Joyous July

School starts in less than a month! Jill and Daisy are leaving. We made the most of our time together.

Sojo Rec Center Camp: Monday, July 6-Friday, July 10

We signed up for the South Jordan Rec center summer camp again this summer. Daisy is now old enough to join in on the fun. The camps filled up fast and James had to be put on the waitlist. The rec center camp is 20 hours in a week split up into 5 days (4 hours a day). The morning session was full, so I signed up for the afternoon session from 1:00-5:00 daily. The price is $70.50 per child which is budget-friendly. 

As the camp approached, I called and emailed the head of the camp. I really wanted James to get in. I felt hopeless when less than a week before the camp began, I was informed that James was number 10 on the waitlist for camp. I was told the chances of him getting in were very slim and he was extremely disappointed. (So was I).  Apparently nobody had asked to drop the camp. I was astounded when less than 24 hours after my call with the head of the camp, I got an email saying James got in. My day was made. It truly felt like a miracle. I think it's because I followed up so many times. I was grateful James got to experience this camp too. The kids loved it!

Some of the best activities according to my kids were: swimming, Pokémon card trading, a craft, capture the flag, dodgeball, and soccer.

One day during camp, I got a facial with my mom and sisters. It was heavenly. Another afternoon, we played pickleball. Boy do we have stories about playing pickleball with old ladies at the rec center. They have opinions. We eventually opted to play outside in the scorching heat to be rid of them. Since then, we've played indoors at the church twice. We've all improved at pickleball and it's so fun! Just call me "big girl at the net" or "the fence." Can you guess who has what nickname? "backstop," "killer serve," "wally/scorekeeper."

Sleepover at Nana and Papa's: Thursday, July 9

My parent's had their grandkids over for a sleepover. The rule was: potty trained grandchildren could go. It was glorious. All our kids were gone from 5pm-10am. Andrew and I planned as much as possible during our kid-free time. We got dinner at Mi Ranchito, did an endowment session at the temple, had Rockwell Ice Cream (which was surprisingly underwhelming), and watched "Back to the Future."

Thursday morning, we went on a walking route I love around Daybreak lake. Then we picked out the grout color for the tile in our downstairs bathroom. We ended by getting kolaches for breakfast.

Obviously, the kids had a blast at the sleepover! The girls came home with matching bracelets and all got 3D printed dinosaurs. Penny stayed awake until 10pm.

Swim Team: Monday and Wednesday evenings in July from 7-8PM

James and Isabelle have been taking swim lessons consistently. After the latest session in June, I felt like they could be pushed more. They're getting good. A friend told me about a swim team in Herriman. After researching, I learned that the kids had to try-out in order to be on the swim team. My biggest worry was that the kids haven't really learned breast stroke. They know all the other strokes, but not breaststroke which is a requirement to make the team. My mom and I took the kids to the pool and worked with them on breaststroke before tryouts. After tryouts, we were informed that both kids made the swim team!

There was some drama and tears after the first day of swim team. One of the coaches pulled Andrew aside and said that we need to get a refund for James because he can't do the breaststroke. This surprised us... At the tryouts, they told us that James needed to work on breaststroke but they would help him. After talking to the aquatics director, we got it sorted out and James could remain on the team. Phew! Swim team wears the kids out and they're famished after, but they like it. We're going to sign up to continue swim team in August.

The kids had their first swim meet on Saturday, July 18. They competed in 3 events. Isabelle won the butterfly heat! (There was only one other competitor in that race.) James did awesome at backstroke. We ran into Andrew's cousin Dan and his family and it was great to catch up and cheer on other Dittos. Though who I am kidding? I was in the midst of a cold and had no voice to give.

Proud of these kids for working so hard!! You don't get many/any breaks during the hour long practices twice a week.

Park City: Saturday, July 11

I remember going to the Alpine Slide growing up and now my kids had a turn. In addition to the alpine slide, there is now a mountain coaster, and zipline. We got the triple pass (thank you mom and dad!), and my older kids tried all 3 attractions. The coaster was the favorite. It was a bit confusing/stressful to figure out the height limitations for each experience since they were different. 

