Reunions! Games galore!

For several nights while with the Koski side, we got together with the night owls and played game after game. But not scrabble and pictionary (though I do like those). We played paper telephone, the question game, if then, ...and laughed our heads off. Here we all are at Dorothy and Kole's place.

That's a lotta people.

One afternoon Sarah taught us "pinchy fisty flatty cutty cow." I've played it several times with my kids since (even just with Eliza) and we taught it to a couple neighbor girls. Wanna know...give me a call! Here's Abby getting the royal treatment.

Sarah (party game queen) also taught us this funny karate game. What's it called? I wasn't able to play this one, but it looked fun!

I put together a master list of all our party game ideas, but I can't find it at the moment. Will let you know when it turns up. Oh, I taught the paper telephone game to the Stewarts the next week and they LOVED it. We laughed until we hurt.

Videos. Mj and Sarah: the last two competitors at the question game. (Rules: you are only allowed to speak in questions, and you cannot repeat a question that was asked that round.) This video may be most enjoyed by those who were there...if it's taking forever to download or something...don't feel bad passing it up. :) Same with the next (and longer) video of some funny if/then moments.

Reunions! Hiking to the Timpanogos Caves

I love hiking. Especially in the mountains. Especially when it's challenging. This hike, though entirely paved, proved to be lovable. It was a challenging uphill grade, was full of gorgeous views, and I was with some fun people! (For you not related to me, these people are my brother Bill, my BIL Rich, niece Karianne, nephew Alex, and my brother Steve.)

We were up really high, Daniel would have not like it so much. I would have been nervous if my kids were hiking it! Not many railings or such, plenty of steep drop-offs.

This is what I get for having Steve take a couple group pix for me...

Like this one. Bill, did you wear that shirt just for me?

The cave entrance. W arrived too late to go in (guided tours only). However, after loitering around at the top for a while, a park ranger offered to take us just inside the entrance for a 3 minute peek. She was very nice to do that for us. And we promised not to tell. So, don't tell anyone I told you.

Feeling more adventurous on the way down...


I feared for Alex's life a few times.

Scary.

Reunions! Day at the Farm

The Wilsons, Winters, and Stewarts check out some antique tractors. And feed the many many ducks and geese.

Sisters...

Cousins...isn't that precious!

It's great to be with family again!!

The Rummage Luggage

I've had a lot of fun living in an area where people have garage sales. This summer the rummages have come in particularly handy. We just got back from a trip to Utah. We flew Frontier, who charges for checking luggage. Daniel was not flying with us on our way to Utah, thus I would not have the "packhorse." I knew if I had roller bags the kids could manage their own bags and we wouldn't have to check any. Well, it worked. Several weekends of rummaging brought me these four bags from "practically new" to "gee, I'll be happy if it holds up this one trip." (Which they did.) The total was $11.50. But having each kid be able to handle their own luggage? Priceless!

Playing catch-up: The Botanical Gardens

A couple weeks ago we enjoyed a Saturday at the Botanical Gardens. It was a refreshing, well, walk in the park. And yes, we have worn sweatshirts a few too many times this August. (Though at the same time I'm glad we weren't dripping in sweat!)

Stop and smell the lilys

Spies

The wedding tux was rediscovered.

Playing catch-up: The County Fair

Several weeks ago my friend, Sheri, and I took our kids out for some county fair fun. It happened to be dollar day for rides...which makes them entirely affordable. So we couldn't resist...

Eliza on the carousel

The kiddie train

And the animals. Lots of them, loads of fun. I think the bunnies were a favorite.

It was a great day--a manageable size fair, cool weather,cheap rides, and good friends.

This summer I've felt like I've had two mottoes. "Let it go" (to help me relax with the many smaller stresses at home) and "Live 'n' learn" (to help get over mistakes productively). This day's "live 'n' learn" was at the Ferris wheel. Note to self: No matter how much your kids beg and no matter how much you liked the ride as a kid, don't do it.