8/29/21

Oh, Love you Em!--Happy Fair Week from Tremonton! There have been a lot of beautiful things this week in between combing through heart disease info and a 2 day migraine! We had fun celebrating Seth's birthday with all the family over for dinner Sunday. He LOVED his car cake the girls made! We got hair trims and dental cleanings at the first of the week. I left my purse at YW pres mtg Tues night, and when Seth woke up screamingly grouchy Wednesday morning, I decided to take the 3 youngest on a bike ride over to Diana's property for my purse. I figured the exercise would do everyone some good, and they were all dying to meet her 4 dogs. Well, after multiple broken chains and bike seat adjustments, we made it, & meet the dogs they did. But that was just the beginning! Diana LOVES kids (dogs & kids), and had to show them her "Secret Garden"--a whole series of forts/rooms she'd built and set up in part of their woods--complete w/ table and chairs, dressing rooms, a stage!, and long metal slide to exit! They could've played there for hours, but she had to keep going, showing them her multiple ponds, trails, hanging swings, and breathtaking views along the river and around every corner. I had no idea how much went into their 7 acres, but they MUST spend every minute outside tending to their little Garden of Eden, and when I commented on it, she just said, "Well, it was a Camp my son went to that brought my family into the Church, so I wanted to re-create a place where more of that could happen for other people--so I only do this so people can use it--wards, families, stakes, anyone is welcome--we just love it. It was the most beautiful morning. (It would've been nice to get pictures of how happy the kids were, but it was also great not having my phone on me, so I drove past this morning to grab a few shots of the area). We went to the parade that afternoon (waving hard to the missionaries walking through), and then to the rodeo that night, which was fun --except for Jane breaking out in allergies and a minor asthma attack the minute the horses came out (we were on the front row, but honestly!). Dad took her home to get her inhaler and some Benadryl before they could rejoin us. That night as we came home, I just had these waves of peace that I think had carried over from such a peaceful morning. The girls have gotten their lockers and schedules all set up, and Spencer and Anne spent 4 days earning $ helping the Olsen's prep strawberries for their fair booth. Anne went with friends all day for 1/2-price wristbands on Thursday, and that night, we went back over to the fair after dinner to see the animals and art entries. I was pushing back headaches Thurs-Fri, but Dad suggested we go see Nate & Stacey's new place in Layton for datenight, so we enjoyed some yummy Thai food on our way, and had a great time visiting/playing games with them after. The drive to their house was BEAUTIFUL as the new temple just burst out as we drove in! I got Stephanie to run the Fair 5K with me, and then I took the girls with me that afternoon to hear the Rowans sing with their little acoustic band (and GraceLyn had a little solo--oh my precious!!), and we got a funnel cake & Anne's free covered strawberry stick while we watched. Dad & I subbed Jane's class again today (they were in full wildness today, but that was fun), and now we're just counting the hours until First DAY OF SCHOOL!!!! So exciting! Love you tons--Mom