Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Catching up with July

We've been keeping busy and enjoying summer.  Here's what we've been up to in July. (sorry kinda long and lots of photos)
Benjamin's birthday
Since Benjamin had volunteered to spend the night before his birthday at girls camp, he took the day off from work and got to be home for his birthday.  He decided to go fishing at Scofield.  Right after we got there the thunder started to rumble.  Soon we felt rain drops so we ran for cover under a bridge.  While the rain poured down we passed the time playing tag under the bridge.  After a while it let up and we headed back to the lake.  The kids caught a couple of crawdads and Nathaniel caught the only fish of the day.  The event came to an abrupt halt when Jaxon fell and cut his forehead open on a rock.  Luckily it wasn't big enough to need stitches but we decided it was time to head home anyway.  We went to a new BBQ place for dinner (yummy ribs!) then home for made-from-scratch German chocolate cake.  I think he had a great day, and even though the fishing trip had some mishaps, Benjamin said it was a very memorable birthday. We sure are thankful for him and all he does for our family.  (warning, some photos are a little graphic and may not be suitable for the weak of stomach)

More Camping
We spent the next few days camping at Payson Lakes with Benjamin's family.  The kids had a blast with all the rocks and sticks, Nathaniel carved several spears with his new pocket knife, we spent lots of time at the lake, and we enjoyed lots of yummy camping food.  Benjamin's parents blew up their fun island and the kids had alot of fun on that.  The older boys spent most of the time on the lake in the kayaks. 
Smores
We are loving our new firepit.  It's like all the effects of camping but then we get to sleep in our beds.  I love, love, love smores and I love being able to have them anytime.  Unfortunately lately it has been too hot to enjoy many fires but I know the firepit will be a much used feature in our yard.

Keeping Cool
The kids are finding ways to keep cool on the 100 degree days.  Of course there are the water fights (like the day Benjamin caught me from behind with the hose, the stinker) and super soakers, but one day they created their own pool out of the old cooler.  They all had a blast hanging their heads in the water and sitting in it and splashing each other.

Fish Rodeo
As part of the Spanish Fork City celebration, they have a fish rodeo. They create a pond in the park and they fill it with fish.  The kids get to go in and try to catch a fish.  They kids had to much fun chasing the fish around and catching them.
Night Games
Last night we gathered a group in the neighborhood and Benjamin taught them a few night games.  It started with us and a bunch of kids but before long other parents came out to play.  We had so much fun and it went on until nearly 11 when the wife's all had to drag the husbands home to bed.  I just have to say again how much we LOVE our neighborhood.
Happy News
I know that many out there may not know that Benjamin's job has been in danger for a while but some of you have heard the story.   It's been 3 1/2 months now that we weren't sure what would happen with his job.  We thought he may have to go back to school and we were saddened at the thought of having to sell our home and move.  Luckily Benjamin has been blessed to work for some wonderful doctors who have been fighting for his job and have found ways to keep him busy in the meantime.  We got news yesterday that Benjamin should be able to return to working at the hospital in 2 weeks.  What joyous news!  Although the time has brought much stress, be feel so thankful for being greatly blessed and watched over through some tough months.
Swimming Lessons
The 3 boys have been taking swimming lessons for the last week and a half.  Except for Nathaniel who had a fit a few days because his class is in the deep end, they have been having alot of fun.  The sad part is every day when Jaxon says "mom, you and me get to so swimming today."  He doesn't like missing out on anything his brothers do, besides that he is like a fish in the pool. I have them signed up for another round in August and Jaxon and I are taking the mom and me class then.
Well, I think that's about it for the highlights of the month.  We have just been enjoying the summery weather and spending time together and with neighbors.  Tomorrow we are having a neighborhood bbq and we are looking forward to the Spanish Fork celebrations for pioneer day.  The return to school is looming near so we just try to enjoy every last day of summer that we can.

6 comments:

Holly said...

Happy Birthday Benjamin!!!!

your bbq pit is amazing.. I love it!

Glad you are enjoying your new neighborhood and having a great summer.

Pays said...

Let's see, where do I begin....You guys have been busy! I love your fire pit! It's so beautiful (if a fire pit can be beautiful) That's wonderful news about Benjamin's job. We have been thinking about you guys and are so glad that it worked out. Finally, I'm glad my son isn't the only one that doesn't want to take swim lessons in the deep end. Oh the joys! Keep enjoying your summer..it's almost over.

Erin P. said...

Sounds like the heat isn't slowing your family down. That is great news about Benjamin's job! yeah, no more stressing :)

Jacob and Kimberly Palmer said...

I'm so glad everything worked out with Benjamin's job! Your fire pit looks awesome- you guys did a great job, it sounds like you guys are having a great summer. . .you're such a fun Mom always doing great stuff with your kids :)

Melissa Lasley said...

What a crazy, wonderful month. We will have to try out your fire pit when we come in the Fall. I miss you guys so much, you always have so much fun.

Kari said...

Just another, your fire pit is beautiful! And so happy to hear about Benjamin's job. I've been wondering and glad its good news. Looks like you guys have been having a fun summer, lots of great pictures.