Bingham Copper Mine

Our outing last week was to the Bingham Copper mine. It was raining pretty hard so we did our picnic in the car while we drove. The mist in the mine mad for some cool views and all of the vegetation was extra green after the rain. We were surprised at the amount of wild flowers growing everywhere. Liam loved the big train replica and everyone had a fun time looking in the microscopes at the rocks. It was quite chilly so we didn't stay outside long but Liam was so fascinated with the big trucks he said he didn't want to go back to the car as he stood there shivering. Definitly a fun trip, we'd recommend it to anyone. Forewarning though, they only take cash. $5 a car.

Natalie's first swim

There's nothing as cute as a chubby baby in a horizontal striped swimming suit! Natalie LOVES the water and stayed in longer than some of the other kids giggling and laughing. The kids loved it when Jason pulled them around the pool as a train. We've not been able to get back to the pool yet because of the rain but we're hoping for this week.

Summerfest and pictures for Amy

We followed tradition and attended the Orem Summerfest on Saturday. For years we've sat on center street because it's a great location to watch the fireworks. In recent years, however, some "undesirables," shall we say, have been horning in on our spot. (Last year someone took our blanket that we had set out and threw it into a field. Probably invaders and spies from Provo.) This year, my sister-in-law had the brilliant idea of moving our spot. It was AWESOME! We got all sorts of candy, t-shirts, and ties. The rain abated long enough for us to enjoy the parade and then walk to the car. We didn't stay for the fireworks this year- which are better than any other city's- because of the rain. I think it was good to get the kids home and into bed. Not to mention myself...I was drifting off to sleep in my warm, dry bed as the fireworks started. I love the summerfest. Here are the reasons why it's so much better than Provo's stupid freedom festival:

• We have ours at night and earlier in the summer so you don't get 3rd degree burns.
• While we do have what has been affectionatelty christened "the slut strut," at least people don't get into fist fights over the good spots to sit.
• We don't have to pay to watch the fireworks.
• Orem is better than Provo.

For those of you who have ever gone to a parade with my sister, Amy, you know how much she adds to the affair. We tried to fill her shoes this year, asking the beauty queens to show off their dresses for us and spin around. While we weren't as successful has her, we did get some good pictues. So, Amy these pictures are for you.

Summer Fun

We decided that it would be fun to spend each Saturday doing a picnic together as a family. Today's destination was Cascade Springs (on the Alpine Loop.) The kids had a great time running and jumping. We saw a snake and a whole bunch of fish. We also spent some time looking for as many wildflowers as we could find. Then we stopped for a picnic on the top of the mountain on the way to Midway. Thank heaven's for a car that fits all of us and can go where we want it to go!