July 16-31 Summer is FLYING by :(

July 16th, Today I was starting to have my doubts. Looking around my clean house (Thanks again to Tonja) and realizing just how nice it is here. We love our neighbors, friends are close, kids enjoy their sports teams, and I have my preschool established. I started to wonder just why are we trying so hard to make this farm work? When my friend Amy took me down to the farm and helped clear my head. This is the house causing all the stress. I can't even show you the inside because it is so gross and has so much work to be done.

But when I go down to the farm and just stand outside and looking North I see the beautiful Timpanogus Mountains then South the rather merky Utah Lake then green fields on both East and West. Then I walk in the musky arena and through the bird pooey horse stall barn and then into the hay barn I begin fantasizing about my kids swinging from the rafters on a big rope swing that lands in a hay stack. That is when all my doubts are immediately erased! We want this farm like crazy.

July 17th, Today was the kids 3rd swim meet again I just can't tell you how much fun they are to watch. I have got the kids racing races closer together so we start at 5:00 and are done by 7:00 instead of 9:00 so that even makes it better. Bowdee Townsend 3:38.44 200 IM 1st, 47.45 50 Back 2nd, 1:57.56 100 Fly 1st, Matia Townsend 1:38.65 100 Free 1st, 57.47 50 Back 7th, 2:02.22 100 IM 1st, Treg Townsend 2:04.16 100 Free 1st, 1:04.23 50 Back 3rd, 2:32.04 100 IM 2nd.

July 18th, Today was the day that all the work we have been doing in the basement for the last 7 years paid off. We were able to get carpet laid in the basement today. Ya we have a bathroom and one bedroom not finished but WOW it looks amazing. It is so fun to see it all coming together. It will even be funner to watch the furniture be put in and the kids start to play down there. What a fun day!

July 19th, We decided to take a break and go play at Seven Peaks in Provo. So we called the Callaways and they were game so away we went. Treg and Bode always have a great time together, Matia and Daisy are great together most of the time, then Bowdee, Adi, and Annie have all been such GREAT friends since kindergarten. Its crazy to think they will be going into Jr. High.

So on our way home I asked them what they were going to do after High School. Adi says "Become a Dr. because I hate math, then I can buy my mom a beach house." Annie is bouncing off her seat waiting for her turn and says "I am going to marry me a rich man, so I never have to work a day of my life, ya I will go to college but just to find a rich man!" Bowdee says "I am going to get a scholarship to the UofU hopefully, then continue on to become a doctor or dentist." It's such a blessing to have such great friends in each others life!

July 21st, Terry and I woke up early to go race in our Bob Phelps Steel Days 5k. We started this 2 years ago and now it seems we do it every year. This is also my dads birthday so I decided I was going to do my best for my dad this year. We also ran it with Terry's friend Greg, I heard his last race he completed in just over 27 min so I figured if I can just stick with him maybe I will impress myself. So I did that and we finished at 27.35 (6th) which is my fastest time ever. Thanks Greg! Terry did it in 25.25 (9th) I wish I could keep up with him!

Then I hustled home to get the kids for their 1/2 mile fun run. The got off to such a good start we didn't even get them starting. They all amazed me how fast they completed it. Bowdee was 4.19 and took 3rd, Matia's time was 4.50 and took 3rd, Treg's time was 5:10 and he probably took 4th. Bowdee and Matia were way excited for their trophies, and we also won some goggles and head phones! I love what we are teaching our kids by doing this every year together.

After the races we went home and packed to go to Strawberry in the trailer to do a little fishing. Bowdee had to pick up his equipment so we had to wait until 4:00 which was pretty sad but we finally made it up there and found Troy and Jolynn at about 7:00. Terry and I went out and did a little fishing in the dark, Terry caught 2 which one was a keeper. I just had fun taking pictures and casting my line out.

In the morning we packed up the trailer said goodbye to Terrys friends that run the campground and then headed to the Ladders to see if the fishing was any better. It wasn't much better and they rain would come in and then go away and repeat. CRAZY. The kids loved playing around on Terry's new pontoon boat and Bowdee was the best snag releaser we have ever found!

