Where did summer go??

OK - maybe I am a little ahead of myself wondering where summer has run off to as we technically still have approx. 4 weeks left, but does anyone else feel like the summer days are just flying by at super lighting speed. Maybe it's because we have been so busy doing things (which is a good thing) but I do wish time would slow down just a little bit.

So to catch you up on the super fast summer of fun that have been engaged in, here are some snap shots of where we have been and what we have been doing (for those who haven't been able to join us personally on the super lighting speed roller coaster of summer fun!!)

Aaron and Avery's Birthday - yes, we did indeed celebrate and we did it in style at Boondocks. We spent the evening riding go-carts, playing miniture golf, getting soaked on the bumper boats, lazer tag (not for kids 6 and under - Kemry couldn't hold and shoot the gun and spent the whole time crying because people kept shooting at her and she couldn't shoot back) and playing all the video/arcade games that $5 would get a person. The girls both summed up the evening by claiming "this was the best Birthday EVER!!"

Camping up Farmington Canyon - We took the girls for the 1st camping trip of the season up to the Sunset Camp ground and got the bests camp site in the whole place. For about 90% of the time, we enjoyed ourselves, but to be honest the remaining 10% was spend dealing with whining and crying (which I don't like) but at least it wasn't the other way around or we wouldn't have even made it through the night. The girls were able to break in their new camping chairs and explore about 8 different trails leading out directly from our camp site. The main trail head took us do an amazing water fall and once again the girls proved what super hikers they are. Aaron also took the 4 wheeler up and he and Avery were able to go explore and enjoy a great ride abiet a very dusty one.

Hiking to Dog Lake - this was actually the 2nd hike we have taken the girls on and I have to say they are turning into pretty good little hikers. Avery of course loves to carry the Camelpak and blazes trails with the best of them. She likes to be in front and lead the pack. Personally, I think she likes the sense of freedom and just being outside and not having to follow anyone. Kem has done pretty well at keeping up and has really only needed to be carried for little bits at a time. Even with the unavoidable trips and falls and face plants from protruding tree roots and rocks, the girls have been troopers and keep going. We have seen some pretty amazing water falls and mountain vistas and can't wait to explore more of this beautiful world we live in via our own two feet.

Cherry Hills Water Park/Splash Pads/Swimming Lessons - in lieu of a Lagoon Season pass this year, we decided to get season passes for Cherry Hills. It has worked out pretty well, because 1) the park is actually small enough that I don't feel overwhelmed at trying to keep an eye on 2 kids at the same time and 2) they feel like there is enough to do without getting bored 30 minutes after arriving. Avery loves the inner tube slides (Kemry hates them) and Kem loves the Lazy river and getting to "swim" with her life vest on and to not have mommy holding on. She is such a brave little girl and I love watching her flip from front to back float and kick her little legs and use her monster arms to swim.

The girls have also had 2 sessions of swim lessons at the Ogden Athletic Club and have done really well at improving their swimming techniques. Avery has finally conquered her fear of the diving board and now loves to jump off the board and swim to the other side. Her confidence has definitely grown this summer in her swimming abilities. Kemry still has no fear of the water and loves every minute she can spend splashing around.

Riverdale has a new splash pad and we have spent quite a few days helping to break it in. I love all the trees and the shade this park has over the one by the gym but you definitely have to deal with a much larger crowd as the splash pad is one happening place. Luckily the girl love going (and I actually get a chance to kick back and read) while they splash around having fun and making new friends.

Family Trip to Virginia/Washington D.C -This has been the biggest event of the summer to date. We went for the Losee Family Reunion and had a blast!! Quick recap of activities - Virigina Beach for the Day, Jamestown Settlement, Washington D.C. and all the monument, memorials and museums we could take in while walking in 100+ degree temps.

Fun Around Ogden (who knew!!) -From the Demo Derby on the 4th to the Pioneer Days Rodeo on the 24th, Ogden delivered some good 'ol fashion fun and gave the girls a chance to join in with the crowd and scream and cheer for their favorite car, barrel racer and bucking bull riding cowboy all while enjoying enough shaved ice to feed a small country.

So that's it (or atleast what I can remember at the moment) and we still have so many more things planned (Shakespear Festival in Cedar City, trip to Boise, ID, Cancun (adults only vaca), Bear Lake and at least a few more camping trips, hikes and as much time spend outdoors as we can.

Here's hope your summer has been as jam packed and fun as ours!