One Last F Cubed

Somehow the summer flew by. It seems we were busy with something every weekend. Scott has had the chance to mountain bike at The Canyons pretty much each week, Chandler got lots and lots of time with friends, and Watson and I had our own little adventures. Even though school was scheduled to start on August 19th, Chandler was scheduled to go back to Florida on August 12th. He enjoyed his summer so much, despite having so much online school to complete, he considered returning for school here. But, we weren't sure how things would work out once he left us here. So, we wanted some good memories to close out our summer together. We headed up to Snowbird and enjoyed all the activities we possibly could. Watson loved the Alpine slide, but didn't want to do the zipline. We all tried tricks on the trampolines and just spent good time together. The weather was perfect and the scenery was incredible. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
We have loved having Chandler home for such an uninterrupted stretch. Our family needed this kind of time. Chandler needed to have time with friends and having freedoms that aren't the same in Florida. Watson needed time to be with his brother and show him how grown up he is becoming. It was sad and difficult to have it end. But, this is what happens, right? Kids grow up, things change, they move on or away. I believe they will always come back though. If they know how much you love them. That is the most important thing of all. How much you love them.

Reinstated Summer Tradition

We have skipped our little Bear Lake trip a couple of summers for one reason or another. But this year, our family decided it really need to be a priority. So, we booked the cabin we like to stay in and made plans for a little 4 day, 3 night trip with the Hoopes Clan. The water was beautiful and the beach was fantastic, one of the two days we were there. Unfortunately our boat rental day got rained out. But, we did have a great time together and the cousins loved having each other around 24/7. There was lots of air hockey playing, Oreo eating, movie watching, and cabin exploring by everyone.

Addie and Paris

Beautiful Brooklyn 

Best Cousins

Look at those lashes! 

Happy girls!

All the cousins!

Happy!

Celebrating the 4th

This year's Fourth of July was packed with family, family and more family. Of course we started the morning bright and early with our annual breakfast at Grandma Nettie's. Of course her gardens were beautiful, the food was d-licious, and lots of great friends came. The kids, and a few of the guys, ended the festivities with a major water fight. It is always worth the effort. I love kicking off this holiday this way every year.

After cleaning up and heading home for a little nap, Scott, Watson and I headed to Little Cottonwood Canyon for a mini hike. Chandler opted to hang out with friends...teenagers. We had a great time playing in the water. Watson could spend absolute hours throwing rocks, anywhere. We got to see some of his sweet Ninja moves and just enjoy being together.

After our afternoon activities we got together for a little fireworks show in our circle with the family. Chandler attempted Evel Knevel moves with jumping fire on his bike. I wish I could have captured that.... The kids had fun with plenty of pyrotechnics to light. We wandered down to Jordan High School to watch Sandy City Fireworks and then called it a night. It was a great way to celebrate the amazing freedoms in this amazing country. I am so grateful.

The Big Kahuna--a.k.a. My 40th

This is a big one. 40. That is such a weird number. But, here I am, at it. It has been an interesting journey from 30 to 40. I've done a lot. Changed careers a couple of times, bought a house by myself, jumped out of an airplane, traveled to Costa Rica, got married, had an instant family, had a baby, had a miscarriage, got a dog, and probably lots of other stuff in between I don't remember. I'm grateful to be here. I feel good. I feel blessed every day. I know my Heavenly Father loves me. He knows me. He wants me to succeed and be happy. I want to live my life doing things he wants me to do. Luckily, I have lots of time to improve on that plan.

My birthday started out pretty quiet. Just a normal day around the house. I really didn't want a lot of fanfare and announcement I'd finally turned the big 4-0. My mom did treat me to lunch at Archibalds. It was good but the best part was taking home their carrot cake for breakfast the next day. Chandler was super sweet to offer to watch Watson while I went out. He assured me I could take as much time as I wanted...so cute. Scott was sweet with his birthday wishings and he brought me a beautiful bouquet.

Really yummy breakfast. Carrots are in it, so it's healthy?

Birthday flowers, I loved them.

