Oh, what do you do in the summertime,
When all the world is green?
Do you fish in a stream,
Or lazily dream on the bank as the clouds go by?
Is that what you do? So do I...
(Primary Children's Songbook)
Which, incidentally, is a total lie. I don't fish (serious issues with slimy, smelly things), haven't had much time for laying around on banks and if I'm staring at the clouds then there is a good chance that my children are doing something they aren't supposed to. But the world is green and I do love summers with a passion. I love having my kids home. I love that every day is what the kids and I decide to make of it...do we want to go hiking? Swimming? To the park? To a museum? Bike riding? Do we need a slushie from Sonic or a snow cone from the scary shack down by the car wash? Do we want to get dressed? Now we do have our fabulous schedule complete with chores and "thinking time"...that has gone pretty well except for the times it hasn't gone so well but we have tried. I love the gangs of neighborhood kids that roam the streets all day. I love the doorbell ringing and the suspense of opening the door to discover what amazing friend is standing there and what proposal they bring for a new adventure or game. I love eating dinner at 7:00 p.m. and then heading back outside for the next round of summer fun. I love that the neighbors are out and we see each other and giggle and talk until the mosquitoes drive us inside. I love late bedtimes and no stress. I truly was meant to be a woman of leisure.
I love baseball games...whether it be 3 innings of Tball or a full night of the Salt Lake Bees. I need baseball in the summer.
MC kept me thoroughly entertained this summer with his first season ever of T-ball...he proved to be a pretty amazing baseball player. He always knocked the ball into the outfield and made sure that every time he got near home plate, it involved a slide or jump or other spectacle. I love, love, love the time we spend with family! I love cousins and nieces and nephews and sister-in-laws and siblings and parents...love, love, love. And I love all the adventure they bring. Whether it is hanging out at Coates' house (with quilts and giant water slides and new patio furniture and Darth Vader helmet cakes), a delicious dinner in Chip and ML's backyard (bring on that delicious baby...not to eat of course...just to tickle and snuggle with), exploring the mountains of Utah, discovering new species of birds at the aviary, playing at the park or standing around my kitchen discussing eyebrows and facial hair, it is always fun and always memorable. I love it.
A new species of bird found at our local aviary!
Another new species...they kept popping up all over the place.
Tormenting the "free range" peacock.
Exploring beautiful woods and waterfalls.
Creating our own "I Spy" sculptures after visiting the Walter Wick exhibit at BYU Art Museum. This is MC's creation.
JC's "I Spy" sculpture.
Celebrating Papa's birthday with chocolate and grandkids!
My children simply can't get enough of their new nephew. He is adored and touched and kissed every time we see him.
Cousins...there is nothing in this whole wide world better than cousins.
More cousins...having a snowball fight in July. Only in Utah...
Pulling teeth...our boys were told by the dentist that they each had teeth that needed to be pulled. Chris told the boys he would give them each $5.00 and anything they wanted at Cold Stone Creamery if they would get them out themselves. It became a massive effort...I don't know if the money meant much to them but he was speaking their language with the ice-cream!
Always a couple of summertime injuries...take took a brick to the head and ended up with 2 staples. THAT experience could be a whole blog in and of itself. JC is FULL of dramatic possibilities...
Spending time with my family...priceless. 
Homemade fishing poles and lots of creativity.
4th of July...one of my favorite holidays! Love the patriotic occasion, love the food, love the fireworks, love spending the day on the river trail and at the parade and in the cool, dark movie theater with silly 3-D glasses. Perfect day!
Grandpas. Need I say more?
A hike with a gaggle of cousins around a crystal blue lake high in the Uintah mountains.
And fabulous grandmas...a picture is worth a thousand words! 
Ah, my sister-in-laws...I have AMAZING sister-in-laws. They are wonderful...but don't worry Courtney...they secret of the big syrofoam cup is safe with me!
HB jumped on our friend's motorcycle for a ride one night...this girl isn't about to miss out on the fun.
Here is hoping that your summer has been full of wonders, adventures, and much joy!
