August was a big month for our family. Halle got baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We made sure she always knew that the the choice was completely hers. She picked out a dress from White Elegance. It was too big, but my mom came to the rescue. She practically made a whole new dress by taking the existing one apart to make it smaller.
Great Grandpa surprised Jared and Halle by flying in for the baptism. We were so excited he did that! That night was Highland Days (every city in Utah has a “day” and does fireworks and stuff. It’s weird).
Next up we had another girls trip, but this time to St. George to Tuacahn and Halle came. My mom networks with a lot of dog rescue places, many of which try to rescue dogs from shelters and transport them to a rescue group or foster home. We were able to meet someone to transport Honey to St. George where a foster was there to pick her up.
Our first play was the night of our arrival. We paid for the bbq they provide at the theatre and did a backstage tour.
Little Mermaid was INCREDIBLE. The special affects they can manage to do outdoors are amazing.
The next day we went to a “park” with lots of red rocks to play and sort of hike around. I hadn’t considered all of this and didn’t pack tennis shoes for Halle or I, so you’ll notice we’re wearing flip flops anytime we’re hiking. It started out a little rainy, but I didn’t have a hood on my sweater, so I turned it into one.
This is what my mom goes through to get pictures of all of us together.
We met my mom’s cousins for dinner before the play at a teppanyaki restaurant. Halle thought this little guy peeing on the onion fire was hilarious and wanted me to take a picture.
That night was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Also fabulous. It’s always been one of my favorites as far as music, and Halle was familiar with the music as well and saw the play at our local theatre about 3 years ago.
The next day we went to Snow Canyon State Park for more hiking.
I have no idea what my mom is pointing at.
That’s Halle way far away!
My mom and Halle still far away. I was lazy and sat in one spot and enjoyed the view.
Insert picture of Eli because this is what he and Jared did while we were hiking.
On our way back to our hotel we stopped at a place called the Fractured Prune. You make your own donuts, pick your frosting and toppings and oh joy it’s delicious. I got some sort of strawberry shortcake thing, and Halle got marshmallow glaze with Oreos and mini marshmallows on top. My mom chose not to partake.
Then we spent the afternoon swimming in the hotel pool. Each afternoon we took a nap knowing that we’d be out until almost midnight each night.
Halle and Grandma played a game where Halle would jump over her, and my mom would get further and further from the edge of the pool. Happy to report Halle never landed on grandma. I was also excited because this end of the pool was 6 feet and I had never let Halle swim deep where she couldn’t touch. She did awesome and was able to jump in and swim to the side of the pool.
That night was Wizard of Oz. It was good, but just very long and seemed to drag on. We drove home the next day, my birthday, just in time to go to my brother’s graduation at BYU.
After arriving home I had a meeting at work. I work from home, very part time, but go into meetings infrequently. They were so kind to get me this delicious cake.
And finally it was time for school to start! I can’t believe Halle is in 3rd grade!
Soccer was starting up soon and Eli was so excited when we picked up his uniform. He would wear it all day, then in the morning the second he woke up he’d put it back on.
