Just been hanging out this summer

 I am doing pretty good at being lazier this summer. Even whole days with 'relaxing' (you know I can't not do ANYTHING). But nice. I am working on my Shakeaspeare goal. Ellie is getting ready to leave for a week with Jules and families. I am trying to get all my SLCC work done so I can enjoy my 20 days of 'vacation' before school starts again. I am teaching a in-person class of Comm Theory, which I haven't done and it is a ton of work - so have that to look forward to.

I am thinking about a lot of different things these days, and it is hard (children, Josh, careers, book, etc(.

It did come to me of several people I could ask about being interviewed for the book. My new goal is to interview five- seven people, finish up the intro and stuff and then just submit it. And save the idea for me!

OK, so my therapist said I need to find more 'peers' because there are not a ton where I love. And that I deserve to have fun doing things I enjoy. So Sara and I motored up to Logan last week and saw three shows (Man of La Mancha, Magic Flute, Joseph...Coat) and spent the night with Danell. THEN on Saturday Josh and I dropped Sara off at the FrontRunner and went to see Singing in the Rain. Four shows in three days!! So nice!

How I am blogging, working on the Bluemlein book (if I find the invite) and writing up the month-to-do list, etc. Here are some scenes from the play:

Sara and I at the theater (I am almost ready to spring for the pricer seats  - you can't even place your two feet together in the cheap seats. But on a good note, reading the opera synophus before the play really helps it make sense.

We ate at this pancake place (gf!) and this syrup was literally addictive. I actually got a cup and drank some (way too much) before my pancakes arrived. We went to the temple together. Ate too much. Went to the viewing for cousin Shanti's husband's funeral. And drove home at 10:30 Friday. They are doing some fun stuff next year too - we should go Sara!

We had to drive around and there were some chickens picking around in the lawn of our first house.

Look! You can see the garage!!

 Yes, it has happened. For the first time in more than three years - we are BOTH parked IN the garage!!! A mighty miracle has happened. (Granted, Josh does need a lot of time to get all of his stuff in the workshop organized). It is pretty cool that it finally happened.

Fourth of July

 To celebrate America's birthday - we went down to Orem to see the family and go to their Centennial Fair. It was fun! There were lots of reenactments that Ellie and Michael got to try. Then we had a shooting party courtesy of the Lewis family. I definitely did not win.  But it was fun. Of course we ate a lot.

We went to Logan on my birthday

 So on my birthday, Dr. Wickwar wanted Josh to come up and work on the laser. We took Moo (since it was during Trek). We went to Danell's and hung out a bit, then I got super hangry and Josh took me out to dinner. We dropped him off at the laser and Moo and I walked around a bit downtown. We went to the temple  - Michael's first time inside! (We got into the waiting room). Then we found a place that sold creme bruell and went there - I think I even got a piece of chocolate tarte because  it was my birthday. So we took it back to Danell's to share. We drove home super late.

I am feeling bad that I got no pictures of Michael's 12th birthday. Here is what happened. We had German pancakes for breakfast. Jeffrey, Charlie and Gavin came over and went to the pool. Then Josh took Jeffrey and Moo to the arcade. Then the three of us went out for sushi for dinner. He got a computer and a desk in his room. I am working on a drum set.

Zoo

 We have our handy Zoo pass for the year - and it says three children - so I take three -  not always mine - but three. Ashley wanted to take Chris, so Moo and I went along. A good time was had by all.

Trek

 The girls went off to Trek .... and survived!! Even Ashley said, "if you have not gone, you should go." A big miracle. Ellie was semi-responsive.

Michael's birthday

 I will start off by saying Michael had a good 12th birthday - but I didn't get any pictures!!

I woke him up with the fabulous news that he could go to the gym with me on my guest pass. SO we went off and gymmed (but had to get back quick so he and Dad could go to something).

Then they went to SLC and came back in time for the party guests to arrive. We took Charlie Call, Gavin and Jeffrey swimming. I went swimming too. Then we came back for presents and ice cream.

Charlie and Gavin had to go home, but then Jeffrey and Michael and Josh all went to the arcade (and came home an hour and a half later!)

Then the three of us went out to sushi (Michael's dream). And there were a lot of GF options!!

 I hope he enjoyed it.

My birthday!

 June 30 was another great day to turn 51!!

Started out with waffles, a trip to the gym and watering. Then a little nappie.

Josh wanted to go see Vince and work on the laser, so we headed up there that afternoon. I got TOO hungry and yelled at Monte, then Josh took me and Michael out for dinner (Texas Roadhouse). It was not bad.

Then we dropped him off at the laser and went to the Book Table  - now filled with crafties and like 27 books. So we walked around downtown. Then we went up to the temple (I think like Michael's first time at a dedicate temple). It was closed for the day, so wen snuck into the waiting room (and went to the bathroom). We sat outside and talked a bit and got a picture. (same as when Josh and I got married - SO hot and SO sunny!)

