Lava Hot Springs

Next stop: Lava hot springs. We got there and Rocky, always needing something to do, decided we should set up camp first. We got everything out of the van and spread it around camp. Then we rented a big tube and rode it down the river over and over until we were ice cubes. It was a lot of fun. We went back to camp and made a great dinner. As we ate, it got darker and darker outside. Then the wind picked up slightly. We shoveled all our food in our mouths and got all of the supplies in the camper just as the storm hit. I thought we left Oklahoma for the summer! Hail, wind, blinding rain! We sat inside the camper (well most of us--not Rocky who always needs something to do-) and watched the porta-jon blow over. Glad I don't service porta-jons for a living... When the storm abated (I learned that word in 7th grade) we went out to survey the damage. Sleeping bags? Wet! Pillow? Wet! Clothes--we didn't think to check inside the suitcases at the time but foud out later...Wet! Princess Janine had enough of camping at that point and we found a laundry mat/bar and made quick use of it. The laundry mat that is, not the bar. But we also trolled the town for a hotel. We found one that worked out great. It met my only requirement--it was dry. The rest of the trip was wonderful and uneventful!

It was wonderfully cool in the evenings. I even pulled out the cool weather bag.

We had a great time each evening with Grandma and Grandpa Thompson. They had a beautiful campsite and we had to leave them all too soon.

The kids had a great time at the famous pools. Jeffrey loved the water slides and spent most of his day there.

Jarom went for the platforms. He jumped from the "low" one several times, but didn't quite get up the courage to go any higher- not that I blame him.

Summer Fun in Draper

After a few days in Southern Utah and Nevada, we continued our journey North to Draper. Here we met up with Uncle Scott and family and had another celebration for Jeffrey--and Celeste.

We had a lot of fun in the cooler weather. The kids had a great time filling water balloons,

having water fights, barbeques, fireworks, hikes, picnics, and all those other wonderful things I did as a kid in Utah.

We were there for Draper Days and went to the parade to collect candy....

and watch a few floats. Suzanne, Megan and Ryan also came to Utah and the cousins all had a great time together.

While there, all the kids took turns getting sick. What is a family reunion without a little drama? As a result, Jeffrey missed his riding lesson, but Jarom got to go. Here he is demonstrating some of the tricks he learned.

We had such a great time in Draper, I was not ready to leave. I saw so many great friends, not to mention my family. I miss all the things there are to do. The kids and I hiked Timpaongus with Scott, Barb, Arielle, and Celeste. We went with Suzanne, Megan, Ryan, Grandma and Grandpa to Snowbird and rode the alpine slides. We met Patrice and Josh to watch the fireworks for Pioneer day and had a picnic up at Brighton--which is one of the most beautiful places on the earth--I think. We met our friends, the Albistons at the zoo and you would never know that they hadn't seen each other for a year. (We miss you all, by the way). I am thankful for the great community I grew up in and hope my kids will love coming home one day as much as I do.

Hurricane!

Our next day we spent the day driving until we reached Hurricane. It is so beautiful where grandma and grandpa Thompson live. I love southern Utah and often think if we ever make it back to Utah, I would like it there. This is the view from their back porch.

Jack getting snuggles from grandma.

Jarom picking plums from the tree.

While in Hurricane, we relaxed and enjoyed good food from the garden. The boys worked hard at mastering ping pong and we went swimming everyday.

It's my birthday!

Jeffrey turned 11 on our vacation. To make his day extra special, Grandma and Grandpa took us to Mesquite Nevada and rented a hotel. Then we got use of the nice pool. It was a beautiful oasis in the hot desert. We had cake in the hotel room with Aunt Ginger and her family.

Mom and Julia

Jarom

Jeffrey

4th of July

We started our Summer vaction on July 3rd in the car on a very long drive to Albuquerque, NM. We stayed with Denzel and Suzanne and had a nice visit. They live in the community of Rio Rancho which put on a nice fireworks display. We had front row seats in the high school stadium. We always love out visits with them and appreciate their kindness and hospitality.

Frontier City

I decided that it was the year to get season passes to Frontier city. Our experience has been that the place is rarely crowded, so it would be a lot of bang for our buck. We visited several times this summer and we were not dissappointed as far as the crowds are concerned. Most people get excited when they only have to wait 5-10 minutes in line. We started to get frustrated when we had to wait more than one cycle of each ride, and eventually got annoyed when the ride stopped and some people had the gall to be in line, waiting for our spots. Then we had to get off and actually go get in line again, rather than staying on for another whiz around the track.

Julia was upset that she is too small for most of the rides. But she trudged along for hours at a time without complaint. She said that "the city" is her favorite place. She was allowed to go on a few rides, and was scared of nothing! She is gonna be a coaster girl like her mamma!

We met the Neals often as they got a pass too. One the first day, I thought we were having a fantastic time. After about an hour, Jarom asked if we could go home. I looked at him questioningly and he said, "This place is boring!" Wise old mom said, "Jarom, you are just going to learn how to make any situation you are in fun." His reply: "How the heck do you do that?" Those of you who know Jarom would not be surprised by this comment. But still...... Anyhow, he must have discovered how to be happy at Frontier city at lease, cuz he went like 8 more times this summer without a single complaint!

School's out!

