End of Summer

End of August sucked big time. Had all these last minute, soak up end of summer plans and then it decided to have crap weather the entire last two weeks. Seriously, overcast cool days with huge thunder and rain storms. Really bummed me out. Felt like fall came early which in September would have been kinda fun but not August, not the last two weeks of no school. It was so depressing. Everytime I complained, Thiago would quickly remind me that we are in a drought, and we should be thankful for the rain. And I was like "shut the heck up", its ruining my fun night. Nice attitude.

Mid August we shared a little double date with the Phongsavaths. One of my funnest nights EVER. I have always wanted to go to an outdoor concert up at Deer Valley in Park City. Thiago found out "Five for Fighting" was coming and got the four of us tickets. I loooove "Five for Fighting". You know, the "100 years" song and "Chances". Anywho, we went out for sushi first and then headed up to Park City. Only problem was as the night went on and the sun went down I was freezing. Freezing. Should have know. Park City is always cooler. Me and Ash each got our first hot chocolate of the season and that was pretty spectacular!

Dinners at my moms in the summertime. Pure bliss for me. One of those moments that feels like you are living the summer dream. I love my moms house. Its warm and cozy and inviting in the cooler months. And vibrant, and colorful, and relaxing in the summer months. Just a happy place to be.

Surrounded by family, sneaking my moms warm rolls before we eat, my hubby at the grill and the smell of BBQ in the air, my moms beautiful porch and the sound of the kids laughing and running and playing. My happy place.

And singing "Happy Birthday" to Papa Deano!!!

A week before school started I took the boys swimming one last time. I love our swim day dates. They make me soo happy. We have had so many good ones this summer.

My favorite time of day at swimming is that golden hour. The kids seem to come alive. The pool dies down, people have started to call it day. The crowds thin, and the lazy warm sun feels so good against your skin. I think about that moment in the cold dark days of winter, the way the sun feels against you. Oh, nothing better.

Had big plans to hit the Box Elder County Fair, like we always do. My dad's family is all from Tremonton and we hit this fair every single year. Like since I was a baby.

Thiago couldn't come...to much soccer crap going on. So I got me and the boys in our autumn finest and headed out.

We got there, usual tons of people. Kids buzzing with excitement. We all split up to start getting food. My mom and Ash headed for the street tacos, dutch oven and gyros, while I stood in line for the kids hotdogs and hamburgers. And then all the sudden I noticed how dark the clouds were getting, and the wind got nasty. All day they had said 15% chance of rain, but nothing had happened. But wouldn't you know it, the minute I get all the hamburgers it started to pour. Not a little. I'm talking, thunder, lightning, full on down pour. It sucked. We all met at one of the little covered food tents and seriously huddled underneath for like 45 minutes. It was so bad we didn't even dare make a run for our cars. We just sat there. And then as quickly as it started. It stopped. Major decrease in temprature. It was freezing and wet. But my heck we drove over an hour to get there, the kids had been so excited, so we did what any good parent would do. We toughed it out. And the kids had an absolute blast. They didn't notice the mud, or the wet rides, or the slight drizzle that started up every now and then. Not at all. And in the end I got my piece of cherry pie. So it ended on a good note.

Our little family finally made it to the Ogden Temple's Open House. I'm sure most all Utahn's know the temple has been under renovation for the past couple of years. Getting a little facelift! Finally, it is finished and we have our temple back. They did an amazing job! It is so, so very beautiful.

Even though it again poured rain, it was a really special experience for me. So neat to walk through and explain some of those sacred rooms to my boys. In a very simple way of course. And to still keep the temple holy and all. But it was so neat for me to see their expressions as they walked through the different rooms. I knew they would love it and they did. Can't wait to be there someday with all my boys.

Made me for super grateful for my little forever family.

On the last Sunday before school started we had our last family reunion. I mentioned on my Instagram that Thiago is always such a good sport at all my reunions. I think alot of it has to do with the fact that they are on Sundays and he gets out of church. He is so like a teenage kid, always whining that church is too long. Naughty little kitten.

They did a little water balloon toss. Things started out so well with Linc. He was seriously one of the last little kids in there. Thiago did it with them and they were catching every single one. Then Thiago threw it a little hard, Linc still caught it but the impact made it pop in Lincoln's hands. Oh boy!! Fits were thrown. He was pissed for the remainder of the time. Oh that boy.

Later that night, we went over to Cano's. Thiago was nominated for the ALS ice bucket challenge. The boys got the hugest kick out of watching him do it. It was hilarious.

I was recording it with Thiago's phone so we told Cars to get a picture. After he took the picture of Thiago, he turned the camera on me. I couldn't help but play along.

And that brings us up til September. Next up...back to school.