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?"