Condensed

Over 2800 miles traveled. Over 57 hours in the car. Over 450 pictures overall.

Don't worry, I'm not going to blog about all of it. I'm not even going to blog about half of it. I've selected 27 pictures that capture the essence of our journey so that means I'm blogging about 17% of our trip. But, that's skewed because I didn't take as many pictures as I normally would have. That's right. I held back. Because I had this new fancy camera to lug around everywhere and sometimes...sometimes, I chose not to. So...I'll call it about 13% and let it rest.

The camera was still in its box in the drive up so didn't get a picture of my sister, Maureen, who just happened to be home before leaving for her THIRD musical tour. Also, I didn't get a picture of my sweet sister-in-law, Stephanie, who I stopped to say "hi" to in Boise.

After two long days in the car, we arrived at my sister's comfortable home. The boys immediately disappeared to play with cousins and my week of relaxation began.


Ansel is something of a Lego genius and showed Seth the power of the block. Seriously, he made a movie...on his own...by taking pictures of his Lego creation and putting them in a PowerPoint presentation and adding captions.

One of the reasons Jen's home is so comfortable is because she is an excellent organizer and housekeeper. It didn't hurt that their recent mega remodel was complete and everything was fancy and new, but it's so pretty that the urge to sweep and wipe down is overwhelming. I even had my hand on this broom a few times - directing the dirt to the fabulous kick plate on her central vac system. Can you feel the coveting coming out of my fingertips as I write?

Fourth of July and we had her neighbor's pool all to ourselves. I haven't had that much fun swimming in years. Loved the privacy, loved the heat, loved the independence of my boys. Fun day.
This is out of order because we went to the baseball game on Friday night and the fourth was on Saturday. Oh well. The baseball game itself was pretty boring because the teams weren't evenly matched so the opposing team could not get the home team out. I started to cheer for quick outs on both sides, which upset the boys a bit, but throw in dollar hot dog night, dollar ice cream night and fireworks after the game and you have plenty to ensure a good time.

The best fans of the night

I have never bought fireworks before but Jen and Christopher and some of their friends have a tradition for setting off the kind that are illegal everywhere I've ever lived in their cul-de-sac. My boys had a blast running around with sparklers and while I can't say I got as excited as all the men who were lighting them off, it was a fun night.

Not bad for a little home-done show....

Me and my sister and friend, Jen. It's really tragic that we don't live closer to each other.

Good times were had by all thanks to my brother, Jon, and sister-in-law, Tara. Their littlest, Natalie, was sick all weekend, which was a bummer, but it was beyond great to spend time with two. They definitely make the list of my favorite people to hang out with.

My greatest wish (lately) is for Henry to have a yard. For a week, it came true for a week and my prediction that he would become an easy child was proved right. No matter where anyone else was, he wanted to be outside most of the day and I was blessed and chagrined to witness his best self when he had the space and freedom to explore and wander. Sigh. You may notice me coveting again.

On to my old stomping grounds where I reconnected with old friends. It was a bittersweet 24 hours for me as I missed them and the city itself every bit as ever but felt the space of time more than ever too, particularly with Seth, who didn't connect with his former BFFs (they are girls, and I'm sure that makes a difference). My heart aches a little thinking we are no longer a part of this life.

I spent a week in my hometown at my childhood home. This is my favorite view in the world. Standing on the porch in front of my parent's house, looking at my favorite mountain.

One of two of our hikes up Mt. Helena.

Sam was initiated into the Staggering Ox club when he attempted to eat his first Clubfoot sandwich.
For Family Home Evening, my dad taught my boys about our family history and had them figure out my four generations.

Then we had a great time playing, "Are you pleased or displeased?" It involved lots of hopping on one foot and the not-so-pretty moments of me doing push-ups and army craws around the room like a snake, but it also brought out the famous "ballerina" dance from Grandpa, which my boys loved....almost as much as I did when I was their age.

My gorgeous mother.

We sailed.

The boys played on their own private island.

We visited my Aunt Jennie on her ranch, where I have fabulous memories of being a cowgirl for weeks during the summer.

We (and by we, I mean they) swam in Bear Lake in their clothes because I was too tired to get their swimsuits out.

We went to a family reunion where my father was able to visit with his 100 year old uncle, Paul.

We stopped at the grave of a beloved grandmother, who I still miss 20 years later.

In Utah, I met up with good friends, Becky and Melanie.

Took the boys through the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house (and I think I'm probably the only one who didn't find it at all spiritual. Noisy, hot, crowded and disconcerting....yes). But, I'm still glad we went. I just wish we could have gone when there weren't about a gazillion other little kids on the same tour.

Last night in town spent at Cafe Rio with Amy M. and Hannah. What's not to like about a night like that?

We are home and there is no rest for the weary. Summer 2009 is turning out to be non-stop action, which is just fine with me. But, I'd still like to find a few minutes now and then to blog!