Jungle Trail Hike - Aug 2021

 With a warm weekend, we decided to go with everyone to the "Jungle Trail" -  a short hike, less than a mile, for kids.  The trail has obstacles like stumps, fallen trees, hideouts and things like that.

Short and fun.

Lava Hot Springs Camping

 We had a summer camping / family reunion at Lava Hot Springs, Idaho for Shelley's family - parents and siblings.

It was a good gathering and fun times!

The skies were getting dark and a huge thunderstorm passed by right as we were setting up the tent

We all went in one tent to wait for the storm to pass....it was a while...maybe an hour or so

After the storm it was time to get back outside. Ethan found a "spear"

Jane and Ethan found some solar path lights and used them as microphones while the puddles of water magically called over to them

The campground has some very interesting play things at the park

Breakfast time!

Pioneer Day 5K Run (Walk)

 Hannah decided to sign us all up for the annual Pioneer Day - July 24th 5K walk/run in Provo.  Since they allowed walking, we said, sure why not!  It's not that far!

Oh wow...I think the entire city and then some also decided the same thing!  It was PACKED!!!!

This walk went from Temple to Temple - Provo Temple to Provo City Center Temple.

Many of us walked and walked and walked......  It took us just under an hour I think to walk. It was pretty good and fun.  We'd probably do it again!

Some really got into the Pioneer Day theme

It was SO busy!

July 4th (actually 3rd)

 We had a great July 4th - and 3rd!  Since July 4 was on a Sunday this year, being in Utah, all the traditional July 4 activities were on Saturday the 3rd.

We started the day off by going to the balloon festival - one of our traditions.  It turned out the best day to go.  They do the balloons for three days, so this year it was Friday, Saturday and Monday.  Saturday was the only day out of the three that they were actually able to lift off because of the winds.

It's always so amazing how close we can get to the balloons and to hear the loud roar of the flames as they blow up the balloons is unlike anything else.

We arrived before the sun came up over the mountains.  You have to get there around 6:15 am

The first and official Freedom Festival balloon was just getting ready

We picked a spot to sit and watch.  Sometimes we wander the field looking at all the balloons.  When we arrived we staked out out spot and watched as everyone else put their chairs and blankets in a big open area only to be told they needed to move because when the balloon expands, it's doing to cover them up.  Having witnessed this in previous years we knew how close we could get

The balloon closest to us started blowing up.....it was getting closer.....

..and closer

.....closer

Until we had a front row experience.  We didn't have to move at all...but everyone else did ha ha.  Silly people.....didn't believe it

Cherie and Brett came with us this year

VIDEOS:  I love the roar of the flame

We then went to our traditional breakfast at Maglebys which I forgot to take photos of the all you can eat French Toast and candied bacon (so good!!)

Later that night, we went to watch fireworks for an end to a great day!

VIDEOS: