Nature's Finest...

 One of our favorite stops in Rexburg is the BYU-I University Gardens.  I have fond memory's of playing there as a child (usually on a Sunday afternoon).  We were there so often we referred to them as "Dad's Garden's" and "Dad's College," a bit presumptuous, but we felt a bit entitled after the long hours dad put in. :) I swung on (and broke) many a weeping willow branch there.  Forgive me.  I'm happy to report that those same willows are there and doing well.  It was all lovely.  The kids had fun walking around while Doug snapped pictures.

Then to finish off our little family outing, we stopped by Nielson's Frozen Custard shop for some VERY delicious custard. (A friend recommended it, and I'm glad we stopped in.)

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 Autumn fell in love with Grandma's garden.  It made me think she really needs one of her own- she just wants to get her hands in that dirt.  She was VERY EAGER to water and harvest anything that seemed remotely ready.  Her favorite were the carrots. (She and Amberlee made a big "peas and carrots" salad for Grandpa.  I really appreciated the time Grandma spent with her in the garden and the "freedom" she allowed her. :)  She really "thrived"- pun intended.

Still looking for the horsed and hoping for another ride. :)

Get Off Your High Horse...

 Well, I don't mean to brag, but these kids had a fun summer!  They LOVE LOVE LOVE riding horses with Grandma and Grandpa Stewart.

It was fun to catch a bit of the Olympics while we were there, but obviously they weren't gripping enough for this crew.

Before:

 After:

Isn't that awesome?!  I think Grandpa (who was really fighting it hard at the computer) and sprawled out Seth are my favorite. This was a fun lazy afternoon.

 And an ice-cream cone to top it all off.

We've Got Class...

Somehow, I got nominated to spearhead our 10 year class reunion.  It was a bit stressful trying to organize everything, but it was really fun to see everyone and I felt like things went pretty well.  We took pictures a little later, so several people had already left, but we had a decent turn out and I think everyone had a good time.  Plus we had yummy sandwiches.  The weather was great and I was reimbursed for the food TO THE DOLLAR.  (How is that for a miracle! :)  The night before I had such a fun "girls night" all-nighter with some of my good friend.  I haven't laughed so hard it years.  We had a blast talking about the silly/crazy things we did.  I think we'll have to make it a tradition.  It was worth the lack of sleep, and that is saying something! :)

My sweet dad showed up and cut up all our watermelon- he's such a pro! (Even after 10 years, I quite dependent on my parents. :)  

*It is also fairly essentially that I send out a big thanks to my sweet hubby who was so supportive as he took pictures, set out food, cleaned up, and kept an eye on our kids.  He's the best!

 

 

 

 

I was happy to pass the torch on, but it was a fun opportunity.  Go Diggers! :) 

Let the Good Times Roll...

Is it any wonder I love heading home?  We packed so much fun into our visit!  Right off the bat, mom and my little sister watched the kids and sent my older sis, Jessica and I to Education Week.  It was so much fun!  It was especially special this time because we got to watch her hubby present.  He did an awesome job.  I got some great ideas and insight!  I also got to go to the temple- just before it close for 2 weeks of cleaning. 

 

 

It was fun to have Jessica's kids there for a minute- they all quickly set to work on the cousin club. 

 

We hung out at at G&G Stewart's.  They always make it fun!

Cousin Dominick was there for a few days, and the kids had so much fun playing with him and getting to know him better.  He is such a cute kid!
 

 

 

 

The girls adopted the wandering neighborhood kitties.  They would have very much loved to bring them home.  So sorry, girls. :)  This is "Pepper" and Amberlee's was "Jezebel Jr." a.k.a. "Panther."