Keeping Summer, Social

Our most recent Relief Society activity was a Summer Social. We battled triple digit temperatures that day, but our ladies were troopers. Those who joined us enjoyed a great meal of mini Philly cheese steak sandwiches, refreshing salads and yummy Paces Dairy Ann Popsicles. 

After enjoying our meal, we all played a few rounds of an icebreaker game. Each Popsicle corresponded with a funny get-to-know-you question. I learned so many new (random) things about the sisters at my table.

Thanks to my committee for the all the help with food, decor and set up. Another great activity!

Happy Birthday, USA!

Crew loves birthdays and America's proved to be no exception.

We spent a lazy morning sleeping in, grabbing a quick run and then eating a truly too-big, too-yummy holiday breakfast.

Bellies full, we headed north to Ogden to spend the afternoon with my parents and a few of my siblings. The boys ditched us for a well-deserved round of golf, while us ladies brushed off the kid's afternoon naps in favor of Crew's newest water toy. The shark pool was a resounding success, affording the ladies with more than two nearly-uninterrupted hours of blissful chitchat.  

IMG 0736 from Maura Lansford on Vimeo.

Love watching these kiddos play nicely and enjoy themselves together. We always lived a country away from our cousins so I LOVE to think our kiddos will get to be each others friends. :)

Dinner was Greek fair provided by the Greek mayor of Farr West. America is, after all, a melting pot. And then there was time to kill waiting for the plane jumpers and fireworks.

Crew couldn't take his eyes off the fireworks but the entire time insisted he was "scared."

What a wonderful day. Happy Birthday, USA!

Love Me Some Summer

I really love summer this year. I love finishing work and running around outside with Crew. I love that my sister and her family chose to escape the heat of Arizona for a long visit and that an addition to another sister's brew means I get more time with her lil munchkin. Warning: Long post with too many pictures!

 Crew loves this splash pool. The disappointment over not fitting inside is huge. 

We need swim lessons, STAT!

Crew LOVED the bounce house at his cousin's birthday party. 

Something about riding a bike clicked for Crew last month-We can't seem to get him off it!

 Have loved hosting family for easy, fresh meals on the patio. Mmmmm!

 After successfully re-completing the Couch25K program, I gave this running thing another try. And from my time you will see I use the phrase "running" loosely. That being said. I shaved more than a minute off each mile from my last time...and want to keep going. Success in my book.

We recently attacked this eyesore. We are willing to do almost anything for free 

yard improvement supplies.

Bye, bye crazy-large root system!

Isn't that better? Now to getting those pavers from Ogden to SLC...

Welcoming Baby Knox

My sister and Scott recently welcomed Michael Knox Jones into the family. About a week before the little guy arrived, we hosted a shower in their honor. My sister has so many wonderful friends from school, work, single days and more, who joined us to celebrate.

Mom baked a yummy brunch menu and I did my best to provide some entertainment with the baby Price is Right game. We had a couple lucky ladies who had done baby shopping at Target in the last week, so they definitely were at an advance.

There was no shortage of present helpers! The kids were busy and anxious for a turn.

 Anne and soon-to-be sister in law Maddie

Mostly just loved hanging with some of my favorite ladies...^ 

Thanks, ladies! Such a fun morning!

Zions National Park

This weekend we loaded up and headed to St. George for a few much needed days away. We've been dying to visit Zions National Park. Frankly, we're both a little embarrassed to have lived in Utah for 5+ years and never been.

We got a late start in the park on Friday but still managed to hike the Three Emerald Falls trails. We were lucky to miss the heat of the early afternoon. Most of the trail is market easy to moderate but I was stunned at the number of people in flimsy flip flops. The waterfalls made the paths super slick and someone in casual shoes could totally fall and hurt themselves. Just sayin, people!

Shuttle ride to trail heads

The views were amazing

I love how much fun he can have with just a stick and some mud!

The boys loved the tight "narrows" like parts of the trail

On Saturday, we were in the park bright and early, starting out with the Weeping Rock trail and the Riverside walk. The Riverside walk had the best views of the iconic slot canyons. Those trails open later this year; we are hoping to hit them up sans Crew in the next few months. The paved path was littered with photographers snapping pics of anything and everything. The path is also a popular place for very social squirrels. Crew was in heaven. 

 Boys check out Weeping Rock 

Water break

Trail Head to the Narrows

Relaxing on the lawn at the lodge

After lunch, we took advance of Crew napping and hiked the Hidden Canyon trail. I'm very glad I didn't know what to expect at the end. Despite it's beautiful views, the end of the trail is basically a rock ledge with a chain to shimmy up against. Not my best mommy moment. I was kinda freakin out. 

Cole packed Crew up and down the trails like it was no one's business

The view down

Did I mention views? :)

Love this guy!

Favorite memories at the park include:

Crew throwing any and every rock possible in the river water. Happiest boy ever

Crazy squirrels attacking our peanut butter and honey sandwiches

Cramped shuttle rides with lots of other smelly hikers :)

Losing track of Crew for a minute in the gift shop and finding him here: 

 

Crushing a difficult hike and feeling amazingly strong while doing it.

No cell phone reception

Soft reminders from the man in the pack, "Careful, daddy."

Time with my favorite man ever

 We'll be back!