July 26th, This week has been football tryouts for Bowdee. He is excited to start playing tackle football again. He really gave it his all at practice and it was fun to watch him sweat his guts out. Last night the A Team coach called Bowdee to let him know they were excited to have him on their team again. So most likely he will be playing start center again, but we will have to see. I feel football in the air and smell it in my garage! Can't say I love the stinky gear that comes with the game. Bowdee is so excited to be on the same team.

July 27th, Terry had to be to the Timpanogus hospital at 6:00 in the morning to have a colonoscopy. We figured there is so much cancer in his family that it would just be better safe then sorry. So I took him in I tell you what this prep just about killed him, he loves his snacks and to miss out on that and be deep cleaning his body was just not fun. He did great though got a A+ for best attitude and sweetness. The Dr. did find 2 polyps that they removed to have diagnosed but didn't look threatening.

We came home at 9:30 and Bowdee had mowed the lawn cleaned the kitchen and made us a pancake and sausage breakfast because he figured dad would be starving. What a sweet boy! And Matia has been so sweet to take care of her dad and she wanted to eat just what he could eat so he wouldn't feel bad. Treg was another sweet boy just the way he would hug Terry because he knew he was hungry but couldn't eat. Many I love my kids!

This photo was taken on July 23, 2005 and that was the last time we have been to Bear Lake with our family. So we decided it was time to go again since none of our kids really remember that trip. We are also considering selling our boat if we get the farm so that we can get spend the money from the boat to make the farm how we would like it to be.

So we left Saturday morning around 7:00 and got to our campsite at South Eden number 15 to check in then head to the boat ramp. The boat ramp was so shallow we had to back the truck way into the water. But once we got in the water and boating around we had a great time. We didn't get much wakeboarding in due to the constant breeze but we did get a few hours.

We mostly spent our day snorkeling, drifting, relaxing and enjoying the crisp clean blue water. Matia loved the snorkeling we saw a few big carp and cool rocks on the bottom of the lake. Treg loved tubbing until Terry took it a little too hard on him and threw him off the tub hurting his arms. Bowdee loved everything of course, wakeboarding, snorkeling, and tubing like a crazy man. We had a great day on the lake.

Then we headed back to camp to make dinner. Our camp was so dry and sunny that we didn't enjoy this part as much. But the kids climbed in the boat and watched a movie while Terry and I just visited with each other. As we sat there 2 momma deer came down out off the mountain and 3 fawns came calling after them. It was so cute to watch them just meander down to the alfalfa fields.

That night the kids slept in the boat under the stars and Terry and I slept in the back of the truck. It would have been perfect if the wind would have been a gentle breeze to the north. Instead it blew like crazy keeping us up deep into the night. I was just thankful there was no rain. Now that would have been crazy since we didn't take a tent to retreat to.

The next morning Terry made a quick breakfast we packed up and headed back to the lake just as fast as we could. We figured time spent on the lake was better then time spent by the stinky latrine. Then we took a drive to the North end of the lake to check it out. It was a long drive and half way there we all got a crazy strong smell of fish. I told the kids we must have just driven over the bear lake monster.

We just had fun playing together until the rain clouds started threatening us around 2:30 and we decided it would be better to leave a couple hours earlier then 15 minutes too late. On our way home I had a flash back to my childhood and figured I might share it. It was hot and our AC stopped working in our truck so we had to roll down the windows. We don't do that often enough in our family these days. I remember never having AC and the windows was the only relief we had on hot days. I missed my hair blowing into my eyes and stuff blowing out the windows. Silly how things take you back.

July 31st, This was the kids last swim meet of the summer. I am kinda sad to see that it is already over but the kids are excited to have a break. Treg beat everyone of his previous best times, so way to go Treg. You have gotten so much better this year. My sister Kathy was up from Cedar City so her and my mom stopped by to watch them each swim. It was so fun to have them there supporting my kids. Thanks Kate I know you had so many other things to do but it was fun!

