Backyard Makeover

Last year our backyard looked like this:

After lots of work (Jared did most of it himself, although I kept the kids out of the way), we now have:

On the North side of the house we have our own mini-orchard (2 peach, 2 apple, 1 apricot, 1 cherry, and 1 pear tree) as well as some grapes that we just planted this year. We also have strawberries, raspberries and a vegetable garden although this year our vegetables aren't doing too well (maybe because of summer's late start?).

 I am amazed that Hibiscus (flower below) grow here in desert Utah.  They are so beautiful and huge I'd expect them in more of a tropical place!

Park City

We took a little trip to Park City with Kathy's (Jared's sister) family and Grandma Toone. I was a bit hesitant to go on the Alpine Slide because I'm not much of a ride person, but it was my favorite part of the trip.  We also stayed in a hotel, which was a first for the kids.  They had so much fun swimming in the hotel pool. 

Thursday we stopped by the Olympic Park and watched some skiiers practice their freestyle jumps, jumping right into a huge swimming pool.  

Pioneer Day

We hosted a Pioneer Day Fireside and Campout with the Shupe side of the family (John's family couldn't make it).  We started the evening out with a dutch oven dinner with pork-ribs, potatoes, delicious salads and a chocolate-peach cobbler. We played some fun pioneer-type games like "Button on the String", "Fox and the Chicken" and a fun board game that Grandpa Shupe created which highlighted some of the experiences that the pioneers faced. I have deep love and respect for the faith and perseverance of the Mormon Pioneers and was so glad that we could share with our children some pioneer stories from our own families. Ian (6) played "Come, Come, Ye Saints" on his violin and did such a good job! We wrapped up the night with some fireworks.  The kids and Camille slept in a tent, my parents slept in the house to help the twins, and Jared and I slept under the stars.

We woke up early and headed out to Spanish Fork today for the parade.  The key to getting good seats is to show up 20 minutes before the parade starts and to sit right in the middle of the road.  We have had the perfect spot 3 years in a row now with a huge tree to shade us.

Hiking, Liberty Park, and Yuba Lake

Santaquin Canyon

Here are some pictures of our hike up Santaquin Canyon a couple of weeks ago.  The trail is easy enough that even Abigail walked just about the whole way round trip.  The highlight for the kids was throwing rocks into the river. Natalie was into collecting bugs (at least 10 worms and 3 snails) that she held tightly in her hands.  After stumbling on a rock and scraping her back we made her put them down which resulted in a tearful goodbye.

Liberty Park

I loved going to Liberty Park as a kid and so after the twins had a doctor's appointment in Salt Lake City, we went there for a picnic, meeting my parents and Veronica's two girls, Lili and Sophie.  The park has changed a lot from what I remember.  I think the kid's favorite part was the water play area that had several fountains and wading pools.

 

 Yuba Lake

We headed south to Yuba Lake and spent the afternoon swimming and playing in the sand.  It was not at all crowded and the water drops off very gradually which made it nice for me because I didn't have to worry too much about the kids.

 

When the Family Gets Together...

It's family reunion time. Last week we got together with the Toone's over at Phil and Margie's house. All 4 of Jared's siblings were able to make it with at least part of their families (rare occasion). It just so happens that my sister Camille and her kids also came to the party since Camille now lives just around the corner from Phil's. Here are some pictures. We had a super time, thanks for hosting Phil and Margie! And thanks to Leeann for the action-shots!

Later in the week we headed back to Ogden to surprise my parents for their 40th wedding anniversary.  To celebrate we created a romantic restaurant complete with a 5 course meal, waiters, and entertainment right in their very own backyard.  The grandchildren are wearing costumes my parents brought back from Quebec three years ago when they returned from their mission.

Add in a couple of birthday parties (Elise 9, TyliJane 1), a trip to the Airforce Museum, and fireworks for the 4th of July and that pretty much sums it all up.