The Summer of 2600 Miles (or so)

We have spent the summer flying, driving, visiting and playing.  Just the way a summer should be spent.  I figure that between all of our trips, we've probably logged about 2600 miles on the road this summer.  That's a little more than a one-way trip to my hometown, Kanab, UT.  Someday, I think it would be fun to make the trip with the girls, but man, that's  A LOT of driving!  Aubrey is currently not loving her carseat, so it won't be happening any time soon.

We spent three weeks out West.  Some of it with daddy, some of it with family, and some of it with friends.  Kanab is still one of the best places to be for the 4th of July.  We welcomed a new baby cousin (Tenly Melanya Judd), played at Lake Powell, and caught up with some of my friends in Utah.  Kiley loves her morning soda run with Grandma and relished in being spoiled.  She loves playing with her cousin Kenna - her all time favorite is when they play out on the balcony at Kenna's house.

Aubrey and Grandpa Barry at the 4th of July parade.

Playing in Mammoth Springs with Grandma Arlene (they eventually wound up falling in!)

Kiley with my friend Kara's boys: Sam and Jack.  They are modeling their awesome goggles.  We stayed at an amazing resort in Park City.

Shopping and catching up with a couple of friends.  Kara (now in ID), and Bethany (now in SLC)

Kullen playing at Lake Powell with the kids.

After our trip to UT, we had multiple roadtrips to NH, visited cousins (and their new house!) in MA, and RI beach trips with friends.  We have enjoyed ice cream, shopping, amusement parks, children's museums, zoos, lots of swimming, ocean play, lake play, and another successful Friends Camp.  All elements of a good summer.  We've also had some downtime and (gasp!) some moments of boredom... but I think that's an essential part of summer too.

We put Kiley on the bus this morning for her first day of 1st Grade!  I am in disbelief.  She is ready for it.  I'm gonna miss that cookie.  Can't wait to get her back this afternoon and hear all about her day.