Lagoon in July

Lagoon in July doesn't normally sound like a great time to me.....way too hot for amusement parks. Friday morning as I was finishing my long run, when I was extra hot, I decided that we should pack everyone up and head to the park for at least a few hours.  I was wanting some family time, and we haven't used our passes as much as we have wanted, so it seemed to be worth braving the heat. Luckily, the park is quite shaded so it was hot, but not unbearable.  It wasn't too busy so we were able to do all of the kids' favorite rides within a few hours.  As always, Luke and Ruby had the best time and really, that makes it all completely worth it.

I promise, he likes this ride.

When Luke got off the bumper cars, he spotted a game where you could win a Pikachu if you popped three balloons with a bean bag.  He begged to play and I couldn't think of a good reason to resist, so we paid to play and after popping enough balloons, he ended up with a new stuffed friend.  Of course, Ruby then wanted to play so now we have twins.  They seem like such a silly toy to me, but Ruby and Luke have had so much fun with these little friends - they take good care of Pichachu, both day and night.

She kept telling me that he was a really mean lion, that he was only nice to her.

Notice Pikachu seatbelted in with her?

Every night, wrapped up "snug as a bug in a rug".

Ute Stampede

Growing up in Santaquin we knew plenty of people who had horses, but we are not a "rodeo family". However, we have always been a "Ute Stampede family".  It is one of our favorite summertime events and I have loved watching my kids grow up loving the "radio" as Ruby calls it.  This year it was especially fun.  There was a lot of excitement, plenty of good cowboys, and amazing stunt riders that made it worth staying until the very end.  My personal favorite is the entry of the flag and national anthem.  We hustled to get there on time to make sure we didn't miss the best part.  It was amazing, as always, and I love the sentimentality of the soldiers and the flag.

Being with family is what really makes it fun!

The clown and commentators were great,

But the real fireworks came when the stunt riders showed up.  I couldn't decide whether to be thrilled or horrified.  It is amazing what they can do....and what they dare to do.  The boys were completely enthralled and I think, already making their plans for to start their own daring duo.

Farewell to the rodeo until next year

Tibble Creek Reservoir

Last Friday I was anxious to spend some time together as a family so we decided it was time to have an adventure.  We packed up the kids, food, drinks, toys, hats, tents, chairs, etc. and headed up to Tibble Fork Reservoir.  We had not been there before, but it may be our new favorite place.  The views are amazing and the sand was perfect for little ones to play.  The only thing that would have made the day better would have been to have a kayak or standup paddle board.  Next time....

While at the reservoir I spent a lot of time just sitting and watching Luke and Ruby play - it is one of my favorite things to do.  I love listening to their games and voices and seeing how much fun they have together.  Friday I saw one of my very favorite interactions...Some other kids had picked up a few of Luke's sand toys and he wanted them back to play.  I kept encouraging him to go ask nicely that they let him play with his toys but he repeatedly said he was scared.  Ruby was sitting by me having a drink and after listening, she first told Luke that she would go with him to ask.  When he still seemed unsure, she took matters into her own hands and went and asked for the toys and brought them all to Luke.   She was so pleased to have made him happy and I loved the way she looked out for her brother.  It was such the perfect moment to watch each of their little personalities

Ruby will always find the nearest mud puddle

Our little family had the best time together

A beautiful spot for a selfie.

Luke was so brave to go out this far, the water was freezing!

Tim was a good sport and got in the water with the kids.

Tim took the fishing poles and found a fishing hole close to where we were playing.  He and Luke went back and forth, checking the poles and were rewarded with two fish.  The kids were beside themselves with excitement and couldn't wait to get home to cook and eat their catch.  Once again, they each ate an entire fish other than the few bites they let me share.  I think it's official, Luke and Ruby love rainbow trout.