So my dream was panna cotta for dessert and singing. Michael and I found a place with creme bruelle and figured that would count. We finally found the place and got our order. I did order also a chocolate tarte and said it was my birthday treat to my self - and she didn't charge me! Nice. 

Then we went back to  Danell's and she and Monte and Moo put a candle in the bruelle and sang! It was fine. We picked up Josh and didn't get home until like one.

Other stuff

 Some other things happened.

Ellie got her first college-interest letter. It was from WyoTech about their diesel tech program.

And I had a great day - went horseback riding with Shirelen and picked cherries! (and wore my new helmet)

Montana and Flathead High School reunion

 One weekend in June we headed to Montana for Josh's 30th high school reunion.

We drove up (and dropped at a gluten free Chinese restaurant!) and got comfy. Poor Grandma Herron had been busy for weeks with weddings and stuff and was still a good hostess.

On Friday there was a tour of the high school, and all the remodeling they have done. Then that night there was a meet-and-greet at a local bar. 

That is a whole story. So I was getting thirsty and Josh is like "go get something at the bar" Now you know I am completely bar stupid, only  having been in one while delivering the newspaper in high school).

So I went up and actually said "I have never had a drink and have never been to a bar. Could I get a sprite?" And the guy looks at me and said "You are kidding. You are a bar virgin?" And I  say yes. So he squirts out a sprite and a coke and I wave my card at him and he waves it off. And we got our sodas! That is my learning experience.

Also I saw Josh spontaneously hug someone! His best friend from school, scouts, etc. Cory. Josh just went up and they manly hugged and it was very nice.

The next evening they met at a country club and had a LOOONNNNGGGG dinner. Some people brought fancy cars. I went around telling people that Josh had the most dangerous job because his laser could poke your eye out at 5 miles. He won! And got a little first aid kit.

We drove home and got ready for trek. It is nice having four drivers!

Home from Trek

 So the girls left for  Trek on Wednesday morning. They were not excited. I knew they could do it. No more wimpy mom.

I saw them off and prayed mightly. Then some stuff happened, my birthday, Michael's birthday, etc.

Then on Saturday I drove up to get them. I did shed a few tears as they came up over the mountain. Ashley was happy! Ellie was not too grumpy!! I did cry when I hugged Ashley. Her Ma took care of her.

Good job girls!!

Gym

 So Ashley's medical professionals kept talking about the importance of exercise. And you totally know I am completely on board with that. So I finally figured out that I should start taking BOTH the girls to the gym! So I upgraded by membership and we have been going a few times a week. 

And THEN I learned you could come on a buddy pass when you were 12 (I thought it was 15). So on Michael's birthday, I woke him up and told him he could go too. He has been asking for about a year, and was SUPER excited. He has asked everyday to go. 

Go exercise!!

Other catch up stuff

 Here is some more stuff.

Ellie has performed at several camps and stuff.  She also went on symphony tour to Idaho and loved it. They could not get to Yellowstone because of the massive flooding. 

Michael went to band camp playing percussion. He enjoyed it and will take beginning band again, this time focusing on the percussion. He is still taking drum lessons.

Check out the cherries I got from  my tree! Despite a big fight with the bird, we did get a good haul from the two trees.

My new white chair! (also known as 'The Moby')

 I gave my big red chair (which we have had almost since we moved into this house) to a deserving friend.

But then, almost every day I missed having a big chair. So I have been looking around. And looking.

Josh's colleague's wife works at Bassett - and there was something there - for just under $3,000!!!!!!

So, I kept looking. 

Kellie Korth and I went to the Sistene Chapel exhibit and then out to lunch. We dropped by an Ashley Furniture - and there it was!!! The (much cheaper The Moby). So I bought it!!! (less then $900 out the door). That is why I am working a second job this summer - spending money.

We could even pick it up at the airport on the way home! Then Abby and the kids and I got it out of the van, up the stairs, put on the feet and got it in place. Check it out!

Girl date

 Ashley and I went on a girl date. Overnight even!

Josh and I went on a date once to this fancy B&B in Heber City. But my contacts got so dirty, and I forgot my glasses, so we only went for one night (but we had bought two).

So Ashley needed a date, so I planned it all out.

First we dropped Michael off at Grandma's. Then we went dress-looking .Ashley about wet her pants with happiness.

Then we stopped at Bridal Veil Falls. It is very cold!

We drove to Heber City and got checked in. We walked around and went to a downtown restaurant for dinner. Then over to the park and on the way back -  for ice cream.

Ashley loved the bed and we both slept pretty good. Had a nice bath in the fancy bathtub.

Ashley LOVED the fancy breakfast and can not wait to go back for her honeymoon.