House O' Sullivans

We've had a loaded week.  Sunday we had our dear friends over--Bethany and Andy and their 3 girls.  We usually only see them once a year, since they live in Virginia right now, but it is always magical.  An amazing dinner and conversation punctuated by a wind storm and wild rain ended with a sun-shower (the term I give to rain when it's sunny overhead) and a triple rainbow.  We migrated onto the garage roof for a better look at the magic. Monday we celebrated Izzy's birthday with all the cousins at Liberty Park with a picnic, splashing in the water feature, and an evening concert (Indian dancing and Afghani music).  Tuesday we spent the afternoon and evening up Millcreek Canyon with the amazing ladies from my book club (an education discussion group) and their families. Wednesday the kids and I dressed up in our pioneer get-ups, picked up Grandma White, and drove up Emigration Canyon, retracing the path the pioneers took entering the valley.  We...

Last week we spent some quality time up American Fork Canyon with the cousins.  Karen reserved two campsites at Granite Flat Campground where we were joined by Mary and Phil and their herd.  Kristen's two oldest, Ruthie and Zoe, came too.  I was so impressed with the older cousins--Gretha, Anni, Ruthie, and Zoe.  The younger kids mobbed them constantly and they were so patient and kind, coming up with endless games, fun activities, and "pony rides" for the littler ones.  We stayed the majority of the week and there was no fighting or arguing, just peaceful fun--quite the feat for 14 kids.  The campsites that Karen picked out were perfect--close to streams and a small river for exploring, and distanced away from the rest of the campground. Zeke, lounging near the fire pit.  Notice the layers of dust and dirt.  The kids were filthy, despite spending so much time playing in the nearby reservoirs and our nightly "baths." Sophie, stirring so...