July/August

Looking over my last couple of posts - so much has changed! My garden is like a jungle and the vegetables are AWESOME! Lots of crookneck, zucchini and spaghetti squash, peas, beans, and beets. The corn is actually growing, the carrot tops are so pretty and the pumpkins are starting! I've had tons of apricots from friends - so lots of yummy freezer jam! I cut my hair and donated it to Locks of Love - 24 inches! Ryan turned 17 on the 19th - we had a breakfast party for him here then went to Grandma Nila's with stops along the way to see Grandma Anne, Grandma Turner, Uncle Jim & Aunt Lynne and Aunt LenaGean. Grandma had a party for him in Papa's bar and then we spent 3 1/2 days in Vegas seeing some old friends - Kim Abbott and family - so fun!, Aunt Benn , Aunt Kim and kids, hanging out by the pool, and seeing the sights! Then back to St. George and nice and cool Cedar City for Jacob's baseball tournament. A quick week, but loads of fun! Joslyn had her tonsils out on the 31st. Hydrocodone obviously doesn't agree with her so once we got her to quit throwing up (after a trip to the ER that night), she did pretty good - LOTS of Popsicles, jello and pudding. Craig's dad, Ralph had a stroke, that scared us, but he's doing really good now - it's amazing the medical knowledge that they have now! Started getting ready for back-to-school - buying supplies, new clothes and shoes, etc. I went back to work on the 19th and the kids start on the 24th. Ryan got his driver's license TODAY! I am a basket case! It's hard to let them just drive away - so I followed him (discreetly - he knew I was, just not any of his friends) when he had to go to soccer practice - it's 10 miles one way and on the freeway! But he did AWESOME - didn't speed, used his blinkers, was a very responsible driver! He will be a senior and has already started soccer practice - he's going to play goalie for the JV team and they have a game tomorrow! Courtney has done lots of babysitting and went to girl's camp and read more books than I thought possible - I am having a hard time keeping up! She will be a freshman - she's kinda nervous about being a the high school, but she knows where the library is now, so that set her heart at ease. Joslyn went to Activity Days camp and lots of fun Activity days, has ridden her bike and played with friends. She is starting 5th grade and they are the oldest this year! Chad has ridden his scooter and played in the water - EVERYDAY - but Sunday. His friend, Zhigy has moved back so he is happy, happy, happy! Craig has done tons of work on the house and yards - he's amazing! We've been blessed to see lots of family and friends and spend time with them. Chad's baptism is coming up on September 5th - he is very excited to be "drowned" as he puts it and start Scouts and 2nd grade. I have loads of pictures but they are going to have to wait.