We were able to be there with cousins and so it made it that much more fun. The kids really liked swimming and messing around with the old raft that was in the pond. Hank also loved it a lot because he was free to roam. We fished and the kids discovered a rattle snake that they did not mess with. It was a good thing I was not there, because I have a history of messing with snakes--just ask my mom. We also went hiking and the kids spent a bunch of time just being free from electronic devices and played outside for hours making fires, fire pits, carving sticks and playing card games like "Knock." Joaquin and Evie got really good at Knock and stayed up playing late into the night. It was fun to spend some time like that with our growing kids.
We also had a flat tire while driving around the dirt roads and on the way home at Beaver. Luckily we were not stranded and were able to us the spare tire to get back to a place to replace the tires. That spare was really a sad tire and it is really a delicate situation when that is the only thing between you and hitch hiking back to help.
Anyway we had a great time with family and Nana and Papa enjoying the rain storms, views, hikes, and camp fires we found out later we were not supposed to have. Oh well, it was good experience for the kids on how to and how not to handle fire!
A few days after we got back from the Ranch we were at it again with family, this time at Eden. Shauna's family rented a huge house in Eden where all of their kids could come and stay together. Again, it is nice because our kids have a bunch of cousins their ages on Shauna's side.
Our kids more opportunity here to play with fire and I monitored from afar just because I was not that worried about big problems. I think it is good for kids to have some time to play and think they are free from adult supervision. We also went to Pine View reservoir a couple of days spending time on the beach and using kayaks and paddle boards to the max. Joaquin, Ben and Luke spent all afternoon out on the paddle boards and kayaks. It was great for them and again they were pretty much unsupervised for most of that time. Paddle boards are really fun and require some effort so it was a good combination of work and fun. A couple of days later John and Sandra rented a big pontoon boat that could pull skiers and tubes. This was highlight as the kids all got to spend a bunch of time riding and swimming. Even Sam and Kathrine where able to spend some time on the tube.
We also had great meals and tons of smores and watched movies in the movie theater and had chances to play pool, ping pong and card games. It was good to reconnect with family and friends.
This all came to an end for me early because I was headed off to Pioneer Trek that week. Our stake was going up to Martin's cove and Rocky Ridge where the Willey and Martin handcart companies experienced some of their most dire moments. It was really an awesome trek with lots of historical context and missionaries that came along and taught us all about what happened in these sacred spots. The one thought I really came away with was "compelling." They were so compelled by the gospel that they gave everything. I looked at myself and found that I needed to find that in my life. I rededicated myself to be compelled for good in the gospel. Jump in and let it compel me to good deeds. This is what these people would want to see from me for their sacrifice.
When I got home I found out the basement at flooded while I was gone, but it turned out fine and we were able to get new carpet and that has been nice. School fired up shortly thereafter and now we have three in school. They were all excited and a bit apprehensive, but they have been doing well and enjoying the chance to see friends again.
Ranch cabin. Very rustic.
Cousins.
Exploring
Making fire pits.
View up to Pink Cliffs.
Sunday morning church.
Papa's sermon and the view.
Having fun.
Hiking in Willis Creek.
Long horns.
Looking down on Eden and Pine View.
Making the most of summer.
Not sure what is going on here.
Dave having some cookie dough.
Boating.
Joaquin on the paddle board.
My trek family at Martin's Cove.
That sunset!
Ma and Pa Sawka.
She had to use the force to get that out of there.
Kids watching TV in the garage wilst we got new carpet in the basement.
First day of school.
Fall as definitely arrive. Football!