James and Isabelle were able to be drivers on the alpine slide because they are both over 48 inches tall. Penelope was a passenger with Andrew and just made the cutoff of 35 inches. James was bummed he got stuck behind slow people on the alpine slide and apparently kept yelling at them to speed up. Isabelle said she hardly touched the brake. They had fun! The ski lift for the alpine slide is sluggish...

There are 2 ziplines. Nobody did the intense zipline because there is a weight requirement of 100 plus pounds and none of the kids reach that. James was able to ride the smaller zipline solo. Isabelle had to be a passenger with Andrew because she is not 54 inches tall. In order to ride the "Flying Eagle Zipline," you have to be at least 42 inches. Penelope and George were too small. The zipline had no line and was fast.

The mountain coaster was the most thrilling and worth the long line. The ride closed briefly because of a moose spotting, but it opened it back up shortly after. You have to be at least 38 inches to ride on this as a passenger.  To ride as a driver or solo, it's required to be 54 inches or taller. James was able to ride this coaster on his own. Isabelle had to be a passenger with Andrew. Penny was too small.

Being in my third trimester of pregnancy, I watched these events. If you are a Utah resident, be sure to show your ID and you'll save 10 percent.

We got McDonald's after. Getting to Park City took longer than expected with traffic and an abundance of construction. Park City was a cool 90, which was a little reprieve from the 104 degrees at our house. It's still as gorgeous as ever. Thanks again for this experience mom and dad. My children are still talking about it!

Moana: Tuesday, July 14

We saw the new Moana on $5 Tuesday. The kids have been counting down. After hearing not great reviews, I wondered if we should still go and my expectations were low. The movie had beautiful scenery and my kids said they like it better than the cartoon. My mom loved it. It is basically a replica of the original Moana but it was a win with our crew. James felt bad Andrew missed it due to work. Penelope wore her Moana pajamas to the theater.

Chick Fil A's annual dress like a cow day was July 14. After the movie, we put on our cow attire and got free lunch. Amazing! Count us in next year!

Camp Tracy: Tuesday, July 21

Once again, James got to go to Camp Tracy. This is a church camp in Millcreek full of exciting adventures such as archery, bb gun shooting, canoeing, and more. James left at 2pm and returned home at 9pm. Lesson learned... this year we sent him with money for the giftshop. He said the gift shop was more expensive and that there was less for sale. He still seemed content with his keychain and cotton candy though.. He really wanted to buy a pocketknife but we vetoed that. There was thunder and lightning which meant no canoeing but that's okay. James talked a lot about a hilarious comedian. He explained what was said, but I think you had to be there. My boy looks genuinely happy. Grateful he gets opportunities like this where we live. 

Isabelle will get to join James next summer at Camp Tracy. 

Still to come this month... Izzy's birthday, a Ditto family reunion, and girls camp!

Family Fun

We are savoring every minute while Jill and Daisy are in town. We went to a Bees game, have gone on a couple hikes, and more. 

Bees Game

The new Bees stadium is less than 10 minutes from our house and we loved checking the field out with my family. The atmosphere was memorable and cute. The train was a repeat attraction for Penny. The mini golf is another great way to break up the game and the characters dressed up were fun too. Not to mention the food. Man, I was tempted at every turn. J Dawgs had the best fries. I spotted a Rockwell ice cream there and we will most definitely be returning hopefully this week.

It was a cooler summer day and I'm glad it wasn't any hotter. The sun was beating right on our faces for the first 5 innings. We were all relieved when we felt some shade. We sat in the cheapest seats on the lawn. We didn't make it to the end of the game and got home around 9:15. It was a picturesque evening!

TIP: Don't pay for parking! You can park nearby in Daybreak for free. 

Apparently the bugs love me. I got 4 giant and itchy bites on the same arm. I ran into a few people I went to high school with. There's nothing quite like catching up after over a decade in a public bathroom...

Tuesday, June 30

Willow Heights Hike

Andrew didn't have to work on Friday, July 3. We went hiking. As soon as we started on the trail, I was certain we had done it before. I searched through old pictures and discovered we last hiked Willow Heights on September 6, 2021. It has almost been 5 years. Someone on the trail told us they spotted 2 moose, but they didn't stick around for us. Unfortunately, this "lake" has become a "pond." There are gorgeous views though. This hike is steep and about 2 miles.

