It's strange to see the back-to-school sales and fall clothing ... it seems that summer just barely started (especially since it was so late in getting here!). I continue in my quest for employment, and the search is getting a bit less fun all the time. BUT I have thoroughly enjoyed being home and having extra time with family - particularly the grandkids. I have also been working with a friend on a business, and that has been gathering steam.
So, in no particular order, here's a bit of my summer ...
We did some family pictures at the beautiful Garden Park Ward.
On the 4th, I once again went to Steph's for a bbq, followed by a walk to Sugarhouse Park for fireworks. Every year they have trouble raising the funds for fireworks, and unfortunately, this year it showed. But it was still a lot of fun.
I went out to dinner with Kris and Sterling for Sterling's birthday, though I didn't get any photos. Atticus was majorly crushing on our waitress. He would smile whenever she came by, and his eyes followed her wherever she went. Better watch out Mom and Dad!
Speaking of Atty, one of the benefits of being home is that I've been watching him a couple days a week while Kris works, and we've had a blast!
He's brushing his hair here. He LOVES to brush his hair, and gets quite perturbed if you take the hair brush away.
I've had a lot of fun with Kaiya and Teague too, going to their swim lessons and soccer games, and going for "play days" here and there. Here's Kaiya in some of Grammie's high heels during a recent sleepover.
And their new "dune racer" that they got in lieu of a trampoline (Mickel says a high percentage of injuries they see are tramp-related). Kaiya is a born driver! She acts like she's been doing it for years (and, apparently from this picture, she finds Teague's driving to be boring).
I also went on a hike with Steph and family to Stewart Falls up Provo Canyon. It was a great hike, and the falls were beautiful! We kept Teague going with a promise of playing in the snow once we got there. Unfortunately, you had to hike down a gully to get to the snow, and the Sharps didn't have time since they were going to a Real SL game.
The grayish shores are actually covered with snow, which is always fun to see in July.
Before the hike, we had lunch at Tarahumara in Midway. I had heard that it's one of the best Mexican restaurants in Utah. I will say that the salsa bar and especially the CHURROS (I still dream of them) were fantastic, and the rest of it was pretty darn good. Definitely worth a trip. The lunch was in celebration of Mickel finally being done with his residency. Yes, folks, he is a regular doctor now.
Kaiya and Teague were both on the same soccer team this time. It was Teague's first time, and he was definitely proud to be playing with the big kids! They both did great!
And finally - for now - we had a bbq at the home of my niece, Kara, last weekend. It's the first time I've seen their new house in Tooele, and it's absolutely fantastic, with amazing views of the Great Salt Lake. Kaiya was excited to spend time with Marina, and they spent some time playing dress-up. Teague and Nash more or less played with each other. It was fun to spend some time with them, and I just wish Kris and Sterling hadn't gotten sick that day.
Steph made her famous "Grasshopper" dessert, which was definitely a hit! I think all the kids (except Marina), as well as most of the grown-ups, had a second helping. I think Teague's and Nash's chocolate-covered faces verify how good it is! Mmmmm!
