Summer is a bit different this year. 

We go swimming at someplace other than John and Reb's pool.

 We go to breakfast with our next door neighbor and his ex-wife, who happen to be the kindest fill-in grandparents around.

 Lucas finally gets to be rocked to sleep, thanks to our kind RS pres.

We took the boy camping for his first time. The campsite was prime, the hiking was beautiful, his sleeping was horrible.

I'm only one or two shades whiter than Tyler instead of fifteen or sixteen.

 Lucas and I have to get real creative to fill our rainy summer days.  Ty no longer only works until 2:00 and he doesn't come home for lunch. Those were the days.

But, the thing that is the most different his year is that Tyler has not played ONE round of golf. For those Utahan's who may be excited to see us at the end of the summer you know exactly where you will find Tyler.

We were there, they were here, now they're gone.

Lucas and I spent a week in Georgia with the ATL cousins and...MOM!! She took care of five kids while I tried to take care of my one. I felt like a failure in comparison to her years of mothering and wisdom, yet she complemented me, encouraged me and motivated me to be better. It was a blissful week with her.

Ronnie, Jace and Becca were patient and kind with Lucas. The twins were not impressed with his immaturity.

When Ron and Rachelle returned from their cruise and Dad, Mark, Em and Andy arrived we all trekked back to our place to squeeze 15 people into 2 bedrooms. Mom and Dad got the shaft and ended upon the floor. Mark and Em were happy as ever on the floor and Ron and Rachelle moved to the floor instead of being tacoed in on the deflated blow-up mattress. The accommodation were rough to say the least.

Fortunately we had a pool to cool off in and Grandma saved the day with Sunday cones.

Perhaps the highlight was the Dixie Stampede. A true Southern experience. Thank you, Dolly.

Mom gave Lucas a much needed haircut...

that wore him out entirely.

I hope these peeps come back. But, seeing how they slept on the floor, ate on the floor and endured the humid nastiness, I totally understand.

Thank you Dad and Mom for making the effort to be with us. We miss you already.