A Random Sat. Fall Activity & Random Sat. #

We're both busy bees on Saturdays.. and I'm sure our Saturdays have all been fun & eventful. However, some of these pictures are definitely blog worthy, especially these graceful, adventurous hike shots. 4 JJ... ;)

Here are some random pictures of a fun camping trip & Mt. Timp. hike in American Fork canyon. We were lucky to squeeze in one last trip before old man winter showed up.

Some of us are more experienced hikers and not afraid of straying off course slightly... while I hugged the side of the mountain, Amy entertained me by trying new avenues, going where most people have not gone before. A true pioneer, venturing out on unknown trails and viewing the sites from all sides. Glad we both made it down safely, without even a scratch.

Lots of fun camping & hiking in this beautiful, colorful canyon.

Saturday #? Aug 27-29 Surviving The Wild Wilderness

Here we are at Payson Lakes, The Happy Campers. Despite the thunder & lightening, assembling the tent in a down pour, and the arrest and ambulance in the campsite next door, we had a wonderful time in the beautiful wilderness (wilderness w/ amenities).

Now.. you may or may not be asking yourself... "What do they like most about camping?" For me.. it's the food, the outdoor smells, blazing fires, toasty marshmallows, & star gazing.. + camping with some pretty great campers.


The Happy Campers
Jen
Amy
Samantha
Terri



















CAMPING HIGHLIGHTS & misc. photos of...

"52Saturdays" is now an approved word in Scrabble... a favorite game of the Happy Campers

A beautiful tent (Thanks Brian & Janelle!)

Samantha's first time Kayaking.

Amy and Terri strategically loaded these kayaks. Well done ladies!

Jen pretending to know how to fly fish...

Amy is a gourmet cook! Check out our fabulous stuffed mushrooms & sausage dish, + dinner roast & yummy potatoes. It was delicious! Smores for dessert.

Ducks at the lake - no, they were not included in our dinner.. or were they?

Amy & Terri kayaking.

Needless to say, I dreamed of stuffed mushrooms & smores days after our loverly trip.

Thanks ladies for a wonderful time!

#20-July 24 once again... Garden of Eden

Once again I ventured to Eden for another get-away.. this time my family join me and we had a blast!

Swimming, hot tubbing, fishing, more swimming, games every night until 2-3 a.m. (my new favorites.. Ticket To Ride Europe & Settlers of Catan), boondoggle keychains, did I mention swimming, and movies.. remember the antics of Pippi Longstocking - I'm amazed at how funny they are.. funny for other reasons at this age.. hilarious!

And last but not least... our "hootenanny" breakfast that nearly burned the place down... but it was worth every bite, delicious!
I'm sure the neighbors didn't mind the fire alarm and smoke.

Lucy Golfing

#18-July 10th What's A Birdie?

I was politely asked to compete in our company's annual Golf game this year...

Sort of flattered by the request and expecting a bow and complimentary cool drink to go along with the invite, nope.

Hmm, do I look like I golf?

"Free shirt & breakfast?"
"Yes.. I'd love to play, thank you."

Maybe I can fake it?

Our team.. Yasue, Jina, and Katy.



Notice how I'm holding this club.. "Swing batter, batter....?"




Knees bent, eye on the ball ladies.

In a couple spots we threw your balls on the green to help speed up the game... because some people get a little impatient waiting to begin a hole - especially when the line is really backed up.



How did we do? Dead last.. but it was a success to me, my stomach hurt from laughing & I had fun!
Next step: CC ed. golf class.

I kept thinking of this I Love Lucy episode - yep, this was comparable.

#20 July 24 Pioneer Heritage

July 24th is a holiday celebrating Utah's pioneer heritage. There's a parade in Salt Lake City, a rodeo, fireworks, all sorts of fun celebrations. What did I do to celebrate? Nothing, really.

But, I did have fun spending time with my mom. We spent Saturday shopping which is something we haven't done together in a very long time.

Later that evening we all went to Brian and Janelle's house to enjoy their new hot tub. It was fun, believe me. But sorry...no pictures! (Your welcome Janelle!)

#19 July 17 110 in the Shade

The highlight of this Saturday was going to see "110 in the Shade" at the Hale Center Theater in Orem. The performance was amazing! I'm in awe at the amount of talent and the quality of the production! They even made it rain on stage--how cool is that?

I really enjoyed the performance...with maybe the exception of the song Lizzie sings about being an Old Maid. Yeah, the subject matter hit a little too close to home.

Thanks Samantha for the recommendation and thanks Jennifer for getting the tickets. It was definitely a fun thing to do!

#18 July 10 Steel Days Fun

It was American Fork Steel Days this weekend. Don't you just love summer?

The day started early with a 5K...

Terri, Chelsea and I ran the Bob Phelps Memorial 5K, which was pretty fun. Although this 6 year old tried to pass me up a the finish line.

After the race it was a quick dash home to get ready for the parade. I love a good parade--sitting with friends, family and neighbors watching the police motorcycles drive by, the grand marshal waving from a classic old car, marching bands marching, fancy floats with pretty princesses, and kids running into the street trying to get the candy being thrown to the crowd--yup, a good parade.

My favorite entry in the parade was the Families Supporting Adoption trailer. Hooray for adoption! And hooray for Brian, Janelle, and Lauren who walked the parade with FSA and Lauren's birth grandmother, Maureen. They gave out Otter Pops--SWEET!

#17 July 3 Celebrating Freedom

So the big news this weekend is that my best friends are finally home! Hooray! Technically my parents arrived in SLC on Friday, but it was Saturday in the Philippines. They've been in the Philippines for the past three years as missionaries for our Church.

I'm thrilled they're finally home, so I'm going to count it towards my Saturday of Fun! Besides, the rest of the weekend wouldn't nearly have been as much fun if they weren't home. Here they are...



















Nearly all my siblings and their families were in town for my parents homecoming--which was perfectly timed to celebrate the 4th of July. Of course, there had to be fireworks! So I hosted Amy's traditional 4th of July Sidewalk Spectacular Fireworks display.

Here are the spectators...



























Are you ready? Here's the show...












Ohhh....awwww...wow!
It was pretty spectacular this year. Especially the finale. You're invited to see the real thing, live and in person next year!