Another year, another surgery

Yup, this makes 3 surgeries in 5 years. I am one lucky girl!

After being in a cast for 5 weeks last year, my right foot was never the same.  The cast had put such pressure on my big toe, that it had exacerbated a mild bunion to the point that I hurt while walking normal distances.  So, after numerous doctor's appointments (with several cortisone injections) my foot wasn't doing any better, we decided to do a bunion surgery.

Ah, the joys of recovery.  I'm pretty sure I've maxed out my lifetime allotment of couch lounging.

First Day of School

My 1st grader, and 3rd grader.

And my super excited 5th grader (someone else left early and didn't let me take his picture-freshman)

Also, we got to have my dad for more than 24 hours!! He came in for Aidan's ordination, and the kids couldn't get enough of Grampa. Thanks Dad.

Utah!

We decided to take the trip up in two days and visit some places we don't usually see-like the western part of our state (and there's a reason for that-ugly).  We drove up through Las Vegas and into St George this time, which meant we got to stop and walk across the Hoover Dam!

The St George Temple grounds are lovely-the last time I was here was for Dan and Tricia's wedding.

I still can't believe that this is a city park! Amazing!

The kids had made a list of to-do/visit while we were on our vacation-it of course included a visit to BYU.

After cleaning up the apple, the boys invented apple-golf

Fishing was also on the kids' list of to-do's in Utah.

Temple Square was also on our list.

A visit with Grandpa J, check.

Seeing where Papa was buried, done.

Mentos and Diet Coke, yup.

And let's not forget the penguins-we told them all about this aquarium, and the kids HAD to go.

And finally, after the Funk family reunion, we headed up to This is the Place.

Another Birthday.

This kid, he just keeps getting older! 14 this year, I don't think I can handle many more.

After the requested breakfast (farmer's breakfast), he opened his first gift-Lego Star Wars for the Xbox.

We took advantage of the indoor a/c at Bounce U, and had a great time.

After 2 hours of goofing off, it was time for video games.

He took a break to open another gift-from Nana this time. Yes, Lord of the Rings Monopoly!

Mmm, chocolate cake...

all over the boy's face-a family tradition.

Last gifts: a new camera (and case) along with his seminary scriptures, marking pencils, and a temple recommend holder.

After the girls went to bed we broke out the Monopoly game-lots of fun!

Summer fun

A rare "tolerable" day meant they could pan for gold at the Museum of Natural History before we headed in to check out the dinosaurs.  This was also a MB trip for Aidan, he had to check out the pottery prior to camp for his pottery MB.

More pre-camp homework-Aidan was also working on his Bird watching MB, and had to log so many sightings before camp.  We counted to ones we saw in California at the beach, and then headed to the Riparian Preserve to log some more (and feed the ducks).

The girls got some summer haircuts.

And this was a common sight at Nana's house.

And just in case you were wondering, this is what $30 worth of firecrackers looks like.  Needless to say, we had a very fun 4th of July!

Taking advantage of Zoyo's half-price pajama Wednesday nights. 

And of course, the AZ Science center-one of our favorite summer hang-outs.

And finally, I re-introduced the kids to Sorry over the summer.  It is, of course, way more fun to play with our own tokens-we used lego guys, angry birds, squinkees, you name it, we used it.

Mid-Year Goal Check-up

Since it's now halfway through the year, I thought it would be a good time to check in with myself on how my goal/project list was coming along.

Here's a quick recap of my project list:

• Master bathroom remodel (it was in the works last year until too many things came up).  In fact it's scheduled for the 21st!! DONE!!! And it is so, so amazing. I love the bigger shower and the wider, deeper tub.
• Finish up Davin's quilt (Eric has even promised me a trip out to my parents to quilt it after I'm done-bonus!) I've booked my flight, the top is done, I just need to finish up that border.
• Make 2 new recipes a month (there is a cookbook for a reward when I've finished) I've done well with this one, there are some that we won't make again, and others that have already become favorites.
• Stain the my bathroom cabinets and the cabinet at the top of the stairs (I did the other two bathrooms last summer). Still need to do.
• In general finish up some of my UFO's out there. Hall bookshelves in (need to decorate)-man we have a LOT of books; hall picture table done; family room bookshelves decorated; girls room shelves updated; Eric's office got a needed update (desk, bookshelves); put up new sliding door curtains (no more taped up vertical blinds); new outside lights (that work!!).  Still to do: paint the kids' rooms; build the boys their bookshelf bench; paint the kitchen/family room (and repair drywall cracks); decorate the wall above my desk; decorate the hall bookshelves (and buy the end units)...

There are some other things I'd like to make sure I do: 

• I want to keep up with reading conference talks After PT for my ankle I've dropped down to two a month-better get back on this one.
• Keep going to the temple regularly (and with a new temple opening this should be fun) Yup, and it makes such a difference.
• Have more family activities (bike rides, camping, hiking, etc) We're doing okay, but could do better.
• Mop the floor weekly :) (this one has suffered since my surgery) Um, yeah...better get on that.
• Finally take a weekend with just Eric.  Nope, not with Eric in charge...where is the time for this one?
• Enjoy reading more :) Eh, still not feeling it like I used to, perhaps this summer...

SoCal-a much needed break

With scout camp the last week of June, and since both Eric and Aidan would be going, this meant that we would be taking a later trip up to Utah this year.  I really didn't want to sit around all summer long, with nothing fun to do, so I called up Tom and Heather and asked if the kids and I could come and see them for a couple of days.

Ah, the joys of California snails (and tree frogs at night)

I've missed our "golden" hills, these are the hills right behind their house.

Cousins!!

This has to be the biggest, and coolest science center-EVER.

Plus it's free, has a kelp forest, 

and the space shuttle Endeavor.

We also had a great time at the beach.

Digging, and burying people in the sand, 

dancing in the waves, 

and making "sand castles".  Plus a few sunburns.

After a fabulous two days, we were on our way back home.

This is such a great spot to stop and get a milk shake.