Scott definitely kept things low key for me, or so I thought. Apparently he had been working for weeks to organize a Luau with my family and friends. Many years ago I had said I wanted to be in Hawaii to run a marathon to celebrate my 40th birthday. Since that probably isn't happening this year (fingers crossed we are pregnant in December) he brought Hawaii to me. It was incredibly sweet and an absolute surprise to me. My whole family was there, minus Tori, and some great friends. Scott put so much effort into making the day special and memorable for me. It meant a lot to me. Birthdays are a big deal. I want my loved ones to know how much I love and appreciate them and birthdays are a great opportunity to show that. I felt that from Scott and my family. It really was a sweet surprise.

My Favorite, Shave Ice!

South Lake Tahoe

We managed to squeeze in a couple of family trips in our summer. We originally planned a little camping trip with our "besties," the Pierces, to South Lake Tahoe. Unfortunately, the weather didn't know it was summer time and temperatures in the mid 30's at night doesn't work for tent camping for us girls, and some of the boys. So, we walked Sparky over to our neighbors, packed up the Pilot, bikes and all, and headed out of town. Although the drive was long (9 hours) we got to pass by the Salt Lake Salt Flats, through Scott's hometown of Elko, and saw real missiles. South Lake Tahoe was beautiful. We stayed in a little cabin we found through VRBO and had all the amenities of a well stocked home. Watson was a trooper with sleeping and he loved, loved, loved, having someone to play with at all times. Chandler totally had a ball with the Pierce boys. He rode his bike all over the place and did some exploring in the forest near our rental. Scott had a blast, too, of course. He and Bill rode everyday, sometimes twice, and had great bonding time together. I got in as much "Sadie" time as possible. I love this friend. She is one of the kindest people I know. And understanding. And forgiving. Luckily the little M&M incident didn't damper our whole trip together. Hee hee.

Bryson (17) Scott (16) Alec (14) Chandler (13) Zach (10) Lindsey (7) Watson (3)

We did brave the cooler temperatures one day to hang out at the lake. The water was an amazing blue. The sand bar was so big you could walk really, really, far into the lake before you couldn't touch anymore. Watson loved playing in the sand and the bigger boys played touch football too. We enjoyed great family meals together and just a great time all around. We're so grateful for this friendship and the chance we have to spend time with Bill and Sadie and their family. Although our kids are getting bigger, this is a tradition we plan to continue each summer. I look forward to many more family summer trips together!

Let the Summer Fun Begin!

 Summer around the Carr home kicked off pretty great by having Chandler come home June 6th. We tried to pack in as much as we could (while trying to finish Chandler's 6 classes of online virtual schooling.) We discovered THE BEST Hawaiian shave ice, just five minutes from home. That was a favorite spot, especially during the major heat wave in June and July. All the boys did lots and lots of bike riding, both around the neighborhood and with Dad on the trails. (Scott and I did sneak in at least one mountain biking date.) Chandler got to spend quite a bit of time with friends and really expanded his ramp building skills. Watson got to spend lots of time with his friends too, including his "best" friend, Stratton.

 

Thor and Watson--a full day with 2 energy packed boys!

 Watson had his first solo swimming lessons. He did really well being comfortable in the water and following directions. He is so close to being able to float on his back by himself!

Stratton and Watson built their own "fort" at Grandma's.

June was packed with being together and having as much fun as possible each day. It was so great to be together as a family again.

6 Thumbs Up for Our Great Dad!

Father's Day. Scott is the best Dad. He loves his boys so much and really does everything he can to show them. They both love being with him. When Dad's around, everyone is happier. This year I planned a dinner with my sisters and sister in law to honor the Dads in our families. We also asked the kids to prepare a little tribute. Watson and I came up with a song, to the tune of "Follow the Prophet:"
Scott Carr is my dad's name
Riding bikes with me
To get donuts 
And a cold Slurpee
He tells me a dinosaur story
Almost every night
And I usually beat him
When we wrestle and fight.
Daddy is my best friend.
Daddy is my best friend
Daddy is my best friend,
We play Lego Star Wars.
Daddy is my best friend,
Daddy is my best friend,
Daddy is my best friend,
He gives me chores!
Watson did a great job singing it. We practiced for over a week.
Chandler said nice things about Scott, too. 
I just hope he knows how much we appreciate and love him.