Had to head to the zoo as soon as school was out--if you wait to long around here, it gets too hot!

Jeffrey, Jarom and Josh Camper (one of Jarom's school friends).

I read online about an olympic day on the river for scouts. So, the boys put on their scout shirts and we went. Unfortunately, no other scouts heard about it and it was us along with busload after busload of YMCA campers. When we got there, Jarom said, "oh no, daycare kids!" He only said what I was thinking, although I don't recall ever having told him that they have cooties, so I am not sure why his reaction was just so. But we waited in line patiently and not one cootie got on us. They practiced rowing and kayaking (although I really thought it would actually be in the water, which is the reason we went in the first place).

They also had foot races, long jump, sit up competitions and some tumbling instruction, which closed before we could get to it, thus making it a complete waste of time in Jarom's eyes. Then they gathered all the children to the grass so the great mayor of OKC could brag about all he has done to make oklahoma kids healthy and some lady from the white house dronned on and on. Then 4 olympic athletes spoke as well. Only problem is, all of them forgot who their audience was. The kids were BORED! That is what I get for trying to get the ever elusive reward for mother of the year. I was no hero on this day. They would much rather stayed home, eat french fries and ice cream, watch TV and work on adding to the ever increasing problem of childhood obesity.

May Days

May was a month of ups and downs and the Piedmont Medical Clinic has enough of our money to name a wing after us. But I like to remember the good times, so here goes. The new children's zoo opened at the OKC zoo and we love to visit. It was the first really hot day of the year--too hot for early May--a sign of things to come.

Julia with the Sharps, Harris' and her boy, Beckham.--oh and Jack.

We also enjoyed a weekend camping trip to Robber's cave. My mother's day present this year was a newer pop-up camper that is bigger and much more comfortible than the old one. We took it out Mid may to Arcadia Lake in Edmond and had to use the heater all night. Two weeks later, we went to Robber's cave with Friends from Tulsa--The Neals and Riddocks and were so, so, so thankful for the air conditoning.

On our hike at Robber's Cave State Park.

A beautiful view. You almost forget it's Oklahoma!

Top of the cave--ready to head back down. Notice Jeffrey's arm. It is in a splint as he decided to jump from the top of the slide instead of going down it--he pants would have gotten wet. Oh dear! Wet pants. What a tragedy. Instead, another visit to the Piedmont Clinic and a splint. Then we had to wait until Monday to get a cast. But Jeffrey has to do everything really well and found out that he didn't not have a broken wrist. He had broken wrists. 2 casts, 2 colors, twice the fun. But if you haven't heard, there is a new invention out there. Waterproof casts. Hallelujah!

The best part about May is the last day of School! I have loved that day since I was a kid and love it just as much as an adult. We celebrated with an end of the year "campout" that ended by 11pm. The kids played Wii wars and chased chickens. We also played capture the flag, then roasted marshmallows and told ghost stories. Lastly we cooked up a breaksfast of spray can whipped cream with a little pancake on the side. We had a good turnout and the kids had a great day.

Cole and Brandon Christensen, Jeffrey and Nicky (neighbor who probably has a last name, but I don't know it) playing the Wii.

Jarom with 2 school friends, Josh and Jared playing with the chickens.

The next day, we met the Sharp, Gargone and Harris families at Arcadia lake to play on the beach and have a picnic. Nice lake, beautiful beach, great company. Here is Jarom with Tayor Harris in the lake. Note to Jeffrey: although the casts are waterproof, they are not sand proof, probably shouldn't thow it.

Julia had a great time out of the water--just where I like her.

We ended my with 2 parties for Memorial day. One in Yukon with church friends. Then one in the neighborhood where we feasted on roasted pig. Great day, even better nights sleep--for everyone.

Red Neck Races

I have put off writing this post. Because although I can admit that I am married to a red neck who is raising red necked children, I do not have redneck running through my own veins. I would have to admit that I attended this event in order to write about it. So, lets just call this research into the life of the country bumpkin. The amazing thing is that I even convinced my non-redneck friend, Janna to attend for moral support and the kids all had a great time. The number on thing to know about lawn mower races is that these are not normal lawn mowers. They are pumped up on steroids and apparently that raises the decible to an eardrum bursting magnitude. My ears are still recovering. It was sooooo loud as to be uncomfortible. These four didn't seem to notice. Here they are taking in the show. Jeffrey, Kurt, Jarom and Taylor.

At intermission, the kids compete in a footrace for cash. Here is the lineup.

In the end, Kurt came in first and won 3 dollars, Jeffrey in third place, won 1 dollar and Jarom and Taylor got handfulls of candy as a consolation prize.

Here is the real problem. You see this machine. It look like an old lawnmower right now. We drove a trailer to Tulsa to pick up this bad boy. It has plans to be transformed into a racing machine. The boys have got the racing bug in them and Rocky has to build the fastest thing out there. Thing is, this is not a pinewood derby car. So, we shall see in time if this red racer can compete in Grasscar. They are looking for sponsors. Any takers?? It looks like we have redneck racing in our future. I guess if mom's and dad's across america can handle supporting their kids by attending cheer leading meets (no offense if that kind of thing does in fact float your boat) then this mom will have to suck it up and go cheer on the boys. If you can't beat them, then put in you ear plugs and join them!