Just a little end o' summer fun...

....at Drewby's pool party tonight. Couldn't help posting some mighty cute pics of the fam having a great time.

Fear the life guard, kids..............

A little pool b ball......

....and a crazy hair pose............

..and some chat.

Thanks again Drew for giving us a reason to convene........

I'm sure you have been asked.....

......"What were you doing ten years ago today?" I remember it well. I was outside getting a new ac unit, anxiously awaiting the time I could get on the road to be in Salt Lake for the event of Drew's appearance into the world. His birth had been planned for September 12....and I knew I had to get there....and I did. We were sad for the tragedy of the U.S. of A.....but grateful for the miracle of Andrew Scott Wells. This kid loves it all and wants to try it all....but mostly, plays soccer right now (scored 2 goals on Saturday)....but baseball, basketball, football, Guitar Hero, Super Mario, wake boarding.....anything he does, he does with "flair" and intensity.

I do love this kid....and I'm grateful for the "happy memory" I have of nine twelve. Happy Birthday, Drew....you'll always be Drewby to me.

Took a little jaunt....

.....to the cabin of my friends, Liz and James Rogers up near Duck Creek. Hadn't been to Duck Creek for years, in fact, many, many years when the kids were little and we stopped there on our way from Navajo Lake, the infamous occasion that Mason fell out of the boat and Scott had to dive in after him. Anyway, Liz and James' cabin is just past there at a place called Mammoth Falls not too far from Panguitch Lake so we took a little detour over to the lake because it had been many, many years since I'd been there....the last time being the one in these pictures....where someone actually caught a fish.

These were very good times. I didn't know it then and I feel badly that I just tolerated them most of the time. I didn't appreciate the beauty of nature, the leisure, peaceful time with nothing to do but breathe, and able to do it with loved ones and I'd give anything for some of these moments back. I remember Scott buying the camper so I would go along....still didn't make me like camping any more....it was always just a bother. Not many regrets in life....but this is one of them. I did enjoy the day with Liz.....hope I can enjoy more of those impromptu trips with friends. Thanks Liz and James for inviting me. She's a gourmet cook and had a wonderful lunch waiting for me there. Let's do it again soon....this time at my place.

It's not that we did that much....

.....I just took a lot of pictures of what we did starting early this morning at Mark and Marian's zip-line...even Mason and Mandy took a turn.

Then a little swingin' goin' on..............

Mom and Eldene showed up for a little lunch and some "porch time"................

Pickle Ball was a little wet....but do-able....

Meanwhile, back at the cabin, kick-ball was the game of the day.....

.....then a little berry pickin' at Gary's next door....yum. These were soooo good: from my hand to Miller's mouth......

....and some apple pickin'.

On this day we have celebrated the economic and social contributions of workers by playing hard....real hard (and sittin' around a lot). Whatever the reason for a holiday, we'll take it. What'd you do today?

It's been a "peachy keen" week-end....

.....and I'm throwing out this trivia question: Can you name the 1978 movie that this 1948 term was used in; "peachy keen" meaning; A OK, A-1, awesome. (Extra credit for naming the character that used this term). Attended Peach Days in Hurricane and proud to be a descendant of a very important man (Frank Barber) who was responsible for some of the first peach trees in the valley in 1907 and started this celebration many years ago. Some of his descendents got to participate by riding on a float in his honor.

Here we are putting on our "peachy keen"........hope you got yours on today.

Fitting that a Hurricane dentist would throw out candy, don'tcha think?......

Then off to Staheli Farms for Lux's numero uno birthday party......even though she turned one a week ago, we all celebrated in style. Thanks, Lux for giving us a reason to celebrate and have another "peachy keen" time today....

This place is "simply" amazing....that's right...nothin' fancy just lots of unique fun things to do.

