end of summer

With so much filling up our summer days, I have lots to update. Most recently...

At a family party a few weeks ago, George hit his eye on a marble fireplace at his cousins' house. We ended up in the ER, but it was quick, thanks to our in-laws' in-law, who works in the ER and was also at the party. He called ahead and got us right in, with no wait. We were also very grateful no stitches were necessary - only glue.

All the kids have been in school for several weeks now, except for Hank and George. They start preschool in September and are getting pretty excited, although I don't really think they know what to expect. New backpacks are in order and that is worth getting pumped about!

 Jonah and Grace are in junior high together this year.

Owen is alone at the elementary school in 3rd grade. He loves being the only one, which I thought would be an issue for him. Not even a worry. He's already sad that next year Hank and George will join the carpool.

Sweet niece Madalyn (in the middle) left for her mission to Rome, Italy! 

My side of the family had a fun reunion at the Nielsons' cabin in Pinetop, AZ. We were all there, which was awesome in itself, but my mom planned so many fun things for everyone and it made it that much better!

The swings were a favorite pastime. 

My brothers.

 Mummy wrapping game.

 My sister taking a test jump at Sunrise Ski resort. We did lots more of this at more thrilling heights, but I must get video from Mark to prove it. So fun!

My cute niece, Alice turned 5!

 Walks around the almost dry lake.

 Crafting creations.

 Marshmallow gluttony on our way to church.

And finally, we left for Pinetop with our bathroom like this:

And returned to fresh new paint, (Lower bathroom cabinets are soon to be painted white)

And our newly planked entry...

...was painted too.
And almost the whole house got a fresh coat of paint, including all the doors and trim. Now the house looks so clean and fresh. I love it! If only it could stay that way.
I can't wait to get everything back in order and take some better pics to share.

how does your garden grow?

I look out my windows every morning, hoping to see red. It means my hibiscus plants are blooming. I always see at least one bloom on one of the fifteen hibiscus plants dispersed throughout our backyard. But today there were five new blooms.

I know. Anyone can grow hibiscus in Arizona. They love the sun and heat. I also know that the blooms only last one day. But after losing many plants to the frost last winter, I am happy about new life. And these plants blooming today are young and thriving.

My sweet potato vines are also thriving. They are like weeds. This particular plant was one I dug up and moved to a new location at the beginning of of the summer. It looked like it wouldn't make it for awhile. But it's hard to kill sweet potatoes. I take no credit.

I cannot say the same for my one pathetic little jalepeno plant. It has produced 2 peppers all summer. And with both, I left them on the vine too long, waiting for them to get bigger. The bugs got to the first one. And the 2nd (still on the vine) has turned red and shriveled to half its original size.

The last of my three tomatillo plants still stands. It is nothing more than a wasteful water consumer, as it has NEVER produced a darn thing. I had grand plans for home-grown green salsa this summer, but as I suspected, it is much easier to pick up the needed ingredients at my local grocery store, which is exactly what I did yesterday.

I have consulted the "experts," including several Lowe's garden associates, about my problem. The varied answers conclude one thing: no one really knows what they are talking about. Too much water. Not enough water. Not enough butterflies. Not enough B vitamins in the soil. Too much direct sun. Not enough direct sun. 
How do you, my gardening friends* with abundant, overflowing produce, do it?
*Californians, Canadians, Pacific Northwesterners, or really anyone from anywhere but the hot hot desert, need not respond. I cannot relate to you. Nor do I think you have any idea about gardening trouble. Mostly I'm just jealous.

our kids think they are well-travelled because we go to Utah every summer

We were in Utah last month and loved {almost} every minute of it. 

The driving part, not so much.

Our adventures included ... Making a pit stop at Glen Canyon Dam.

Passing through Southern Utah.

Riding the Park City Alpine Slides.

Riding the merry-go-round with Nana.

Waiting in the 45 minute line for the roller coaster at Park City. Ugh.

Enjoying my newly-shorter hair. Five inches gone.

 

Playing with cousins at the family Reunion in Heber City, Utah

Waiting for shakes at Granny's Drive In: A MUST in Heber

Lunching at Sundance and sending the older kids on a hike with my siblings and parents while Hank and George took a nap.

Celebrating Grace's birthday at Bruges Waffles and Frites with lots of cousins. This was after we all went to see Brave. Wasn't really impressed with the movie. Loved the waffles, of course: A MUST in downtown SLC.

Choosing candles for the birthday cake, made by the birthday girl at Grandpa's house.

Holding the chickens, oh so gently, at Aunt Abby's house.

And all according to my phone.