4th Week of June

 Here are some highlights from the 4th week of June.

Our pretty flower in bloom.  Steve and Nyles working on taking out the grass in our park strip to use less water going forward.  Silly Hudson sitting on Nyles' head.  And our Lillies starting to bloom.

On Monday, June 20th, I had the day off.  It's a new Holiday called Juneteenth, in honor of ending slavery.  After working outside, we went swimming at the rec center in the afternoon, which was lots of fun.

At the library, drawing w/ chalk, and Hudson can't help but get into water whenever he can.

Hudson also got his first Covid vaccine shot now that they're finally available for kids under 5 years old.  We're so excited for him to have some protection going forward.  He is such a wiggle worm, even while sleeping.  Nyles and Carter took more swim lessons this week.

Hudson in the water again!  Carter helping Hudson down the slide.

Nyles and Carter working hard during martial arts.

Nyles breaking the board at martial arts.

Nyles has been learning to dive off the high dive.  He accidently did a big belly flop once, but then his teacher pulled him aside and helped him to correct his mistakes.  He didn't let it stop him and has getting better and better.  Good work Nyles!

Cute Carter w/ his swim class going down the slides and diving board the last day.  

Later Hudson just relaxing in the cart at Costco.

Thoughtful comments from Nyles' and Carter's swim teachers.

Pretty flowers in bloom around the yard.  Thursday evening Steve went out fishing w/ Rob and Nyles.  After playing outside we went inside and it started to downpour!  We definitely needed the rain!

Raining hard.

Rob and Nyles holding catfish they caught.  

Ironically they didn't get any rain down there way like we did at our house, just the wind!

Fun times and beautiful sunset!

Friday afternoon Nyles had to do a fitness test in order to pass off and earn his next belt in martial arts.  He had to run a mile in under 12 minutes (he did it in 10.5 minutes), then do so many pushup and sit-ups in 2 minutes, which he did also.  He did awesome!  Some of the kids didn't pass the running test, but since this was their first time doing it, their instructor said they are ok this time, but next time they have to meet the minimum standards.  Good work Nyles!

Another pic of the sunset.  Nyles doing his running test at the park (it was a really hot day also).

On Saturday morning, Steve went and helped w/ a service project.  That afternoon we took the kayaks out to Utah Lake and strolled up the river where the water was really calm.  It was a lot of fun!

Getting started, cute ducks on the logs.

It was very peaceful rowing down the river.   Carter got tired though, so we connected him to Steve's kayak and let him paddle when he felt like it :)

There were ducks everywhere!  Lot's of baby ducks too.

Hudson tried to help Steve row as well.

After we got back, Nyles and I rowed out to where the river met Utah Lake.  The waves were definitely higher out there.  It was a fun stroll down the river w/ hardly any wind or current.  We'll definilty plan to do it again soon.

Sunday I had the opportunity to share my testimony about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  There is so much to say, but I am ever grateful for it in my life.  I’m thankful for the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ for not just protecting me from past mistakes, but helping me become the person I dream of becoming.

Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy spoke of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to help us change.  “The atoning sacrifice of the Savior is what makes perfection or sanctification possible. We could never do it on our own, but God’s grace is sufficient to help us. As Elder David A. Bednar once observed: “Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are obedient, worthy, and conscientious and who are striving to become better.”

On Sunday afternoon, we decided to go up to Silver Lake where it was cooler since it was in the 90s in the valley.  We brought up a little dinner as well and enjoyed the evening.

We set up the hammocks while we boiled some hot dogs for dinner and enjoyed the cooler temperatures.  The boys LOVE playing in the hammocks.

Sharing the hammock w/ Hudson and Carter, then sharing some watermelon and pineapple w/ Hudson.

Beautiful scenery.

After dinner, we packed up, then walked the rest of the way around the lake.  It was awesome!  I love Silver Lake.  Steve and I went up here when we were dating, so it holds a special place in my heart.  It's always beautiful to see the trees, lake and flowers.

Taking in the view.  Silly Carter w/ his Minecraft sweater.

Our cute boys!  It was a wonderful Sunday family activity.

Great quotes about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.