Wrapping Up the Summer

Our summer was full of lots of various hikes and other activities that deserve mentioning. For example, both Austin and Emma took swimming lessons and were able to pass their class to qualify for the next level up. Emma loves to swim and is pretty good at it, and we were delighted that she was happy to jump off the diving board voluntarily after a week of learning. However swimming is a good deal more difficult for Austin, who impressed us with his efforts ultimate success.

It was fun to observe Venus glinting next to the moon one night in the middle of July. It is fun to have a father that follows and informs me of such things so we can also see them.

On August 18, Austin played in another piano recital. Since his piece was called "Noah's Arc," he dressed up as an animal...specifically a mouse...to go along with his piece.

Additionally, we went on a number of hikes. Waterfall Canyon, Adams Canyon, Davis Creek...

At the Waterfall in Waterfall Canyon

At Waterfall Canyon

Adams Canyon Waterfall

Nate was even able to come with us when we did the Davis Creek/Triumph Trail Loop. It made for a fun Labor Day hike.

I was fortunate enough to be able to go on one additional hike with my good friend's daughter. She needed someone to go on a ten mile hike with for her cross country assignment during the summer, and I was more than happy to do so! We headed up to Rudy's Flat for the occasion. It felt so refreshing to not be hiking with the usual chaos that often comes from hiking with younger children...

Rudy's Flat - a good camping area and the high point of the trail

Unfortunately, it was a smokey day, or else the view of the Bountiful Temple would have been better, as well as all the other views along our way.

Lucy did spot a gopher snake along the trail though, so we got a nice view of him.

And as we headed out of summer and into September, we celebrated September birthdays in the family, including Nate's.

There were lots of other summer activities here and there too...from swimming to going to play at the park. It was a good summer, though a challenging one as we have figured out and adjusted to the changes in our family.