July Fun

This Summer has been HOT, and though we like the sunshine, it's a little TOO hot for us. But we've found some fun ways to beat the heat and get thru the month.


Yummy cold popsicles at the SLC downtown Farmer's Market from my friend Tiffany. Go see her ... the Avocado Pistachio = YUMMY!!! They make the perfect lunch :)

 

 and don't forget Siegfried's brawts for dessert!

Between swim lessons every day, the Murray Outdoor Pool, splash-pads, Bear Lake beach time, and friends with pools ... we have been able to stay cool and get a nice tan in the process. Here the kids are playing beach soccer with Ryan. Guess it's a good thing we have a canopy. Not that I needed it for me to read under or anything :)  Finley was cute and was showing off his ball skills when he says to Ryan, "Dad, I learned all my sweet moves from you." It melted Ryan's heart.

  

Here the kids are swimming and going down the water slide.

Hiking up in the canyons automatically = fresher, cleaner, and cooler air. We hit up Silver Lake and some trails that run up behind it on Pioneer Day. It was fabulous.

Up behind the lake looking down. It was pretty crowded that morning so it was nice to get off the boardwalk path and away from all the strollers being pushed around the trail. We can't wait to go back at the end of Summer and explore the other trails on our weekend over-nighter at the nearby Spruces campground.

Air-conditioned movie theaters also make the heat bearable. So far this Summer we've seen Mirror Mirror, the Lorax, and The Pirates - Band of Misfits. Gotta love matinee shows. On Pioneer Day we took the kids to see Brave. I know that lots of people have disliked it, but we all loved it. The animation was amazing too - especially the Bears and Merida's hair. I also liked that this wasn't a movie about another princess finding a prince and living happily-ever-after. It's about the relationships we have with each other, putting our differences (and pride aside), and truly listening to one another. I really liked it.

And of course, Berlin is now obsessed with everything Brave...Brave dress-ups, Brave polly pocket castle, Brave Barbie doll, the list goes on. I have a feeling I know what she will be asking Santa for this Christmas.


After the hike, swimming lessons, and movie on Pioneer day, we came home and chilled out the rest of the day. The kids requested a Pioneer Dinner of steak, corn, watermelon, and home-made ice-cream. It was yummy!


Last week we also went up Millcreek Canyon for a campfire dinner & smore's. The weather held out (just barely) for us and it ended up being the perfect night with all our friends. Can't wait to do it again.


This month the kids also got to pick out school supplies for the Adopt a Native Backpack program. My friend collects donations every year on behalf of Native American kids who cannot afford their basic school supplies. She does so in honor of her mother who used to volunteer with the Adopt a Native Elder program before she passed away. This was our second year donating a backpack full of supplies and treats. The kids have so much fun picking it all out. It such a small, yet wonderful way to get involved and find a way to serve another as a family.

Here they are with the backpacks they put together.

So far, July has been a fabulous month. Can't wait to see what August brings!