Have a great week-end and eat a peach in honor of my grandpa. It would make him happy. He'd even peel it for ya if he were here. Here's what it says about him in the fair booklet: What began as a Fruit Festival in 1909 would evolve into the Peach Days and eventually the Washington County Fair. When the infamous Hurricane Canal began to flow, the life blood of the valley, water, the farmers were able to begin planting. Water was available as early as 1906, but not until 1908 did it reach the South Fields. Several thousand Elberta peach trees were purchased and planted by the valley's newly formed "commercial club" in 1908. They battled many hungry rabbits as they nurtured these baby trees along. Frank Barber, an experienced nursery man from Centerville, Utah came to the Hurricane Valley in January 1907 and began cracking peach pits which he planted in the spring. He organized the Hurricane Nursery Company (later the Dixie Fruit and Produce Company). Barber became involved in the commercial club and as the vice president organized the first "Fruit Festival". This was held in 1909 in the Social Hall. The townspeople came and displayed the best fruits they had raised; Elberta peaches, grapes, and melons. The produce was judged and then those attending the "Fruit Festival" all helped eat the scrumptious display.

When I saw this picture.....

.....of Emily's Daddy Daughter Date......

...of course I smiled...as it reminded me of another Daddy Daughter Date; Lauri and her daddy....then it reminded me of my Daddy Daughter Date with my dad (and there is not picture just lots of good memories)....

....so I'm hoping someone out there in Blogland is remembering their Daddy Daughter Date and smiling tonight. I loved dancing with my dad...he was the best dancer and when I was really little, he'd let me stand on his feet and whirl me around the room. I remember one activity that was a snow party in the recreation hall and the dad's would pull us around on sheets pretending we were sledding. To all the dad's out there with daughters....cherish this evening beyond all others...'cause for sure, your daughter will....(and take lots of pictures). I don't really have any pictures with just me and my dad....he's been gone almost 9 years now and I miss him but cherish the memories of the good dad he was and I never doubted his love for me.

Awe........

......capellastock was totally AWEsome this year. I had some new recruits....I was a bit nervous, it's hard being in charge of someone's happiness...didn't force 'em to go....didn't bribe 'em to go....I don't think I even invited them (but if someone mentions they want to go, I'm pretty excited to get a ticket for ya)....glad to have Spencer and Shana along....and I hope they thought the trip was worth it.

In past years, I've invited others...many others...many, many others....in fact, I've wasted a lot of tickets in years past trying to convince others that this thing is as AWEsome as I think it is (my 7th consecutive year)....so I've quit trying to convince. Just go and find out for yourself. Here's my boys....T Minus Five...the ones that have put this on for 8 years. I discovered them at the Concerts in the Park at Brigham Park when I was on my mission in Salt Lake and have been a "groupie" ever since.......

AWE.......Vocalocity....totally amazing..(click HERE).You may have seen them at the County Fair this year.

My favorite of the night was "The Coats"....click HERE.....

All good things must end...but they all come together for one last number. AWE inspiring. So much talent on one little stage.....

We're basking in the AWE of the evening....Can't you just feel the joy?????

My AWEsome friend Shannon that hooks me up with the same "front row" seats every year. Even with a we bit of a mix-up this year, Shannon came through and made me feel like a VIP.

The only downside to the evening, was a group that I didn't like very much...actually, I would use the word AWE....ful....but that's a little strong...let's just say AWE....kward. However, you can judge for yourself as they will be on "The Sing Off" this season. They are Sonos and I have to say, not to be critical, just not my favorite....okay? See for yourself though....not my "cup of tea"...but Lucy is my "cup of tea" and I got to spend the day with her hanging out at her house and at the Farmer's Market.

We decided next year we are going to make it a "Little America Week-end".....and have another AWEsome time at Acapellastock. Come join us...... (click HERE to learn more about it. Wish I were this zealous about spreading the gospel!!!!)

Takin' it to the Max...

