Summer has gone by so fast. We have been blessed to do so much this year. It is so wonderful to have so many opportunities for the kids to experience the world around them.

One of the things I didnt' blog about this summer were the birds. A robin laid 4 eggs in a nice nest in our tree out in front of the house. The kids were so excited to watch the eggs every day to see if they had hatched. The magical day arrived. The little babies were out. Ricky first saw them and right away said "Oh! They are ugly...well...that's nature." Every day we would go out the front door to look at the eggs. Mom and Dad Robin would dive bomb us the first week or so. But soon got accustomed to our family and trusted we were not a harm to their babies. Next, the babies heads popped up with mouths wide open. Just waiting to be fed. (This gave more meaning to the camp song we would sing at girls camp when I was young.."Here we sit like birds in the wilderness..birds in the wilderness..birds in the wilderness..waiting to be fed.") We were very fortunate to be outside in the swing when one of the birds took a nice leap and flew out of the nest. It was so exciting. We had to watch it for a while to make sure it was okay, and curiosity wanted to know where it would go.

Summer time is wonderful here in Utah. A simple game of spies, or tag, or riding scooters and skateboards is like a dream come true. Green grass, flowers beds, and the sprinklers that water them are the best playgrounds. Friendship is rekindled with those we don't see during the snow bound months. May we all keep these wonderful memories to keep us warm inside during the long winter.

Here is a fun poem

I'm dreaming of warm sandy beaches.
I'm dreaming of days by the pool.
I'm dreaming of fun in the afternoon sun,
and week after week of no school.

I'm thinking of swim suits and sprinklers,
imagining lemonade stands.
I'm lost in a daydream of squirt guns and ice cream
and plenty of time on my hands.

I'm picturing baseball and hot dogs,
Envisioning games at the park,
and how it stays light until late every night,
and seems like it never gets dark.

I long to ride skateboards and scooters.
I want to wear t-shirts and shorts.
I'd go for a hike, or I'd ride on my bike,
or play lots of summertime sports.

My revery turns to a yearning
to draw on the driveway with chalk.
It's really a bummer to daydream of summer
while shoveling snow from the walk.

We love to celebrate the 4th!

I have always loved the 4th of July. Here in Utah Valley it is huge. This year we purchased tickets to the Stadium of Fire once again. It is a huge show put on by the Freedom Festival here in Provo. It is put on in BYU's football stadium. We had such a great time!Shelby looking for her seat after singing back up for Glen Beck

This year Shelby had the opportunity to sing in the Stadium of Fire choir. The sang back up to Glen Becks commentary at the beginning, and sang while the fireworks went off. She had a great time and met a few new people, which is always fun.

Oh yeah..and the Jonas Brothers performed! It was the best concert ever. We had Taylor and Ricky in the stands with us and Shelby was on the field with her choir. We sang almost every song. I don't remember having more fun with the kids.

You can just tell how amazing it was by the big smiles on our faces.Happy Birthday America!