Summer Part 2

After our vacations, our summer slowed down quite a bit. We were lucky enough to bring Chaz home with us! The boys loved spending a few more days with him. 

We took a tour of the Humanitarian Center. Thanks to Grandma Kimmy for making the plans. It was really incredible and inspiring. We all loved everything we learned there and felt so grateful to be a part of this gospel. As we walked through the center and learned everything the church is doing to alleviate suffering all over the world...exactly what Jesus would do. 

Before Chaz left we had one last party day at Cherry Hill and took him to Fiiz before he left. We will all miss him!

One of the most exciting times of the summer was Parker's team winning the Park City cup. It is the toughest tournament in the state and they played phenomenally! So proud of this fun group we get to play soccer with.

Luke's team also took first place...the two champs!

We decided to play at bit at the Utah Olympic Oval in between games.

Had a fun celebratory dinner after at Even Stevens!

My kids are such goofs...we can hardly take them anywhere!

This gigantic hole in the ceiling was NOT a fun surprise. it took two months and a few thousand dollars, but we did get it fixed. 

While the upstairs was falling apart, we finally put the downstairs together. I scored and got most of this stuff from my friend who was moving and then had Sharee come put it all together. Love that she is willing to share her talents and LOVE the way it all turned out.

This little guy kept with the family tradition and learned to ride a two wheeler before his 4th birthday. He is so awesome!

Love spending a little extra time with my sweet grandparents. 

We had an end of the year baseball party for the Bandits. We feel so lucky to be on a team with such great coaches and awesome parents. The boys learned so much and played so well. It was sad to see the season end. 

Living in Utah brings great blessings...like lots of VISITORS! We had a blast seeing and reconnecting with the Duckworth's, one of our favorite Michigan families. We all picked up right where we left off.

Later in the summer, my boys became obsessed with the skate park. There weren't very good, but they found it thrilling. The crowds and language kept us mostly away during peak times, but if we could get there without all the teens, they had a blast.

More Cherry Hill...James was finally able to buy the rocks he had been eyeing all summer. He was thrilled. 

Jace's team also had the thrill of winning a soccer tournament. They were the Striker's Cup champs and won in a PK shootout. So exciting (and so hot).

Another favorite summer day, was the afternoon we spent at Causey Reservoir. We decided, spur of the moment to rent a few paddle boards and kayaks and take them to Causey. Getting them to the water was tough because the water level was so low, but once we were settled it was an absolute blast, rowing around the water and and jumping from cliffs. I love being in this adventurous family!

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After returning our boats, we decided to spend the rest of the evening exploring and enjoying Huntsville. It was such a beautiful small town and we relished in each other's company, in yummy food and in the opportunity to slow down for a minute without an agenda. We played soccer, watched squirrels, met locals, ate BBQ and burgers, and sipped on shakes. The best part though was just being together without any distractions. There are fewer and fewer moments like this in life and I try to never take them for granted.

Before the summer came to a close, we headed up the canyons for a little campfire and waffle cone s'mores with the family. It was a gorgeous night...we feel so grateful to live be people we love in a place that is consistently so beautiful.

My dad also took this crazy crew to a Bee's game during the last week of summer. I'm pretty sure they go for the food, but the walk off home run this time was pretty cool too.

It seems like this little guy has been waiting for years to be the one on the field instead of on the sidelines. He finally had his first soccer game and after a huge fit of tears/refusing to wear the uniform/not wanting anyone to watch or cheer for him/ saying no to shin guards, we made it to his first game. One he had dad as his coach and started kicking the ball, he was in heaven! He was an absolute natural and such a star...4 goals in the first game and smiles the whole time!

The boys all played golf this summer at Swan Lakes. They did great again and all three ended up placing in their age group...didn't get a picture of Jace.

Our last swimming day at Cherry Hill.

We had an end of summer party with outside play, treats and an outdoor movie. It was a fun way to end the summer! Nothing I like more than a gaggle of kids being crazy in my backyard.