Savoring Summer Part Seven

At the end of the school year, we bought summer movie passes to the summer kid movies.  We pick a day to go each week and spend a couple of hours in the cool, dark theater laughing at animated people.  We usually smuggle in some treats (sshhhhh) and bring some toys for Jack.

Sometimes, if it's not too killer hot, we stop by the park for a picnic lunch and some play time.  Today we met some friends.

The  city recently "remodeled" the main playground, making it much more child friendly. I think the play pieces are great, but the park could benefit from some shade.  There are no trees or benches!

Convincing Jack to eat the lunch rarely works.  He would rather play (can you blame him?) and can't eat most of what's in the lunches offered due to his allergies.

So we just let him play instead.  Eating can wait till we get home right?

Jack loves the little toddler section. 

Tyson is kind enough to spin the "terror-go-round".  He doesn't "push it as fast as the big kids, though".

I think it's time to leave.  We are getting sunburned. And not all of us can fit under the slide for some shade.  :)

Savoring Summer Part Six

Tonight our family walk began at the bridge of our local canyon park trail.

We always have to spend a moment making sure the gushing water is still as impressive as ever.  It was.

This is what I got when I asked for a photo op.  Good thing they are so cute.

Again. . . Tyson's normal photo face.  Jack still gives me some sweet smiles.

We are so lucky to live in a spectacular area on this earth.  Everyday I marvel at the beauty of the colored mountains against the blue sky and green foliage.

This canyon trail is a community favorite.  It's no surprise why.

(wait for the family Jack!)

After much persuasion, we agreed to follow the boys down to the river bank.

Look at those baby hands!

On our way back to the car.  Keep to the right so you don't crash with a biker!

Aren't we lucky in where we live?  So beautiful here in southern Utah.

Savoring Summer Part Five

Our backyard is our little sanctuary.  It is just perfect for us. 

The boys have a covered sandbox.  Dusty built them a tree house.  I have my kitchen garden.  And flower beds.  We have a covered patio for our table and grill.  And a seating area for our fire pit.  And just enough grass to play sports.  That all sounds pretty fancy, and I promise it isn't.  But it is wonderful for us. 

Jack just learned to pedal his trike.  He is very proud of himself.

Tyson keeps busy working on his tennis skills or hitting a baseball.  Needless to say. .  . we have had to fetch many balls from neighbors backyards.

Years ago I pieced together a Little People collection from the local thrift store.  Tyson was never really interested in them, but Jack loves to play with the people + cars.  They are the perfect outdoor toy for us.  Large enough to not get lost in the sand or grass, and easily washed.

My flower beds are coming along nicely.  I have lots of plans to transplant a few flowers and dig out some Iris and Daisies that have spread like mad.

Jack likes to perch up in the tree house and watch our commotions.  He never fails to call out (boss us generally) and let us know what we should be doing differently. 
 

My bushes have grown almost four feet! since I pruned them in early April. 

We often end the evening with a bike ride or family walk.

Today it's just the boys because I decided to stay home and weed the garden.  Gotta take advantage of those cool evening hours.

My bleak attempt of photographing the "super moon".  I was too lazy to break out the tripod, so an overexposed moon is what I have to deal with. :)  But the view of the mountains is still lovely.

Night night!  (Dusty and I are heading in to watch the news, read books, and maybe catch up on some Sherlock Holmes)