Yes, in typical Aly fashion, it's been a while since I've posted. Just so much going on with all the kids home that I can hardly keep everything strait, including my own thoughts. This picture to the left is how I feel right now. But it's been a fun and adventurous couple of weeks.

I think the easiest way to catch you up would be to highlight just a few of the events of the last few weeks: (I'll post lots of pictures at the end)

* An overnight getaway to Heber to visit with Aunt Judy, Uncle Carl, their daughter Sarah, and her cute family (see Jones Family blog for more - her blog is one of the highlights of my day), and Aunt Mary and little Grace. We spent a few hours in the mountains where we had picnic lunches, rode the 4-wheelers, caught butterflies and just got really, really dirty (and wet, too). Oh, and our dog, Zac, swam for the first time. I suppose he didn't have much of a choice after Summer threw him in the water.

* The kids came home from a short walk with this frog the other night (see picture). Steve helped him find a good home in our neighbor's pond where he perched himself right on a lily pad. Crisis averted!

* Grandma Judy came for a visit and hung out with us for a while. We stole away kid-free a couple of times for a movie, the parade of homes, and a trip to some home decor stores. Since I always have a million projects going, I talked her into sewing a cute bedskirt for Summer's hawaiian/surf-themed room. Turned out cute, don't ya think? Thanks, mom!

* Parker attended a basketball day camp hosted by Utah Jazz player Matt Harpring. He loved it. He even won the free throw contest, winning himself a couple of tickets to a U of U basketball game. Hmmm... I wonder who he will take with him?

* Summer had a fantastic time at Girl Scout camp. She said she only cried once because she was homesick, and I think that's pretty brave for a 9-year old. She came home with lots of new friends and a cute manicure and pedicure as well. Can I go next year?

* I went up to Girls Camp with the YW for a couple of days. The fun activities and the good food (we had awesome camp directors) almost made up for the bad night's sleep in the tent with 6 other ladies. It was fun, though.

* We went boating the other day with our good friends, the McDougals. All the kids got in the water and tried either wakeboarding, kneeboarding, or tubing - even little Macy. When we got home, all we heard for days was that we need to get our own boat. My response: do YOU have $50,000???

* I celebrated my 36th birthday last week - ugh! It was actually a great day and I had lots of well-wishers who brought yummy goodies or cute little gifts. I have some really great friends and I love and appreciate each one of them! Kandis also cooked a homemade carrot cake (my favorite) and Daisy helped me blow out the candles.

Okay, so now I am looking forward to winding the summer down and getting back to school. The 3 older kids start on Monday and I have to admit that it will be nice to get back to a routine again. A crazy routine with soccer, softball, dance, music, preschool, etc. - but a routine nonetheless. And maybe, just maybe, I will have more time to blog. Then we all win :)

Macy was all smiles on the boat (fyi: we were docked for lunch, hence the no life jacket)

Summer wasn't sure if this was fun or torture

Parker's first time wakeboarding

Poppy and Parker

Sarah, Sterling and Becca

Summer and Zac

Sarah, Madison and Parker

Aunt Mary and Grace

My cousin's baby shower at the Grand America. Just had to add this :)