July 2-15 2nd Month of Summer

July 2nd, I just can't believe it is the 2nd month of summer already! But here we go Monday I had a dental appointment then I spent the rest of the day cleaning unpacking and packing to go camping at Gooseberry for the 4th of July like we always do. When Terry came home we spent the night welding the trailer trying to fix it. I LOVE MY TRAILER! We also found out that the contract on the home fell through and they were most likely going to accept our counter offer.

July 3rd, They accepted our offer!!! So this means we have to sign the papers and then financing... They had 3 other offers so we feel privileged that they accepted ours. Then at 3:15 it was time to go work the swim meet. So away I went and Terry brought the kids at 4:30. They all swam really good... Bowdee took 1st in 200 IM at 3:28.72, 2nd in Boys 50 Back at 46.29, 1st in 100 Fly at 1:52.26. Matia took 1st in 100 Freestyle

July 4th, I am so sad with all the wild fires around lately we have decided to bag the Gooseberry camping trip because they will not allow campfires in undeveloped campgrounds. So today we instead finished fixing the trailer, Finished the tile in basement, mom and dad C. took the kids to watch Chimpanzee, and then we went to some friends to watch the Thanksgiving Fireworks. So not really the 4th of July like I enjoy but it was ok.

July 5th, Its official we are under contract with all the papers signed for the farm. We have until the 30th to back out due to water or arena issues, then till Aug. 15th to close. We are so excited we just hope everything works out like we hope. There is so much for me to learn about with the irrigation, well water rights, arena building ordinances, and inspections but if this is meant to be I really believe everything will turn out ok.

July 7th, Since we were unable to go to Gooseberry we made reservations with the Garricks to camp at Timpanokee Campground so we could enjoy a fire. They only had one night available so we went up Saturday and came home Sunday. It was a good time just sitting by the campfire talking and watching the kids all play and eat smores! The camping was beautiful and it was close enough that we decided to hit the lake Sunday afternoon.

So we went to Utah lake and it was pretty crazy because the line wasn't going anywhere when we went to put in... Come to find out some guy backed his nice truck into the lake and it was sitting on the ramp completely under water. This was their second time taking out their NICE boat and they messed up their truck and trailer. Crazy people. But we had a perfect day on the lake with no complaining at all!

July 9th we woke up early because today is the day Bowdee left for his first week long trip away from home. He went to boys scout camp until Saturday. I am not sure how I feel about this I almost wanted to climb in his bag just in case he needed me while he was gone. I know he will have fun but its just such a long time. He has such great leaders that I am really not worried about him but I will just miss the crap out of him. Terry took a 1/2 day off work to drive the trailer and some of the boys to the camp.

July 12th, Every year Terry and Troy go on a boys trip for a few days and this year they decided to leave today and take the trailer to Strawberry to do a little fishing. It is suppose to be a wet rainy weekend and no campfires unless in a designated campsite so that is why they chose Strawberry. They had a good time playing on their new pantoons. The skies would clear out for a little then rain again.

They said the fishing was really bad! This was about the extent of their catch. Troy was really proud of this one. It was so big he had a hard time fighting it to shore... :)

The thing with these 2 boys they sure know how to have a good time no matter what they are doing. Whether the fishing is good or not so good they will find something to keep them occupied.

While they were gone me and my girls went to work. Tonja came down for almost the whole week to help me sort through my junk and put on a yard sale to get rid of alot of extra stuff I have accumulated through the 9 years we have been at this house. It was alot of work and without her and Hollys help I could have never done it. We cleaned out the whole basement to get ready to carpet it and possibly move.

Tonja is simply amazing! This is her, anything for a silly photo, she is puffing on a fake cig actin like WT at our yard sale just to make me laugh! She has 5 kids and she is always there for me no matter when or where. She is always upbeat and such a hard worker. I don't think I have ever heard her complain about anything. I Love this girl like crazy! Thank you Tonja for helping me keep my head together this weekend.

After 2 long days of yard sales and it was all said and done all the junk cleaned up and gone to DI. We sat down to count all the cash we had made. I came out $1200 ahead which really isn't bad for stuff that has just been sitting around in my basement and attic. I tell you what though I have really learned that I am only going to buy the stuff I REALLY NEED! I am done with EXTRA!

