Summertime...when the livin' is easy

Once again, it's catchup time! I can't let summer go by without singing it's praises...

We had a joyful, rejuvenating summer. Like most summers, it has faded into autumn all too soon. Although, I am actually a huge fan of autumn. I love the change of the seasons.

Mostly we stayed at home, relaxed, did some organizing, prepping for the new school year, some nice local field trips with friends. We started a discussion group about applying constitutional principles of liberty in our local community. That was a little (a lot!) outside our comfort zone, but a big growth experience for us and something we've wanted to begin for awhile. I really believe Edmund Burke's words to be true that "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Which to me means that doing something, however small, is better than nothing!


We had one big trip east to visit a lot of family, which was full of so many sweet memories. I treasure these visits so much, and looking back at the pictures only makes me miss everyone all the more. We ache for more quality time with them like we had.

Looking back, it was probably our best family vacation yet. Not because of anything spectacular we did, though we did some pretty awesome things together, but more because of the quality of relationship building time and restfulness we had together, both with extended family and as a nuclear family. Amazingly, we were able to completely let go of a set agenda or schedule and pretty much play the entire trip completely by ear, as the spirit directed us. What a gift that was to totally live in the present for nearly two weeks!! Ahhh...that might be something we need to apply more to our daily life  :)

Here's the highlights...

Christian was an incredible traveler. He loved the finger puppet shows and performed some of his own! The rest of the kids just read peacefully and enjoyed all the scenery. I think we like car trips in our family!

The whole Hill clan!! We held our family reunion at Heise Hot Springs near Rexburg, ID.  How I lucked out to become part of this amazing family I have no idea...I am just so grateful to be connected to each of these wonderful people!!

Hanging out with Great Grandma Hill; anticipating cousins' arrival. Great Grandma and Grandpa were great sports hanging out with us while all the kids played in the water. They are such cheerful, good people. It was wonderful having them there.

Meeting Steve and Jolyn's sweet new addition!!

Dad shared an awesome story from family history for our Family Talent show. He has a gift for storytelling!

Julianne orchestrated the "Chin People" Show with various cousins and uncles - it was hilarious!!

We found several monarch caterpillars in the backyard. We put them in a jar that Grandpa prepped for us. It was special to watch them transform during our visit!

My first personal encounter with milkweed. It sure is aptly named. They really oozed milk! The caterpillars razed the leaves with incredible voracity!

You can already see the growth of the caterpillars after a few days. You can see one of the Chrysalises at the top and another trying to form one. Mesmerizing!

It was so fun to have James' family staying at Mom and Dad's with us. The kids adored playing with Koda!

Natalie right in her element. Amazing to me considering she used to be so afraid of dogs!

Hooray for cousins!!

Hmm, what do you think I should do with this dirt??

Me and my baby.

Nothing is sweeter than treats at Grandma's! (except maybe hugs)

Nate squeezed in some long awaited volleyball time with nephews

We took turns riding a neighbors' horse, with Kevin at the lead. It was a first for several of our kids! I love how the cow is looking on. Is this heaven or what?!

Nate was a natural!

Nate and I went on a date to the beautiful Rexburg Temple. We were asked to be the witness couple, which was special for us because that happened the day he proposed to me so many years ago (ten almost!)

Lucas at the top of the Sled Shed wall! After a yummy all-you-can-eat pizza dinner, we spent a nice long time climbing with Charles and Kristin and Joe and Stephanie. Kristin especially wowed us with her climbing prowess!

Always hard to leave. But, it's not really goodbye, just see you again soon!!

We had such a fun Fourth of July celebration with my sister's family in Utah. She made it so special for the kids.

The magic spark of sparklers!

Not sure which is more 'on fire' - the sparkler or N's face!

Human limbo stick. Not hard to see why Drew became an instant favorite uncle.

Sharing the light!

All that fresh water was so refreshing! The drought doesn't seem to have touched Utah!

      The next day, we hiked up to Bridle veil falls with April and Eric and Katie and Drew. All of that fresh spring water

We had an awesome visit on BYU campus with our favorite newlyweds :)

Hallway races! No tattling to campus security on us, okay? :)

Oh ESC, we love thee. Some things not only never change, they get better with time!

Some beautiful leaves on campus. BYU always has such beautiful landscaping!

We missed Grandpa Holloman (AKA Boopah) who was undergoing surgery far away, which delayed his move to Idaho as planned. So we found a fun way to let him know we were with him in spirit.

I can't believe all that covered the only first half of our trip! Since our original plan to go on to Boise and see my dad changed, we decided to make our way south and fulfill a family dream, in true 'flying by the seat of our pants' form.  It was wonderful. Stay tuned for part 2...