Friday, July 3

September 6, 2021

Riverton city evening parade Friday, July 3 

Timpanogas Cave Hike

This was our second time doing this hike! Both times I've done it, I've been pregnant.

Making this hike happen took perseverance. We originally had tickets to go in early June and were notified the day before that our tickets were cancelled. "Big Horn Sheep were lambing in the area." What on earth? I didn't see that one coming. 

We rescheduled our tickets for the 4th of July and there was some debate about whether or not Jill and Daisy would join. They ended up coming. We did it and I was proud of everyone! This is not an easy hike, in fact someone gives you safety guidelines at the beginning of the trail! Several sites say its 3 miles roundtrip, but we went 3.7 miles according to watches. 61 flights climbed! 

At the top, we did the cave tour. Penelope was terrified at the beginning. She did lots of screaming and I wondered how we would make it through the hour tour. After the first 10 minutes, she settled in. By the end of the tour, she was jumping up and down and at dinner claimed she "loved the caves." 

The caves are 45 degrees and were a nice reprieve from the heat. (We all brought jackets.) There were 3 caves to explore and the kids were eager to ask and answer questions on the tour. The caves were originally discovered by 2 boys and one was named "James" which was a highlight... The green limestone was cool and seeing different animal look alikes in the caves was fun. (bear, alligator eating a camel, dog named "Rocky," carrot, etc) There is a part in the caves that looks like a heart. It even has a red light which is apparently the last colored light in any national park. At one point, the tour guide turned off all the lights. Utter darkness.

Yes, we stopped at Macey's after for our hard earned ice cream cones! The kids said they never tasted so good. The next morning, the children slept in until 8:20, 8:40, and 9.

The first time we did this hike was on July 22, 2023.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Trooper for carrying a heavy backpack on a steep hike

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Saturday, July 4

Peach Shakes

This is a popular place. We decided to check it out for ourselves. For all you peach lovers, get the peach sundae and ADD graham crackers. You'll thank me later. Had been kind of a low day... While there, a child discovered their ice cream had peaches in it and freaked out. They later learned/admitted that they actually do like peaches... Another child pooped their pants. Trying to be real.

Monday, June 29

Date-Izzy

Isabelle has been saving her chore chart tallies to go on a date with me to Swig. She was delighted that she got 3 gummy sharks with her drink this time. I splurged and ordered her pretzel bites.

Izzy played a violin solo in church! I was proud of her! She played "I Am a Child of God" and "We'll Bring the World His Truth" memorized. A couple people after told me they looked up her age and can't believe she's 6... She's a talented performer and a natural musician and she brought the spirit. She'll be 7 in a few weeks! She is playing in my parent's ward later this month. Daisy invited Izzy to get a pedicure with her. Izzy's response was, "What's a pedicure?" Her toes have darling flowers on them. Her smile says it all.

Thursday, June 25

Saturday, July 4

Wednesday, July 1

New ride-James

Nothing tugs at a mom's heart quite like hearing their child is being teased and made fun of. James has been riding an 18 inch minions bike that he's had since 2021. Apparently, some kids at school have brought it up and made him feel embarrassed. My kids rode their bikes to school once a week for the last few months of school. All this is to say that James really needed a new bike. He got a 24 inch bike (on sale) and could not stop talking about it the first few days. He now has gears! A kick stand! I thought he was speedy before, but watch out now. I plan to have my kids bike to school a few times a week next school year weather permitting. James will get to show off his cool new ride!

James got his braces off! Phase 2 will come when he has all of his adult teeth. He got to fill a tumblr with candy. He doesn't miss having the expander in his mouth, and now wears a retainer at night.

James said the opening prayer at church in sacrament meeting and nailed it! Loud and clear and just like we practiced.

Friday, June 26

Saturday, July 4

Wednesday, July 1

Penelope.

Not pictured... Penelope learning cinnamon isn't to be eaten by the spoonful.

Tried a new to us park. Highly recommend Jenson Farm Park

The kids have 2 activities this week that I'm eager to share about! We're also going to the alpine slide in Park City which will be a first for my children so stay tuned!