Squaw Peak & Beyond

Yesterday we drove up to Squaw Peak with the kids. We hadn't been there since 2003, so none of the kids remembered it. Especially Summer, since she wasn't even born. After visiting Squaw Peak (which was freezing) we continued on the road that goes behind Rock Canyon and over to Springville. It was really beautiful with all the leaves changing color. We even saw some snow at the higher elevations. Here are some pictures of our trip. I'm not a very good photographer, so I'm sure these pictures don't do the landscape justice. Plus, the pictures are in reverse order. One of these days I'll remember to start at the end and go to the beginning for blogging...maybe.

Jake's 8!

Well, it's been a fun week! Jake turned eight this week and even got to do the Pinewood Derby on his birthday! (I, of course, forgot my camera. So my phone camera will have to suffice. Pictures at a later time. Too tired.) Tonight Jake got to go to the BYU vs. Colorado State football game with Fax. They had a great time, and BYU even won. GO COUGS!
Christy and I went a little crazy on the cake. But I think Jake liked it. Thanks for the help Christy!! And thank you to Andy for making the face mask!
Now if I can just get through the Primary Program tomorrow...

Back To School

I know most moms relish this time of year. Not me. I hate it. I wish summertime would last forever. Thankfully, all the kids got great teachers this year, and were relatively excited to be going back to school. (I really try not to let my disdain rub-off on them.) And thanks, Gran, for making breakfast for the kids on their first day. They love that, as do I. Summer started Kindergarten a week after Brook and Jake started. She and Wynn are super excited to be in the same class. (I'm excited too. It's always easier to send them off knowing that a cousin 'has their back' so-to-speak.) I remember going to Kindergarten for one whole week with my cousin B.J. when we lived in Wenatchee. (Then we moved to Spokane.) But I think I remember more from that one week then the entire rest of the year. Our teacher was missing part of one of her fingers, and I remember many discussions between us about how that could have happened. I think we finally decided that she must have left a too-tight rubberband on her finger over-night.

The Lindenaus

We were so lucky to have so many members of our family visit us this summer. My kids got to play with every single one of their cousins. Even the 5 that live in California. We got to have Maureen, Ashley, and Sean stay with us for a few days and the kids had a great time! For some reason, I did not take very many pictures. I thought I was getting better at that, but obviously I still need to work on it. Maybe I should have my camera surgically connected to me. Anyway, I remembered the last day they were here, so here are the pictures:

115 degrees

Gretchen was heading down to pick up Kessa from Las Vegas, so the kids and I came too. (Kess had been staying with Leah.) We were only there for a few days, but it was fun to see the Karpowitz family again. Oh yeah, and it was 115 degrees everyday. I thought I might have a problem with that, but I actually didn't mind it that much. It was way better than cold weather! Here are some pictures of the kids swimming in the backyard pool.

Independence Day!

I love the Fourth of July. If I had to chose, I'd say it's my favorite holiday. What about Christmas? It's not that I don't like it, but it's extremely stressful and it's in the winter. If Christmas were in July then it might be a different story. Anyway, this July 4th was simple and fun, and we loved hanging out with family all day. We started off at the Lehi pool. Then we came home and took a break. Summer and Jake even took a nap! Then we barbecued with lots of family. (We even got to see some Bisels from Arizona!) And ended the evening with a bang -fireworks! Here are some pics:

And a big thanks to Gran for all the cute shirts. It made dressing in red, white, and blue very easy!