Tonja even took me up for a quick visit to the man I love most. I know I am not allowed on "Boys Weekends" but I just missed my boy so bad and it was just too tempting to just accidentally drop in for a quick kiss and hug. Of course I knew Troy wouldn't mind. We had planned to play some cards but... the boys were just too tired so we visited for just a second and then left. See this girl would do anything for me! I hope she knows if the tables were turned I would be there for her as well.

July 15th after a weekend of mostly work and no play I was not about to make dinner. So I took the kids to Ihop with a certificate given to us by another dear friend. The kids have never been there and they really enjoyed it. Then we redboxed the John Carter movie, got some movie treats, got in our "Ta-Stays", and cuddled up to a good movie. Now that is how we like to work,work,work,relaaaxxx. When you finally get to the relaxing it feels just so GREAT!

June 22-July 1st California Beach House Vacation

July 22nd Terry got off work a little early and we headed down to Mesquite as excited as can be. We got there and it was super hot so we immediately headed down to the pool and swam for the next 2 hours. We all had fun. The kids loved having chicken fights and doing the things that are not safe enough to do around lifeguards. It was a long drive but the kids are such a great age it made it super easy to just relax and enjoy the drive.

June 23rd we drove and drove and drove and finally ended up at our destination. A beach house just one house away from the Newport beach on Balboa Drive. We couldn't believe it this is the house we were going to stay in for 7 full days and nights. We quickly unloaded our vehicles, went grocery shopping and we were ready for a week of pure fun. We planned to go to Sea World or Disneyland if things got boring at the beach. But I am telling you right now you won't see any of that on this vacation. Just alot of sun, sand, surfing and smiles.

I don't know if I mentioned it but this vacation is Terry's 40th birthday celebration. Terry just loves surfing he has always had a passion for the ocean. And of course any kind of board under his feet that provides a challenge puts a smile on his face. Terry and Troy are like a package deal you can't have one without loving the other. So here they are the two brothers that I have loved watching them enjoy so much of the same things. Two brothers + one ocean = 2 BIG SMILES! Love these boys!

As soon as we were unpacked and ready for the week we hit the beach and we had so much fun surfing, body boarding, and playing in the sand. I of course had the most fun just watching all the kids playing together without arguing and working together. That is always a mothers favorite part. It was hard to leave the beach that night to go back to the house for dinner. But just a 1 minute walk made it easier because we could always come back if we wanted.

June 24th the big boys woke up early to hit the morning surf. Me and the kids however, felt it was necessary to stay in bed and sleep just a little longer. After a while the boys came back and made us breakfast then we all headed to the beach for day full of beach! All day long we would just take little trips back to the house for this or that. Then back to the beach until sunset it was simply perfect.

Have I ever mentioned how much I just love this man? I love him to death and we just have so much fun together. He is so organized, smart, silly, and cute all at the same time. And he also knows how to put up with me and my semi-crazy attitudes that I might get from time to time. Happy Birthday Loverboy!

I also must say good ol' Kaye and Chuck sure did something right when they raised these boys because they are the best fathers I know. Both Terry and Troy take parenting to a whole new level. They both find it important to teach their kids to have fun but to work hard when they need to. They don't just let their kids get away with everything because its the easy way out. And they both take the extra energy it takes to play and teach their kids.

July 25th Treg has been wanting to go early morning surfing with the boys. So last night he went to be before anyone else so he could wake up earlier then everyone! So we wet suited up and away we headed to the beach. I was there to take photos and watch my cute boys play. Treg had a good time but after a few times he found it funner to play in the sand.. The water was a little to cold without the sun to warm him back up.

We had to take a few family photos just for the heck of it which I have to say I really like how they turned out.

The highlight of Tregs trip was when he found this sand dollar in the sand. I could not believe it. I have been looking for one of those every time I go near a beach for 30 years now and have never found one. Well I think I found one when I was about his same age when we visited grandma up in Washington state but since then I have never seen a real one. So I explained to him how magical that really was.

June 26th we took a trip all the way down Balboa Avenue to Newport beach. It was just fun to shop the shops for fun souvenirs and watch all the fun boats go by. We again took some family photos on this cool tree on the way to the beach.

