Savoring Summer Part Ten

Sometimes the best part of summer is playing with everyone we run into!

And taking time to play games!  (this one is Pirate-o-poly)

And taking mid-afternoon naps.  (only one person is actually sleeping. . .  can you guess who?)

Savoring Summer Part Nine

My aunt is kind enough to take the boys every once in awhile so I can run errands and such.  Plus, I think she likes them. . .

I'm not really sure what they do when I leave.  I think it involves food, watching tennis, getting spoiled, etc.

The boys rave about her French Toast.  She must add something special to the eggs that I don't.

She is gathering quite a collection of fun toys for little people. 

She also has a rather scary amount of stuffed animals that sing.  Jack's goal is to get them singing all together at the same time.  The cacophony of music is horrifying, I'm afraid.

I sure am grateful to her for her love of my children and her willingness to spend time with them.  She brightens up our summer days.

Savoring Summer Part Eight

My aunt Joy and Dusty are very interested in old pioneer sites that can be found around where we live.  After a little research between the two of them, they decided to set out with us and find a place called "Peter's Leap" where wagons had to be lowered and then raised again on some pulley's to cross a gulch. 

Disclaimer:  we did not find Peter's Leap, but we still had fun.

We took an obscure exit off the interstate and headed up the mountains on a dirt road.
This road led us to a scenic vista and possible hiking trails for the future.

Tyson brought along his trusty sling shot.  He practiced hitting .... something.....
(PS, I can't believe how much my boys are turning out to be.... boys)

I am sure Jack is wondering why we are exploring the wild west.  After all, it is starting to get pretty hot outside.

Turning back, we stopped lower down to follow a trail we believed would lead us to the Leap.
(see the Kolobs in the background?)  The boys were mesmerized by an ant hill.  We had to drag them away.

Ahh, the gangly crew.  Love my hat?  Me too. . . . . 

We didn't get far.  It really was hot.  Dusty and Tyson did a little extra exploring while we turned back with Jack.  And to be honest, I was afraid we were going to run into rattle snakes.  And snakes make me crazy inside. So I practically ran back.

In the car, we enjoyed drinks, books, and air conditioning while waiting for the big boys.

We stopped at the small branch library of New Harmony to see if they would let my aunt check out a DVD on Peter's Leap.  They did.  Tyson didn't want to leave because they had the newest Diary of Wimpy Kid, and he hasn't read it yet. 

We were super hungry, so we stopped at the fantastic Pizza Cart to get some fresh pizza.  We tried the four cheese pesto, and the garlic mozzarella.  Both were amazing.

Upon returning home, we popped in the DVD and learned more about the leap.  Too much if you ask me. . . .   but we have more clues about where to search for next time. . . .  :)

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.