July

 Summer has been moving fast!  We began by having MarySue and Randy over for dinner for her birthday. 

We came into July and, bam, it was 4th of July.  This year it was celebrated over 3 days.  July 3, 4 and 5th.  

We had our neighborhood 4th of July breakfast and bike parade on Saturday, the 3rd.  It was fun to have it again after missing it last year because of Covid. 

Back in 1991 I was in Taiwan with Joy, Matthew and Elizabeth over the 4th.  Pulled out this t-shirt from 4th of July 1991.  Still in great shape--mainly because it doesn't fit well so I don't wear it.  

That afternoon, on the 3rd, we went over to Cathey's for a bbq, games and then went to a cul-de-sac in their neighborhood that had GREAT fireworks!

Playing Kube

Sunday, the 4th, Jason's family came over for dinner and family birthdays. 

Mom with baby Tanner

                                                                                                                           

Amy, Brook, Max and Chris

                                                                                                                                                                                   Chris and Taylor visiting

We had dinner on Friday, the 9th, at Kenner's.  It was good to see them and Jacob had fun playing with their dog. 

Last January we began to think of summer vacation.  Last year trying to find camping spots was hard.  I began to look and found some camp sites at Moon Lake for Jason's family.  Everyone agreed and we decided on July 12-14th.

About a week later we got information from scouts that their camp out was July 10-17th.  A month later we found out that Youth Conf. was July 16-17th.  EVERYTHING was planned for the same week!

We let Jacob choose what he wanted to do and he opted for scout camp.  He missed the past 2 years due to Hawaii and Covid.

All set and ready to go

He came back and said he had fun.  He had to re-try his swim test a couple of times and got discouraged and homesick, but he persevered and passed the test!  Scout Master Mike gave him one of the rare Scout Master coins for pressing on.  

Here is a picture sent to me from camp.  I guess this was the polar bear plunge.  Jacob doesn't look  too happy.  What fun things they do at camp for the boys!  

Meanwhile, back at the homestead....we left for Moon Lake on Monday.  It is about a 3 hour drive.  We arrived at camp and set up.  

The deer are mighty friendly!  We camped Monday-Wednesday.  Monday night Jason and I were in charge of dinner and did tacos.  

Later we went to check out the lake.  It is so low--like many of the reservoirs in Utah.  It was about 2 football fields down from the original shoreline.  The current entrance is pretty muddy.  Not a great shoreline to get in from.  

The boys playing Bocce ball in the forest.

Short hike with the girls

                      Morning breakfast. 

I left the group to walk back. beautiful meadow behind me

We went to the lake later in the morning and some walked right through the mud and got stuck.  It sucked your feet right down into it.  Here Josh is going out to help Grace and then MarySue.  

The weather there is weird.  It dribbles rain for a second and then the sun comes out.  We headed down and brought lunch.  All of the sudden it began to pour rain.  We grabbed our stuff and threw it back in the vehicles.  Here Jason is getting in and then all of us sitting in the cars waiting for the "storm" to pass.  

We pulled stuff back out again after about 20 minutes.  It was still rough on the water and not very approachable to go in. 

Josh on their paddle board

Once again the wind and rain kicked up and this time sand blew all over the place.  We packed it up and headed back for the camp ground.

Funny thing is at the camp ground it was fine.  

Jason taking a siesta.  Josh and Irina went back out to the lake and said it was calm and beautiful.  The rest of us hung out back at camp. 

That night Josh and Irina made their chili with potatoes and bread.  Afterwards we roasted march mallows.

The next morning we went down again to try the lake and it was much better.  It still wasn't very warm, but several went out to kayak and paddle board. 
Moon Lake is pretty, but the weather is weird.  It sprinkles several times a day and was never overly warm.  The camp site was great weather wise, but the lake weather was too cold for me!

We went home on Wednesday afternoon and it was weird not having Jacob around.  

Friday night we went to Draper Nights.  I had gone to the library in the afternoon and set out a blanket and chair to hold our place.  We got there about 6:30 and it was a perfect evening.  They had a Karen Carpenter tribute band playing...they did a pretty good job, but nothing is like the original.  

                             

                                     

My ministering sister, Monique, brought over some yummy blackberry jam.
                  

That night Jacob got back from scout camp and I had a bridal shower for Tyler's fiancé, Paige.  

Jacob and Gabe shooting one afternoon

Jacob's friend, Luke, had an outside gaming birthday party. 

For Pioneer Day the Crescent Senior Living Center (where the scout troop holds their meetings) asked for the flag ceremony.  Jacob went over to help and after the flag ceremony the resident's families drove through like a parade.

Jacob's friend, Luke, came over to play Switch one afternoon.  Here the are trying to eat and play at the same time. 

Jason had a presentation for his bosses boss.  Dressed half and half since he still works from home. 

For some strange reason Member Tools glitched and made Jacob the building scheduler.  Jason's name is normally there. 

Went to Jared's for dinner to celebrate Robbie's birthday. 

July is about over.  School starts in 2 weeks!  I can't believe it!!