....with a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY (I'm doing this post at 1:00 a.m. on Aug. 25) to Traci's #3 and my #14. Mighty Max is one year old today and the cutest little guy ever. Always happy...ready to rumble with the big guys. To sum up Traci's post, this little guy loves to swing, eat bananas, put things in boxes (and garbage cans; they have to watch him closely), loves to pester Jake, climb the stairs, watch Baby Einstein and to quote his mom...."...he's the sweetest little happiest baby ever..." and I agree. I get to see him again in a couple of weeks.

He just makes us smile. Happy Birthday, Max. You're awesome.....
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It's Lux's birthday today as well (my sister's grand-daughter). I'm wishing I had gotten them together for a picture when Traci was here.
Next best...here they are side by side....so cute. Happy Birthday, Lux and Max!!!!

Where did I go wrong....

....was it that I was just too lazy to cook them breakfast? It could have been that I don't like breakfast (so selfish of me)....but I really must give myself credit for good intentions. When the kids were young, we lived in Fresno....they were facing early morning seminary....I vowed to the "God's of Good Parenting" that I would cook them a hot breakfast when they started early morning seminary....we moved....never had early morning seminary....didn't have to keep my vows....

Should have recognized the problem when he went on his mission and he settled for the "imitation".....

Even had it for Thanksgiving one year. Yes, that is sad.......very sad.....

And it has come to this.....his award at graduation from medical school was, you guessed it....cereal. Everyone else got engraved silver bowls. He got a bowl alright, filled with cereal. He had been eating it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for nine....mind you.....nine years.

Intervention???? I think it's too late. Learn from me people.....give a little cold cereal....some mornings of the week.....just not every morning. I don't want this to happen to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ya must've been a beautiful baby....

....and now you have a beautiful baby.

Happy Birthday, Lauri. Twenty-eight years later and now I'm watching you raise Lucy and take care of James. You are an amazing person, beautiful inside and out and I hope you have a wonderful day with your family. (Note: Lauri's awesome cooking blog...clickity click HERE and for the latest on the Stewart household, clickity click HERE).

My favorite time of year....

....for sure! Even though it's been a great summer, I love the fall...the routine, knowing the kids are back to doing something worthwhile with their time and most of all, cooler weather and even though it's really not any cooler, just the thought yesterday that everyone was headed back to school made it seem cooler. Just wondering.....what's Spencer doing in this picture???? Um....first day of school is first day of school and it just doesn't look like he's headed in that direction.

I miss having some kids stand on my rock for their picture. I was about to grab some neighbor kids as they were passing by but didn't want to frighten them.

Hit it, Daddy.....

.....hollars Miller as he takes off on the boogie board and it was yet another accident-free and fun trip to Lake Powell compliments of Mason and Mandy and their generosity.

The Dad's are really good to let the kids have most of the fun.......

......but they do save some for themselves. Here they are on the tube.....

...and here they are off the tube......

We don't have to travel far from the houseboat to find adventure....

....but sometimes we do. We have found this sand cove and the kids have enjoyed playing and making castles while the older ones and the dad's challenge themselves to run to the top and speed down...7 or 8 times gets the ol' heart a pumpin'.....

....and ya can't be a kid without a little cliff-jumpin'.....especially with the biggest kids of all (dads) showing ya how.

Everyone got in on some tube action, from the littlest of kids to the biggest of girls (that's me!).

We've come to love our "star gazing" with Kyle's program on his Ipad. We find the satellites with his lasers then he can look them up on his gadget. Sounds nerdy but it's really fun and everyone can do it, from oldest to youngest. Guess it's kinda taken the place of Uno, Scum and Mormon Rook...but everyone joined in and had a great time.

As for me, I'm feelin' like my time is runnin' out and this old body isn't gonna take much more so I'm trying to get in as much livin' as I can....and this summer's been one big "good time"...surrounded by my family.

Me and my girls just floating in the Lake Powell scum.....Now we all gotta get back to work. A big "shout out" to my wee ones heading back to school with their tan lines and sunburned faces. You've been good to us, Summer 2011!!!!