This week...

This week we mostly just went swimming. Not a lot happening. Aaron worked a lot at Arby's. Well sort of anyway. He worked most days for a short period of time. Just long enough to mess up the day. Next week will be a busy one again. Fun....Fun

4th of July as such

We enjoyed the 4th. Usually the radio station has a country showdown that we love to listen to and then watch the fireworks. We go sit in the "Sunbowl" and just enjoy the evening together. This year we invited Brenda and her family to join us. We didn't find out until that evening that the radio station had scheduled a concert instead. I wasn't too sure about that. I look forward to the showdown every year. Anyway, the band, I can't remember who, did a great job. We really enjoyed them by dancing and singing and just having a good time. Brenda had brought some glow stick things that the children really enjoyed. It was fun to be together. The fireworks were nice too.
The next day was my big Sunday. I had a 7 and 8 am meeting, played the organ, conducted and gave the lesson in Relief Society, and then went back to the deaf branch to play the organ for them. It was a very LONG day. I gave the lesson on strengthening the family. I talked a lot about our trip and how hopefully some of the things we did helped us. I think it went well.
We went camping as a family in Pinevalley on the 12th. We made ice cream while there. We forgot to take our smore things so at least we still had a treat. It turned out great. We can't wait to use it again. We found a site that is up a path away from the road. Sometimes it's good to have a few children who are big enough to help. We enjoyed our night and came back the next day so AJ would receive his Webelo's badge. He earned it about 3 months ago and just hasn't been to pack meeting to get it. It was that night that I realized he was suppose to set up a tent so he could get his outdoorsman. OOPS!!
We spent the 14th, 15th, and 16th cleaning the house and storage unit. We found a lot of things we had lost or "put away" during the flood last year. We also went through all the boys clothes. We took a lot of stuff to DI. It felt good. We still have plenty to do though.
During our cleaning project we found the digital thermostat we bought just before the flood. Aaron tried putting it in last Saturday. In the process he managed to fry a lot of our AC unit. Luckily a friend from a previous ward was able to come by for several nights and try to fix it. The basement was running about 85 F, the middle floor 93 F, and upstairs about 105 F. We did all we could to only run the microwave for food. We spent a few nights at Brenda's. Thank you. The AC finally started to work last night about 11. The children slept in our room and woke up cold. YEAH!!! 6 days without airconditioning is crazy. I'm just thankful I'm not pregnant with a whole month of AC out like in 2004.
We were suppose to go camping as a family this past week and then have Father's and Son's and Mother Daughter. That got moved with the AC out. We did do it on Thursday though. AJ got the tent set up so the only thing left to get his Arrow of Light is his religious knot. Go AJ. Mattina Ann and I went to a movie, bought some things to make watches, went to dinner, enjoyed a visit with Dawson and Sophia, (Sophia was only 3 days old at the time) and went out to ice cream. I really enjoy spending time with Mattina Ann and need to find more nights to spend with her. I'm so glad she's my daughter.
Our ward had a breakfast this morning with a primary parade where the children had their bikes decorated. I remember doing such things. I think the boys had a lot of fun doing that. We went out to lunch with AJ and swimming as a family. It's so nice to spend time together. The children have been going to bed around 12 and the last 2 nights about 7:30. They are so tired they just fall right asleep. They go to bed all on there own. I wonder how long that will last?
I did a puzzle this past week. It was so relaxing. We've been talking about school starting. Aaron goes back in 2 weeks, Mattina and AJ in 2.5 weeks, and Tanner and Geremy in 3 weeks. Where did the summer go? I'm not ready for it to be over. I really have enjoyed my family this summer. I hope the next 3 weeks are slow.

The rest of June 2010

We took Tuesday after our vacation and got Mattina Ann ready for her first girls camp. I couldn't believe it took a full day to get her ready. They left about 8:15 am Wednesday morning. Only 45 min. late. That gave us time to find out that Mattina Ann needed a sack lunch. I quickly ran home and made her one.
Aaron substituted for Mr. Phillips in summer school on Wednesday and Thursday. He was able to take the boys with him. Tanner and Geremy went to summer school for the up coming Kindergartners. They both loved it. AJ helped with the reading.
Aaron went back to Arby's on Friday and Saturday. It was sad to see his 3 week beard and mustache go. We sure don't miss him working there. The money is nice though.
I cleaned Mattina Ann's room Wednesday through Saturday. It was a LOT of work. I am so glad it is done. I have wanted it done for more than a year. Now if we can keep it clean for a long time.
Saturday Mattina Ann came home from her girls camp. She had a blast. She can't wait to go again next year. I'm so glad she enjoyed it. I knew she would. Sister Riding asked her to speak in church on Sunday about her experience. I was sad she wasn't able to give that talk. It would have been nice to hear those reports Sunday.
Saturday we left for Salt Lake. We had a quick dinner at mom and dad's and then we went to the Taylorsville Days fireworks. What a nice show they put on. We all really enjoyed it.
Sunday, Aaron sang a song in mom and dad's ward. I played for him. He sang "Come Ye Fount of Every Blessing." He did a really nice job. We had a nice lesson in Relief Society as well. Aaron and I took a little nap in the afternoon. That was so nice. I don't remember the last time I took a nice nap like that. We then went on a couple of walks and enjoyed the evening with the family.
Monday Aaron went to work up at the State Capital building. He was working on some science curriculum thing. The rest of us went to lunch at the park where the children got free lunch. I couldn't help but remember when I use to take Mattina Ann to lunch like that when we lived at the Scott Ave. house. We would feed the ducks and have lunch. She loved it.
After lunch mom helped me wash the car. It really needed it. I got to scrub many bugs off the front. Finally the outside of the car was clean. That evening we went swimming at the Murray pool. We had a great time. Mom had to go down the slide. She went down with her hands up since she just had carpul tunnel surgery. Aaron said that he now knows where I get my stubborness from.
Tuesday Aaron again went to work (which is why we were in Salt Lake) and Mom and Mattina Ann and I went to GTU. It was fun. We got Red vine licorice while we were there. After lunch at the park again (Mom and I had a yummy salad from McDonald's)Mom and I started cleaning the inside of my car. That was a big task after traveling so far this month. It was a big enough task that it took us two days.
We went to the "Sweet's Candy Factory". We really enjoyed the tour there. I didn't realize that the only factory was in Salt Lake or that I eat so many of their candies. GOOD STUFF!!
I talked to Dawnel that evening. We talk about once a year. I'm glad we've stayed in touch somewhat. It's interesting to see how we've changed over the years.
Wednesday, Aaron, AJ, Mom, and I went to GTU again. Louis Van Amstel was there as a guest host. He made a silly hat that I later won by knowing who his dance partners were on Dancing With the Stars. I later found him in the hall by accident and asked for a picture. Aaron won tickets to "Dispicable Me". It was a fun experience at GTU that day.
After lunch, (Pasta Al Forno that Mom asked Deeann how to make and she said to ask me)we headed back to St. George. We had to be back in time for Aaron to go to work at Arby's. We got back at 5:40 and Aaron had to be there at 6.
We really enjoyed our stay at Mom and Dad's and are thankful they do so much for us. We are thankful to finally be home and plan to go NOWHERE for at least 2 weeks. Nowhere big for a year. It's been a fun and memorable month. Sad it's over, but glad too.