I'm just going to have to face that our life as a family will take place in Henderson, NV. I still call Utah home, but it really isn't anymore. We haven't lived in Utah for 5 years now and I don't see us ever going back so I guess it's time to let the Nevada Sate song,
Nevada Means Home sink into my heart. But even though Nevada is our home, it doesn't mean I will ever not want to be in Utah around my family. It's our new tradition to spend 2 weeks "up north" each summer. This summer was really fun but also sad too as we had to say farewell to some of our family who are headed to Minnesota for school.
Our trip began earlier than planned since my mom's back was hurting her while she was down visiting with us so we drove her home and Kam met us later with her car. Upon arriving we joined my family in Salt Lake for a Bee's game. We ate dinner in the parking lot of Lowes and then headed to the stadium for the game.
We didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the game. We did with though! Mostly we spent our time laughing together and making faces pretending to be emogi's.
Uncle Peter made the game complete by buying the kids some peanuts and crackerjacks!
The best part of the game by far were the fireworks! Riley and Navy both fought over who got to sit with Grammy Bo to watch them. Riley loved the loud booms, but navy not so much, she spent the whole time peeking through her fingers that were covering her eyes.
The following day we went to the Days of 47 Parade in Salt Lake. Afterwards, we visited Gramma Dee and then took a long nap!
One of the fun things we did after Kam joined us up north was spending the day at Seven Peaks in Provo. We had so much fun, and although he was scared at first, Braden went on almost all the big slides and he loved them. We went on the perfect day. It was overcast with a chance of thunderstorms that didn't come until late in the afternoon. The lines were short and it was the perfect temperature.
Riley loved the water.
Our favorite slide was the boomerang. We kept trying to see if we could get enough speed to touch the other side of the half pipe. My brother and I did it once, touching it with his big toe.
My brother, Peter who volunteered with ACT was part of their summer production of
Fiddler on the Roof. Kam and I were going to go to the show together but he ended up needing to help my youngest brother fix his car so my mom and I went together instead. It was a really fun night and I'm really glad that I was able to spend the evening with my mom.
Also while up north, the kids and I went to the Highland Day's parade. The kids loved all the candy they threw out. Before the parade we walked around to look at all the booths. The kids got a kick out of an airplane/box booth where they got to try on this Navy helmet.
While with the Henrie's, we played games, got ice cream, ate rasperries and apricots, and got to go for a ride with uncle Kris in this Razor.
Even Sis went for a ride.
Our week with Kam seemed short but he had to get back to work. After dropping him off at the airport I headed to my mom's so we could get ready to go camping at the river. This is one of my most looked forward to vacations ever. I love being in Idaho near where my grandparents grew up and I love getting to see all my extended family on the Auger side.
Tent Row
Keeping warm by the fire with Uncle Dane and Michelle
Riley was just a baby the last time we camped at the river. This year she was toddling around playing in the dirt.
Sis in a bucket
Bath time in the bowl
This year I was really excited for Carter to go down the river on his own tube. I had to trick him both times we went down. The first time I told him he would be on the same tube as me but really I planned for him to have his own tube while I took Riley with me. The second time I got Carter out in the water telling him I needed to take a picture with him since I didn't get a picture the first time around.
Carter was so mad at me. The first time he went down he decided it was okay until he fell out of his tube at the bridge. He didn't even really fall out, I could see that he was going to flip and I grabbed him, pulling me up on my tube. He did get back in his own tube but decided he didn't want to go down again which is why I had to tricked him again. He was upset at first but warmed up to the fun very shortly after. It probably helped that we steered clear of the pillars by the bridge and he didn't fall out.
Sissy was a big help on pick up duty. She loved seeing us all floating the river and she loved being able to play with Olie, the dog (she always wanted to be right near him.)
I only took Riley down the river once. I had tried to put her down for a nap but she was too excited to sleep so I grabber her jacket and took her with me. She did okay. She liked just laying near me and nearly fell asleep but any time the water would splash on her she'd wake or cry. It was too cold for her I guess.
Braden was an animal! He went down the river every time a group went. He couldn't get enough. I love that he loves it as much as I do.
While at the campsite all my cousin's kids, mostly the girls, followed my brother's girlfriend around asking her if she was Ariel. She put on a great charade telling the girls stories and introducing them to Peter, I mean, Prince Eric. For dramatic measures my brother proposed to Ariel and she said, YES! I wish it was a real proposal because I just love Chelyse!



Our camping trip did not disappoint. I only wish, as I always do, that Kam would have been able to be with us. We were lucky that we had to leave a little early to head home because just as we were leaving it started to pour rain. Driving home was a bit scary but at least I knew I didn't have to sleep in the rain that night. Instead we headed to the Henrie's so we could say goodbye to the "G" Family. Even though we don't get to see each other often it was really hard to say goodbye them knowing that our infrequent visits will be even more infrequent. These kids love each other, but hopefully through FaceTime and cell phones they won't forget just how much.
After lots of hugs and fixing a flat tire we were headed for home. It felt good to be back but it never gets easy saying goodbye.