Late night at Lagoon

Yesterday was my company's summer party at Lagoon. We learned a few years ago that we do much better in the evening when it's cooler and less crowded than during the day when it's very hot and crowded. So we showed up sometime after 4:00 and we had time to go one ride (bumper cars) before the company hamburger dinner.

The kids all like the rides, but Saffron LOVES the rides! She was so excited about everything! She went on the helicopters about six times. It was so much fun watching her and how her little face shined running from ride to ride.

We stayed until the bitter end, catching the last rides right as they closed them. Eleven-thirty seems a little bit late for a 3 year, but actually that's not too much of a stretch for our family (even though it makes getting up for 9:00 church a little tough).

It was also interesting to see how Lisette and Miles are now too old to go on the kiddie rides, and Ian will be too big in a year. It's amazing to think how fast the kids grow up. I guess that's another reason to enjoy while they're young.

Hallelujah!

Yeah! Melinda will be home in the next couple of hours! She's been visiting her sister in Minnesota for 5 days and 4 nights (not that anyone's counting.) I think she's had it in her mind for some time to take a trip to visit her sister. Amy has 4 kids (2 of which are very small) so Melinda was going to help her travel to Utah to be at Grandma's funeral.

We were worried about how Saffron would do with her Mom away for so long, but she's done very well. I think it helps a lot having her 3 older siblings look after her; they're very attentive. Melinda also talked to her on the phone once or twice a day and she seemed excited that her mom was coming back with 2 of her baby cousins.

We've done pretty well being orphaned and widowed for these few days, but it will be soooo nice to have Melinda back with us again. We've all missed her very much.

Karen was also very gracious to watch the kids during the day. Thanks Auntie Karen!

We've actually been quite busy these past few days, which probably helped the time pass more quickly. Here's a short list:

1. Thursday we had homeschool Lagoon day. Miles, Ian and I had a great time.
2. Friday we went to Connie's book group "After Hogwarts" at Barnes and Noble.
3. Saturday we gardened and weeded at home. Then in the evening we went up to see Ed, Salena, Teancum, and Rachel. Karen and Wendy fed us (though they also tricked me into helping them plant tomatoes.) Actually, I enjoy gardening so even though it's work it feels recreational.
4. Sunday we went to church in Roy for baby Hope's blessing. My parents, Grandma, and most of my siblings (we missed you, Ruthie!) were there. Everyone got to meet Jame's finance, Brooke, and we had a nice picnic in the park.
5. Sunday evening went back to Grandma and Grandpa's just in time for dinner. The kids were pretty lucky today; two sets of cousins to play with in one day!

Grandma's funeral and viewing are going to be held in the next two days and things will be very busy with all the family in town. It will be busy, but it's a good busy.