Wrapping up Summer

Upon returning from Montana, we still craved the great outdoors, so we set out to finally hike Adams Canyon in Layton. This trail was recommended to us by Caleb's labor and delivery nurse and we attempted it without getting very far due to heat, rain threats or just tired kiddos. This time, however, we succeeded! We made it to the waterfall at the end of the trail and enjoyed the variety of trees, rocks and streams along the way. There were moments when we didn't think we would make it, but Luke was rejuvenated whenever we would tell him, "Just 2 more miles until the waterfall!" or something along those lines. He was a champ and was not disappointed by the cool spray of the water.

With the hot weather, we escaped to the Clark Planetarium one afternoon to enjoy it's cool air and explore all it has to offer. We invited the Evans clan and the kiddos had a blast, running around, being amazed at how mesmerizing science and our solar system are. After our adventures, we treated ourselves to some Ruby Snap cookies, because when downtown, its almost criminal to not grab a cookie or two.

With just a few weeks left in summer, we decided it was time to take on potty training Caleb. No time like the present! He was a trooper and, in many ways, easier than Luke, since the cheers and excitement we had were motivation enough for him to learn. Luke was the best cheerleader and encourager and after 5 days, Caleb got the hang of it! He's a champ.

We also decided to neuter Augie that week, which made for some exciting times as he learned to navigate our close quarters with his size of China head cone. In case you are wondering, no it did not calm him down in the least bit, but at least we don't have to worry about him fathering any rogue puppies.

Salt Lake City had a great opportunity to attend free yoga classes at the State Capital every Wednesday evening through the summer. I only made it to a few, but each one did not disappoint with a welcome sunset at the conclusion of each class.

Dallin's summer work party took place at Hogle Zoo this year. Clearlink had rented the entire zoo just for their employees and included unlimited train rides, carousel rides and animal viewing. Not having to fight crowds to see the animals and getting to enjoy the little perks made for a wonderful summer evening, even if Caleb was weary of the carousel...

One smoky afternoon, the Evans and us ventured out to explore a new park in West Jordan. I had found a list of unique parks in Northern Utah and we agreed on this wild west themed one. We set out early, in hopes the smoke wouldn't be too bad. After about 30 minutes, the smoke was pretty thick, so we moved the party in to the nearby library for refuge. Both were fun, even if Kayla and I couldn't find our children 70% of the time while at the park and it may have taken me a good 10 minutes to track Luke down when it was time to go, giving me a mini heart attack that he had been snatched. All is well...

Dallin took the boys up to McCammon for a weekend getaway, while I stayed and got the house in order. They got to ride quads at night, have a semi outdoor campout under the stars, play on a slip 'n slide and hang out with cousins, Myles and Lucy. I think it is safe to say their McCammon trips are some of their favorite past times.

While they were gone, I also went to a Down Syndrom Mom's Night Out in Draper. Always good to connect with mamas.

As one last hurrah before school started, we ventured to the Uintahs for a little fishing adventure. Augie attempted to learn how to swim, Luke only got knocked in the water once, thanks to Augie, Caleb wanted to swim the entire time and just pouted that we would only let him get to the edge of the water and Dallin tried with all his might to catch something amongst all the chaos. Always an adventure.

After Luke and Ellora went to their Kindergarten orientation, we went to Ferguson Canyon to explore it's caves, rock formations and acorns. All kiddos came home with pockets filled with tiny acorns...

To celebrate his official first day in Kindergarten, we met up with the Evans at the Treehouse Museum in Ogden. Three floors of activities to explore and play made for an exhausting but fun-filled afternoon.

The boys and I ventured to the Davis County fair, where both were hesitant to participate in the petting zoo, but enjoyed watching the animals do their thing.

And with the start of school, we wrapped up summer and began a new chapter of school-aged kiddos. So far, Luke seems to enjoy Kindergarten and is learning rapidly. Caleb enjoys the one-on-one time, but is always excited to go pick up brother.

The Tour de Utah came right by our street again this year. Luke loved watching them zip by!

For a mom-Luke date, we went to the Lego store in Sandy, where Luke created "Med." He could spend hours in that store. Just imagine the fun he would have at the actual LegoLand!

Hope all had a great summer and are ready for Fall!