Public Enemy #1: The GOATHEAD

If you have never encountered a goathead consider yourself lucky. Earlier this summer while vacationing, poor Adam stepped on a goathead and the thorn came off in his little foot. For days he would only walk around on his tiptoe screaming everytime we threatened to get close to the thorn.  A couple weeks later we were finally able to pull the nasty thing out. 
In the last week the goathead has taken a toll on our bikes. Casualties are as follows:
Spencer- Front tire and back tire (at different times)
Preston- Back tire
Ethan- Front tire
Mindy- Front tire
Bicycle Trailer- left tire
Spencer has had more expensive non flat tubes in his tires which seemed to protect him against the first 11 goatheads we pulled out, but it is always that 12th that puts ya over the edge. We have tried different tubes and of course slime. We are currently trying a tire liner in Spencer's front tire.   In the meantime I have put the bike rack on the back of the Suburban so that Adam and I can "come to the rescue" a little easier and much quicker.  I had been putting it on and off for each trip, but decided until we can get our goathead problem under control. I will just leave the bike rack on.

First Day of School

Spencer's First Day of 10th Grade and High School

Preston's First Day of 8th Grade

Ethan's (5th) and Jordan's(3rd) First Day

Adam's First Day alone with Sydney and Me.

Mini Vacation- Lagoon

We had a great trip to Lagoon.  We camped at the Lagoon campground so we were able to be there as soon as it opened until the very end of the day.

Sydney was a good sport the whole time

We no longer fit in 1 car on the Ferris Wheel

Spencer, Preston and Ethan rode this ride many many times. Christopher rode it this time with them.

  We rode the gondoloa across the Park while Sydney and Christopher ran ahead taking pictures of Jordan, Adam and me.

All the kids decided to come and hang out with Adam for a while.  They were all able to go on the Dragon Roller Coaster Ride.

Jordan was finally tall enough to ride the "upside" down ride.  She went on it several times with both Mom and Dad.  At first she didn't think she really liked it, but kept going on it anyway.

At Lagoon they have plenty of rides for all ages.  Adam had a fun time riding whatever he could.

Ethan was big enough to go on all the "big" rides and small enough to go on all the "little" rides.

This is the lady bug drop, it was pretty fun.  I went on it with Jordan and then Preston went on it with her too.

The Rocket is one of the CRAZY rides at Lagoon.  It shoots you high very fast.  All the boys loved it.

Mini Vacation- Cherry Hill

We had a great afternoon at Cherry Hill.  The Lazy River was very popular as well as a few waterslides.

Christopher, Adam and Jordan

Spencer

Preston and Ethan

Christopher and Adam

Mini Vacation- Box Elder Fair

The Box Elder County Fair is one of the few free admission fairs left.  We took advantage of the price and went to look at all the animals. There were some really smelly pigs, some really big cows, cool looking poultry, and fluffy bunnies. The kids had a lot of fun.

Mini Vacation- Crystal Hot Springs

Before school started, we decided our family needed a little break. We took a few days and drove to Northern Utah. On the way we had a little layover in Twin Falls because the compressor on the air conditioner decided to go out.  Our first stop was Crystal Hot Springs outside Brigham City.  The kids loved playing in the warm water and relaxing.  However, I wouldn't recommend camping there because there is a train crossing a few hundred yards from campground and trains are required to blow their horns- even at 3:00am.

Crystal Hot Springs had a small waterslide that the boys enjoyed playing on.

In the morning after breakfast, we were joined by some overly friendly ducks looking for a handout.

The Slip and Slide

Along the side of our house we have a hill that makes the perfect Slip and Slide hill. Although the grass was probably not ready for such hard play, we couldn't resist the temptation. Next year we will use it more I am sure.

Spencer

Jordan and Adam

Preston

Ethan

A visit from Grandma Lee

Grandma Lee came and visited. The kids had a fun time at the park with her. Unfortunately, Spencer couldn't make it (band camp)to the park with us. I promise Preston was at the park though. He and I were playing tennis most of the time and I have a hard time swinging the racket and taking pictures at the same time

Preston's 13th Birthday

Preston turned 13, July 21. His birthday for the last couple of years has fallen during scout camp. We have an early birthday party for him and then send him on his way. Preston had a busy summer with activities and was also taking Geometry (got a 99% and didn't do the last few assignments). He is a very smart and I will often look to him to answer my question. I know that seems backward, but welcome to my life. Happy Birthday Preston.

Planting a Garden

The kids were so excited this year to plant a garden. We were late in getting started- no yard. We weren't even sure that anything would grow in the spot we had picked out for the garden. We made a trip to the Home Depot and bought some plants that were all ready pretty mature. I am happy to report that not only did we not kill the plants, yesterday, we harvested tomatoes and ate them for dinner. We have been harvesting herbs all along, but they are in the planter and I had more confidence that they would grow.

Our ready made gardenEthan, Jordan and Adam were in charge of the planter box and herbs. Spencer and Preston digging holes for the tomatoes

July 4 Barnes Family Reunion

Every other year the Barnes get together at my parent house. They live on a lake and my brother always brings his boat and his water banana. It is good time for all.

The whole Barnes clan minus a Niece (and family) and a Nephew (and family)

Spencer eating cotton candy with Bri.

Grandpa and Sydney staring each other down

Preston hitting the pinata.

Ethan, Jordan and Adam playing at the lake

Ethan maneuvers the canoe amazingly well

The water banana, Spencer, Ethan, Jordan and a couple of cousins.

I am so far behind I think I am ahead!

Yes, I feel so far behind that I think I am ahead. Okay, not really, but over the next week or so I am determined to catch up on the summer. We have had a very busy July and August, hence the lack of entries. The kids are back in school. Some of them are happier to be back in school than others. Adam is definetly not happy that they are back in school. He will ask me many times during the day, "when are the kids going to be home?"