So, our one trip to Utah this summer turned into three when Jeffrey's Aunt Judy passed away. Everything got re-shuffled, and we were gone a lot more than we had expected. Throw in our planned trips, and we were always gone. But, we had lots of fun along the way. Here are some of our favorite highlights.
We visited many spots around Boise for the first time. We went to Eagle Island State Park and Lucky Peak to play on sandy beaches. We visited Julia Davis Park and rode the paddle boats. We went miniature golfing and out to the movies. We spent Saturday mornings at the Farmer's Market downtown.
We celebrated the Fourth of July in the neighborhood: the girls rode their bikes in the community "parade," we swam at the pool, and enjoyed a barbecue with the Smiths.
We made many trips to the creek, including with Grandma and Grandpa. Mia participated in the Young Naturalists program and learned more about the ecology in our area.
We loved catching the Children's Dance Theater's performance at the Sandy Amphitheater We have gone the last four years, and it is always quite magical. My girls leave twirling and leaping their way to the car. Oh, my heart yearns for them to get to dance there themselves, but alas... we have to settle for our summer classes and performances when we are in Utah.
We also loved shopping at City Creek in downtown Salt Lake City.
This summer, we decided it was time to do some more hiking and get the girls out exploring more of the natural wonders around us. We took several hikes in the Boise foothills behind our community. While in Utah, we hiked up and toured Timpanogos Cave and then spent a morning hiking at Goblin Valley.
We also went on our first-ever camping trip. Overnight. In tents! And, we had FUN. Since neither Jeffrey nor I come from camping or outdoorsy families, there is a significant learning curve to be faced when it comes to camping. But, like skiing, we determined that we could not live in Idaho and not camp. We are easing our way into camping (after years of aquiring gear), and went for just one night up near Banks, Idaho. We set up a couple of tents and a canopy for shade. We cooked over the fire and on our camp stove. We hiked around and explored. We did art projects, read stories, and played cards. It turned out pretty well. Next year we may even go for two or three days. I know, that is the big time, right? It is out of our comfort zone, but I think it is a great opportunity for our kids.
I figure, we do not have to be the world's best campers; it does not even have to be our favorite thing to do, but we can provide our children with a diverse variety of experiences. This is a huge goal for me as a mother, to let my children explore a range of activities and visit a plethora of places, so that they can appreciate and enjoy many different types of experiences. I want them to grow up and appreciate the beauties of nature, the diversity of culture, the wonder of museums, the intrigue of fine arts. I want to take them to cultural events, amusement parks, historic sites, and religious points of interest. I want to help them learn to love many landscapes and do many things. And, camping is part of it all. Maybe not the biggest part for our family. Maybe not my favorite activity. But, one of many things we can explore and try together.
We went to Lake Powell and spent a week on the houseboat with Jeffrey's family, as we do every summer.
Then, we went to Park City and spent time hiking, enjoying the mountains, and swimming in the pool. We also went to This is the Place Park to have a pioneer experience.
At the end of summer, just a week after returning from the Lake Powell / Park City trip, and just before school started, I took the girls to the Oregon Coast. First, we spent two days visiting my dad's family in Vancouver, Washington. I have felt strongly that I wanted my girls to meet and remember my last living grandparent, my Grammy, Clarice Macdonald. I loved my grammy during my youth and remember crying when we would leave her home in California to return to Utah. I had not seen her for nearly 7 years since my grampy's funeral, and I wondered if with her memory failing she would even remember me. But, I was so glad that we went. It was a wonderful visit, full of many warm feelings and memories, and my girls just loved their "grammy."
Then, we drove to Agate Beach on the Oregon Coast with my mom. We had a relaxing few days just letting the girls play on the beach, visiting the light house and "cobble" beach, and going to the aquarium.
Then, we drove to Bend and met up with the Smiths at the High Desert Museum, which was a fabulous hand-on experience.
Finally, it was back to Boise for two days before school started, during which we managed to fit in a trip to the mall so Maggie could get her ears pierced.
Whew! It was a busy summer. Not what I had planned, but full of many fun times and memories. It was a good reminder that sometimes it is best to just let go and let life unfold, enjoying the experiences that come along the way.
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