College Sophomore

Can't leave the college kid out....

So, the back to school photos are trickling in.  Still one more to come next week! But Montana was back at it today. She'll be juggling a fairly busy schedule with cross country, a part-time job, anatomy, chemistry and a couple more classes. Should be a fun semester for her!

Back to School 2012

Finn the senior

8th grade.....as if you couldn't guess by the fingers

The first day of school was a little weird around our house this year. Kurt was out of town, Montana was still asleep and Indy was, obviously (reference a previous post), not home! Only sending two kids off to school??? How sad.  Don't get me wrong----I still enjoyed my peaceful, quiet day. But I guess I missed the little bit of chaos that comes with trying to get 4 kids out the door on the first day. 

Veggie-Picking

A few weeks ago the Hellewells called and said we could go to their parents' garden and pick some green beans. I have been wanting to pick veggies at a garden here in Orem for a couple years but have never gotten around to it. But this was even better because these veggies were free! So I grabbed Montana and Emerson and we picked an entire Home Depot bucket of beans in an hour. It was pretty fun. And Parley wouldn't let us leave without sending us with another box full of corn, zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes.  I love having fresh produce!

A new adventure......

He looks so sad to be leaving. 

Indy left home today. He'll be gone at least 5 months and maybe more if he decides to stay the full school year in Laguna Beach. 

The idea for this crazy adventure started a couple years ago the summer before Montana was a senior. Darin suggested she come to live with her and go to school. Montana had just started running cross country and was enjoying it so much that she decided to stay in Orem and keep running with the team. Since then all of our kids have kind of had the idea in the back of their heads. So Indy will be the first one to actually make it happen. 

School in Laguna doesn't even start for another month! But Indy was determined to get down there early to acclimate....uh huh. The timing was actually quite good. Savy was headed home after finishing up summer term at BYU so he was able to hitch a ride. 

There are a few conditions he has to meet in order to stay the semester---like keep his grades up, go to YM activities regularly and, of course, attend early morning seminary! But he's a very head-strong and determined child. This is something he has really wanted to do so we think he will follow through. We are going to miss him like crazy but we're so excited that he gets to have this fun adventure. 

My crappy birthday

My birthday this year was a really good one despite what the title of this post might make you think. I got to have breakfast with Kurt at Kneader's and a little shopping at Fashion Place Mall. That night the Hunters and Andersons invited us to take a razor ride from Wallsburg over to Daniels Summit and have dinner at the lodge there.

Ready to eat dinner!

The gang minus Jim (taking the picture).

gross.....

So, on the way back, we were behind the Hunters. There were cows all around during the entire ride therefore there was lots of cow manure on the trail. And there were quite a few puddles.... Dave happened to drive right through a puddle and a big load of manure which flung directly back at my forehead and all over my side of the razor. 

a little blurry but you get it

This is after Gina got most of the manure off!

It took me a minute to realize it wasn't mud! Then the smell hit me. It was pretty lucky that I had brought baby wipes. Otherwise I would have had to ride all the way home with that crap all over my face! It was still pretty gross even after I got most of it off. 

Despite that hilarious incident, my birthday was a success and will probably even be one of my more memorable ones. 

The sunset on the way down from the ride.

Finn's Lake Powell Trip

Finn went to Lake Powell this week with the Hunters and Slades.  Here's a little video of some of the fun they had!

July 4th weekend in Grover-Day 3

The Grover float

Crew & Kai with their loot.

The pie-eating contest

Barbecue at the barn

Getting a well-deserved wash after the fun weekend.


The 4th of July parade in Torrey was actually on Saturday, July 7. Go figure. Anyway, I mentioned hating parades in an earlier post. I guess I will have to make an exception. I LOVED the Torrey parade. Not too hot, not too long and not very many people.....compared to Provo anyway. And the parade entrants throw candy! Score! This year they even gave out miniature apple pies from the little store in Capitol Reef. Perry, Emerson and some more girl cousins were  princesses on our family float and Penn and Indy skateboarded behind.

The pie-eating contest took place in the park after the parade. I don't think I've ever actually seen one of those before. Cafe Diablo makes the pies every year. I have yet to eat at that place! I've only heard good things. Soon....

Later that evening we headed to the barn for a barbecue and hanging out with the Dietlein clan. Tons of good food and good conversation followed by fireworks. Even though we missed Coronado we couldn't have asked for a better 4th of July! We sure love to go to the ranch and hang out with family.