Then we took a little walk down the pier and Uncle Troy bought everyone ice cream cones. But by the time they got to Troys cone it was so soft it ended up melting right off his cone before we could take the photo... Dang now that was one soft cone! We did have fun watching the skim boarders and the fun beach activities.

Another one of my favorite family photos. Its a good thing Troy was there to be our photographer so we didn't have to keep setting up the timer and running back to smile. Man that can be embarrassing in a place like this.

But look at this group of smiles. Man I love all these people like crazy. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I am Troys girls Aunt not mother. But I sure love them and I hope they know that. This trip just wouldn't be the same without everyone here.

June 27th took the day and drove to Laguna and beached at Woods Cove to do a little snorkeling and exploring the tide pools. We climbed along the rocks and had fun exploring all the little creatures of the sea.

Then we all got our wetsuits on except Treg didn't want to so he snorkeled for a little without his wetsuit but just got too cold and went back to the beach to play with Troys girls while we explored the bigger creatures of the sea.

Bowdee's highlight of the trip was when we saw these Tiger Sharks when we were snorkeling. It was crazy the biggest one we saw was the size of Terry's leg and it started swimming right toward Bowdee. That gave his heart a good shock then a nice relief when it swam past him. But he was able to capture this great photo before it swam away.

June 28th Terry's highlight of this trip was all the early morning surf sessions him and his boys got in. He just loves to go out there for hours and try and try to catch those waves. He did catch a few good ones which kept him coming back for more and more. I went a few times with him but I had more fun taking the photos and recording their surf session.

I got better photos then this of him surfing but, this one shows his smile the best. You can really tell he is having the time of his life!

We went to Costco and they had these foam boards there that were big and perfect for me and the kids to learn on. So just for $100 bucks each we got one and Troy got one to let the kids have some fun on them. This is a great shot of Bowdee having some fun in the weee morning hours.

After the last 2 days of traveling to other beaches we felt the need to stay back at our beach and have some more relaxing fun. So sandcastle competitions began... Boys against the girls this is what they boys came up with...

This is what the girls came up with... I still can't decide the winners so you can be the judges. I guess all that really matters is that both teams had fun working together to create something so special and temporary!!! I always have a hard time watching them wash away. :(

So we go the surf boards for the kids to learn on.. Then I hired the 2 hottest surf instructors there were... :) Then off to the races they went.

Matia's highlight of the trip was "seeing the dolphins and surfing". Matia wanted to be first so here she is tearing it up. She went for quite a while and when her lesson was up there was this cute boy who came running up to her asking her what her name was. He kept following her around saying your a pretty good surfer. Then he was body boarding by her. She was so embarrassed she would just keep quite but pretty interested in him as well. So silly!

Next it was Tregs lesson turn and of course this was his second time surfing since he took an early morning session with his dad a few days earlier. So he picked up on it pretty quickly and would ride all the way into the sand.

Then Bowdee was last and he pretty much just took words of advice from my hot instructor and away he went. They all loved the new surf board and found it pretty easy yet challenging to get up.

We spent the day again playing on the beach and having a good time. We even went to Huntington to walk around a little street shopping they had set up. I think we were all tired and a little sad to know that our fun trip was almost over...

The last night on the beach we had a little photo session in front of the setting sun. It was fun to make the moment last a little longer. We were all so sad to know tomorrow we would be leaving this beautiful place and going back to reality!

This was the boys endless summer photo... Pretty cute huh!

We packed up and left the house by 11:00 :( so sad! We drove and drove and drove until we hit Mesquite and we just couldn't drive any more. So we booked a hotel room and the kids hit the pool while I was perfectly happy to sit next to the AC reading a book. When I went out for pizza this is the reason I was so happy to sit in the hotel... I MELT in the HEAT and have been known to become irrational. So as quick as I could I headed back to the hotel... If I had known it was that hot I would have ordered delivery!

And that my friends will sum up the events of the best beach vacation we have ever had. Thank you Terry and Troy for making it such a fun time for me and the kids. It was a vacation I know we will never forget "The Most Perfect Beach Vacation Ever"