Jaunty July

Annika was back to her old antics as soon as she was released from the hospital on July 5th.  Here she is at a swim party with the youth that evening.  Apparently Jason had to call her down from the shed roof because she wanted to jump off the corner into the pool!  How do you teach your kids that just because somebody else does a thing doesn't mean that you should too?

Aunt Brianna kindly invited us to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.  Our first time there, it was as spectacular as the Omaha aquarium.  

The sea turtles seemed so friendly!

Penguin power.

The outdoor play structure would be fantastic in different weather.  On a sweltering July day, however, it was blistering.

At least there was water--not that I would ever drink from an eel.  That is the stuff of nightmares for me.  Still, thanks for inviting us, Bri!

On Friday we headed up to Logan so spend the night with Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles.  Since our first trip got thwarted, we thought we should give it another try.  While there, we tested out the new trail that Grandpa Charles is helping to develop.  Charles, Susie, Ben, Brooklyn, Annie and I all joined in the fun.  While I can't remember details, Talia and Jason must have had other plans.  As for Christy, her knee was still healing from ACL surgery.

Despite a bike that wouldn't shift, Brooklyn was a good sport.

Here's Annie giving her bike a try!  Without any hand brakes, the trail was probably a bit beyond both her skill level and the bike's capability.  Still, she had fun and made it through mostly unscathed.

Beautiful!

I accidentally took this photo while my phone was in my pocket and liked how it turned out.  Biking in motion.

After tumbling at the end of the first section of trail, we ditched Annika's bike near the road and hiked the rest of the way in search of snakes.  While we didn't find any snakes on the ground, we did spot a large bird of prey flying directly overhead with a snake dangling from its talons!

Then, we hit a fantastic playground on the way home.  Grandpa Charles likewise helped oversee the creation of this fun space.  My only complaint is a secret wish that my daughter wouldn't climb quite so high.

The next morning we were thrilled to pick up Eli bright and early from Utah State.  We missed him!  We're also so glad he had a great experience at FSY.  This was actually his first experience away from home, aside from spending time with grandparents.

The next day we headed up to Lake Mary for a Wasatch mountain fix.  The trail starts at Brighton Ski resort--it's a special place no matter what the season.

 Annika stops to pause a little more often while hiking these days (we call these rests beat breaks), but still does a great job getting up the mountain.  The slower pace is a good chance to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Still snow, even in mid-July!

We met up with the Wilhoits near the end of the trail.  From that point on, Annika was having so much fun that she completely forgot about needing beat breaks.

I love, love, love this place...

...almost as much as I love these people.

Life turns full circle when your daughter wants you to sit on her lap.

Thanks to the Wilhoits for bringing up popsicles.  Perfect for a hot summer day!

While we didn't catch anything, we did bring up Annika's fishing pole so that the littles could practice casting.

Last but not least--snowball fight!

The fun has Aunt Callie in stitches.

Nearly a perfect day.  Only thing missing was Brooklyn!  I believe she was en route to Florida for the  Girl Scout National Convention at the time.

Just for the record, Anders LOVES puddles, even if they do leave his legs looking a little muddy.

Thanks for the fun!