reconnected with some old friends.

I went to high school with Steve Affleck and it's been at least 5 years since our families have gotten together. He invited us over tonight and surprised me by inviting two other friends that served on Seminary Council with us, Mike Pratt and Kristen Farnsworth. It was an enjoyable evening of good food, great conversation and lots of catching up. Our kids all had someone to connect with so everyone had a great time. It was over way too soon.

Today we met Savannah's BFF, Augustine, in Salt Lake. Those two went shopping together while Augustine's mom, Anne, tagged along with Jeff and I and our kids at Temple Square. It was so fun to catch up. They moved from our little corner of the world about 9 years ago and we've missed them ever since!

Pioneer Day and a Cousin Sleepover

My sister, Amy, had us over for a BBQ last night and she kept my kids for a sleepover with her girls. By all accounts, it was a great night. We've got some tired kids this morning, but we're so glad they got to spend time with Amy's family and finish off Pioneer Day with a bang.

Savannah and her cousin, Andrea, having fun with sparklers!

It's been years since we've been in Utah for Pioneer Day. We watched the Days of '47 parade on TV yesterday morning which reminded me of my younger years when we would head downtown and watch the parade from my dad's office which was on the parade route for several years. Then Jeff and I witnessed quite a show as we drove back to my brother's house last night. We had an amazing view of fireworks going off all up and down the valley. I've never seen anything like it.

Peter Pan

Isn't this the cutest little Indian? My niece, Emma, was cast in her city's production of Peter Pan and we were lucky enough to be in town for closing night. She was the youngest Indian by far and had some demanding dances to learn, but she did such a great job and we loved watching her perform.

My high school drama instructor, Robyn Bishop, was a director. I last saw her in 1988. Crazy!

Sadie is all decked out in her autographed hat and fairy dust necklace.

 A fun night!

Studio C - Still Our Favorite

While we were on our tour of BYU, we were told that the BYU Broadcasting building - where they film Studio C - conducts its own tours. Sadly, when we got there, we were told that you have to schedule tours at least 24 hours in advance. Boo. Walking around the lobby was the best we could do, but it was fun to see the reminders of our favorite show. They've started taping season three. We can't wait!! :)

BYU - The Tour

Because Sam is going to be a senior this year and Savannah a junior, we set up a prospective student tour at BYU and BYU-Idaho. We spent this morning at BYU. Jeff and I enjoyed seeing all the changes at our old stomping grounds and the kids are getting excited about their future college prospects. There is so much to look forward to!

Campus is beautiful and big!!

The kids always love the Eyring Science Center

The old (administration building) and the new (underground library sky lights)

Our tour guide, Alyssa, with my BYU fans

We love this staircase outside the bookstore

Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve