July

The fun continued with the Lakes in town the entire first week of July. On July 4th, we all gathered at the Skeens for breakfast, followed by a patriotic program.  It was a lovely morning.

We then journeyed to Bountiful to spend the rest of the day and evening at the Call's Casa.  You will not find a more beautiful and fun backyard in the world than this one of Teresa and Brad's!  I absolutely love spending time there.  And now with the addition of the tennis and basketball court, it's definitely top notch.  A huge thank you to them for allowing us to invade their yard (luckily for them they were in Star Valley at another one of their magnificent properties).  It's always a highlight of the summer for all of us to be able to spend a day here (Ky- being 8 1/2 months pregnant, especially enjoyed being somewhere cool and relaxing...).

Brody and Bundy joined us half way through the day after taking a 4 hour ride on the Skeens razor.  They came straight to Bountiful afterwards- hence the dusty look in the top right picture.  Cam came at the very end of the evening after getting dropped off by his friends from spending a week in Lake Powell.  Look at his tan body compared to Griffin and Tanner!  Haha.  It looks like an oreo sandwich in reverse. 

I was so happy Ky and Brody decided to stay an extra 4 days.  It was so great having them all to ourselves.  Several nights were spent playing Rook outside on the patio, we went on walks, had cookouts, watched the fireworks and just enjoyed being together.  We sure miss Jess and Brad every summer when they leave for Texas for Brad's job, and I can't wait for the day when they get to be around all summer.

We all gathered at the Skeens the Sunday after the 4th for a delicious turkey dinner, and the sharing of our acts of service we had done since Christmas.  It was a wonderful evening.
The next day we spent at Lava Hot Springs.  We had a great time playing in the pool, waterslides and platforms, and floating down the nearby river.  


Cam has had a great summer- as usual, although this summer he's had to juggle a full-time job amongst all the fun times with friends...He has been working as a lifeguard at the Aquatic Center, as well as teaching swimming lessons every morning for 2 1/2 hours.   His friend Steve got his mission call to Canada.  He and his friends got into playing soccer while watching the World Cup.

He had a great week at Lake Powell with his friend Steve and his family, and his friends Tyson and Chase. 

Jake's been plugging away in Issaquah still--- he's been 6 months in the same area, but he's loving it.  Here he is with his companion Elder Beals, and on exchange with Elder Pulini.

 At a ward BBQ, and having treats at a members house.
I saved the best for last.....I became a grandma when
Evan Timothy Hatch made his appearance into the world on Tuesday, July 22 at 2:32 am.  I can't even begin to describe how excited I am and how in love with this baby I am.  I mean- just look at him! Ky had a hard and long 14 hours of labor, but it was all worth is to have this sweet little angel come into their home.  I was lucky enough to spend 10 days with him and Ky and Brody and I loved every second of my time there.

These were taken the first few days after getting home from the hospital.  That face!  I just want to stare at him all day long.

He spent so much time sleeping the first few days, that it was so fun when he started staying awake a bit longer.

I was so happy to be able to help Ky celebrate her golden birthday on the 27th as she turned 27.  I made dinner and they invited their friends over to eat, play games, and love on Evan.   I absolutely loved watching his parents love and take care of him and have an instant love for him.  What an awesome thing that was to witness.     I'm in love with Evan's nursery!  Ky (with a little help from me, Jess and Grandma Freda and her friend Chelsey) did such a great job of making it all come together.

Of course I'm counting the days until I see him again... 19 days from today!  We're going to spend Labor Day weekend with them.  Cam and Mike are very anxious to meet little Evan, but they're going to have to fight me for him... and Jessica will be there- the baby fanatic, so he's definitely going to get a lot of attention.  Ky and Brody should plan now to have a 3 day break from him (not that they need or want it...;).