Woodland Getaway

We escaped the July heat by camping in Woodland, Utah from July 14th through the 18th.  It was a good little getaway with lots of fun packed in.

For a new spin, we took our bikes and rode around the campground and a side-street.

The kids played in the sandbox.

And rode their bikes around.

Went swimming a few times.

And played laser tag and frisbee.

We took a day and traveled to Evanston, Wyoming. (About an hour away.)  Sterling found his dream car at a firework stand.

We discovered an abandoned rail yard which was so cool!

There were so many places to snap pictures. We really had a fun time here! The highlight of our trip for sure.

We went back to camp and explored around.

There I am!

Scott found some baby birds outside the game room.  Their cute little mouths opened up every time the door slammed shut, wishing for food.

We went four wheeling up the canyon.  Someone wasn't strapped in so well.  Looks like the seat-belt held, but his seat didn't.  And to sleep through that?!  Funny kid.

The scenery was so pretty!

We came upon a muddy meadow that we named "Salamander Flats".

We saw some tadpoles struggling in a mudhole and had an idea to save them.  Scott took a lighter stick and melted a water bottle in half and used that as his scoop to save the little guys.

Turns out they weren't tadpoles, but instead tiger salamanders, the only salamander species native to Utah.  We researched online and discovered that if we let them go in the river, they would just be fish food.  And they would have soon met their fate in the shallow mud puddle, so we opted to take them home and watch them grow.  So we have 6 pet salamanders, at least for now.  We'll probably let them go eventually.  Our cats have thoroughly enjoyed watching them!

The best part of camping though....

Just being together and creating happy memories.  S'mores are a plus though! ;)

July 2015

Makayla painted this festive shirt at Activity Days.  She looks forward to going.

We celebrated July 4th by supporting the Murray Parade. Bot sets of parents came!

We grilled yummy shish-kabobs.

And we had a fun firework show put on by Scott and Uncle Danny.

Look at the handiwork in this beautiful picnic quilt handcrafted by Vickie!

The kids had a great time on the bouncy slide at a firework stand.

Other events this month:

Makayla helped at a magic show.

Played in cousin Phillip's sandbox at Grandma's.

Our paper bag princess!

Created sand sculptures.

Look at this cool 4 year old with upside down glasses!

Saw the movie, "Tomorrowland." It was pretty good.

We hiked around Albion Basin.  The wildflowers were so beautiful!

Enjoyed a picnic.

We need to go there more often! No excuses; it's close to home.

My dad had his work party at Boondocks and he invited us to tag along!

We really enjoyed our day there playing!

 We mini golfed 3 rounds!

Lots of fun activities!

Scott reveled in the laser games, as you can see by his 1st place pic.  Makayla and I trailed at 3rd and 4th.

Thanks Mom & Dad for inviting us! We had a blast!

Saw cousins Braden and Bryson at the float preview party.

Went to our neighborhood bbq and parade.

Saw this beauty on the way home.

Built airplanes at Lowe's.

Went to a parade, car show, and lit some fireworks on the 24th.

Scott changed the brakes on the Denali.  He learned how to online by reading and watching youtube videos.  Go Scott!!!

Grandma Bjarnson turned 89 on July 28th!  We held a nice party for her.

And we ended the month with my birthday celebration at Clark Planetarium.  We agreed that a family pass would be a good gift, and wrapped up a nice day with dinner at Crown Burger.

 I feel grateful for all of my blessings, especially my family.  Here's to a gratifying 35th year!