July 2020

UTAH TAKE 2

We weren't planning on taking another trip up to Utah this summer, but when the governor shut down the state again (including all gyms and pools), we knew we needed to get out of the heat for a bit. With the temperature being between 110-115 everyday and no place to go, we felt like we were on house arrest.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

I got to see my good friend and old roommate Shauntai. 

We had a fabulous girl's night out. We watched The Man from Snowy River. It was a big hit with the older crowd, but teen girls didn't like it as much. 

Grandpa snuggles.

Playing with cousins!

Nathan was excited that our trip overlapped with the Cranneys so he could see Christian. 

Audrey had fun picking Silver berries with Levi.

The Cranneys tried to convince Nathan to join their pipe band.

PROVO RIVER FALLS

In all my years of living in Provo, I can't believe that I never visited this beautiful waterfall. 

The falls were definitely worth the drive. The kids had so much fun playing in the water. 

FUN AT THE CABIN

Brooklyn was excited to find tiger dress up so she could be Roary's mommy tiger.

Brooklyn spent her nap one day trying on mom's make up. She also got into my clothes and tried dressing up like mom.

Brooklyn and Audrey had fun pushing each other on the disc swing.

The 2 cutest tether ball players I've ever seen.

Brooklyn really liked playing with Grandma's Little People.

The girls decided to dress up like Dufflepuds from The Chronicles of Narnia.

HOLD TO THE ROD

The black handrail made the perfect prop for our iron rod Primary lesson. Grandma and Grandpa were the perfect Lehi and Sariah. The passed out sweet, white fruit (marshmallows) to their grandkids as they made their way to the "Tree of life."

They had to all pass through the mist of darkness on their way.

Rachel, Stephen, and Dean mocked everyone from the "great and spacious building."

SOUTH FORK

Audrey loves climbing trees!

We had a nice picnic while the kids played in the shallow, slow moving water.

PROVO CANYON

Upper falls

There are many small hikes near the cabin. The kids liked hiking the 3 bear's trail, but I enjoyed hiking along the river to beautiful, secluded spots such as this one.

The older kids and I had fun rafting down the Provo river.

My Dad planted these beautiful wildflowers near the cabin. 

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Donaldson family fireworks

Throwing snaps

Despite having a hurt shoulder, my mom still helped direct a delicious 4th of July meal.

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS

Visiting the falls with the Cranneys.

Sister Selfie

HOME AGAIN

You can tell that Audrey really wants us to get a dog. We were seriously considering it until we looked at the costs involved and decided that the kids would have to wait until after dental school for us to get one.

Audrey made a life jacket for Roary to go swimming.

Audrey having fun playing with her friend Daphne. 

Audrey with the sticker pox.

Brooklyn dressing up like her mom.

My cute little pioneers on Pioneer day.

June 2020

 HURRICANE HARBOR

Brooklyn and Audrey having a snack break at Hurricane Harbor. We enjoyed it for the week it was open before our Governor decided to shut down all waterparks and gyms due to Covid-19 concerns. 

FATHER'S DAY!

Jared enjoyed celebrating the day with his sweet kids. They gave him is favorite Australian black licorice and ginger beer.

THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER

This amazing toaster was a wedding gift that lasted 18 years. Unfortunately, Phillips no longer makes toasters so we couldn't replace it with another one just like it.

SWIM LESSONS

Audrey and Brook were able to get 2 weeks of private swim lessons until the teacher's brother came down with COVID. Audrey was almost swimming across the pool on her own before the lessons ended.

Brooklyn had a really hard time at first, but had learned to not cry and get more comfortable in the water. Their teacher is going on a mission, so we hope we can find another great teacher for next summer. 

HOME CHURCH

Audrey and Brooklyn acted out things that missionaries do (knock on doors, teach people, pray, etc.) while we sang "I want to be a Missionary Now." I thought they were the cutest missionary companions. 

CUPCAKE SALE

Maddy helped bake the cupcakes. Audrey made her own chef's hat out of paper.

Brooklyn and Audrey frosted them (with help).

They sold them to our family for 25 cents a piece.

SWIMMING

We have a super nice neighbor who lets us use her pool when we want to. It was nice to have a place to go with all the pools being closed. 

FAMILY FUN

Brooklyn is a good mommy tiger to Roary. She always brushes his teeth, reads him a story, and tucks him in at night. 

Audrey is always using her imagination to come up with fun crafts. She decided to make some sandals out of paper.

Brooklyn is excited to fit in Audrey's old Ravenclaw robe.

FRIENDS

We were happy that we were able to start in-person piano lessons again this month. The kids were excited to play with their friend Lily again.

We also were able to meet with our friends the Bergerons and the McGiffins. The kids were able to cool off with a backyard water fight.