Bi-State Excurions

 After a very busy Quilt Camp, and 5 days with four of the grandkids, we headed to Tooele on Friday the  June 3to take Lauie and Brendan home.   We stoped in Provo to deliver Danny's birthday quilt.  Most of the other kids were on Herpes alert....so we didn't stay long.  Danny will be baptized July 2 by CJ.

We stayed with Tammy and Nathan that night, and went to Brendan's Soccer game the next morning.  Nathan finished up a big research paper for his class the weekend they brought the kids down, so he's down to his last semester of school for his Masters.  Tammy and I had a lot to talk about--mainly about healthy food recipes, their new drink blender, and family matters.  I'm so busy with projects and service at home, I don't squeeze in many phone calls each week, I'm sorry to say, but I love visiting in person.

Since Steve was headed home Sunday, we left for Autumn's in the afternoon so he would have a little time to play with the Munchkins there...and as you see we did munch. 

    Amy and her crew of three joined us for a sunny day lunch.  Andrew and Amy had just gotten back from seeing Little Mermaid at Tuachan that weekend.

Hinckley has really grown up a lot and is walking all over; Jaxon has turned into quite a jabber box, and, of course, Mattea is still the organizer of fun and games, along with Hunter and Peyton.

Autumn and I and the kids went to the big West Valley Days parade, and shopped a bit--though didn't have much money to squander!  We walked Hunter to school each morning, and I learned some of the regime I'll need to follow when I got back to tend the kids the end of June, while Theron and Autumn are trek leaders.  Hunter and Peyton have learned to clean up their bedrooms really quite good, which is a big help to their mom

Monday evening we went to see 17 Miracles, which was about the Martin and Willie Handcart companies.  It was wonderfully done, with striking cinamatography.  Well worth a trip to SLC to see it.  I've recommended it to everyone I've seen.  Hope it comes to Blanding.

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Wed. morning Autumn dropped me off at the airport, and I flew to Phoenix, where Ashley picked me up.  I got the ticket for $115 on Delta.   It was a quick and easy flight--no nap time.  We went bargain hunting at American Discount..and I froze most of my things, 'til we drove home Mon. the 13th.  It was fun seeing all the new things the kids were doing.  Sam has turned into a terrific reader, and seems to remember everything explained to him. 

I went with the kids to their last swimming lesson with cousin Mark as chauffeur, while Ashley went to a Dr. appt.  Logan still has a hard time listening to the teacher, but she is fearless when she dashes into the water..

Sammy learned the back stroke, and is getting lots of confidence.   By Sat. he was doing flips and dives into Karen's pool!

Anthony is firmly entrenched into his summer schedule which includes a class, and working 150 hrs. for the County attornies, and writing a research paper.  I don't think he'll get bored.

   After swim lessons Ashley took me over to Quent and Bev's and I got to see the new beautiful baby, Jens Quentin.  He was born May 9, just after Mother's Day...so that was a great present.  The kids are all really wonderful with him, and are a big help to Bev.  Jens looks really healthy and filled out, but we're not sure if he likes chocolate yet as Bev thinks that's why he gets fussy.

  We had several joint meals together, the big hit being fresh produce and Mexicano grilled chicken from the hood. 

Karen also hosted an early birthday party for Logan Sat. afternoon at their place, and Quent and the kids came over for that.  All the kids swam there, chased bubbles, and played with Fudge--the dog, who can catch a toy in mid-air.

 

 

Everybody helped blow candles out.

 

 

Friday evening, the dad's catered to Grandma's wish, and we went to Yogurt Kingdom to try the multiple choice flavors and toppings.  One of my classmate's husband plays there on Fridays.  Last time I was down, Sharon took us hiking up to Elephant Butte. 

 

Sunday I was back in Logan's bed, and then late church on Sunday.  The air conditioner had gone out, so the last 2 meetings were cancelled...More time for naps! 

 

Ashley had lots of prep and packing getting ready to leave on Monday, as she'll be gone 2 weeks.  We ended up taking the Tahoe, and I bought as much fresh fruit as I could fit in, from a little market on our way out of town.  Great prices: 2 lbs strawberries for $1; catalope 2/$1; honeydew 3/$1. Colored bell peppers 5/$1.

We had a nice trip back to Blanding; got there about 4 PM and Steve was ready to plant corn with Sam and Ethan. He also took the boys fishing.  Rob's family came down and we had ribs and birthday cake for the birthday girls.  Steve did a good job of getting everything prepared for the meal, and activities.  He even decorated the kitchen and ordered a birthday cake.
 
I made about 7 batches of strawberry jam that night before I went to bed, so we're stocked back up again.  The next morning Dad headed to the temple and we took a long hike up to see the tepee, tower, and pioneer houses out at the Nations of the Four Corners.  The kids really had a fun time, and Travis was a good traveler in the stroller.   They actually wanted to stay and sleep in the tepee.

After the hike, we drug home...had lunch, and the kids packed up to head to Altamont.