In keeping with life being totally crazy, the week after Point Reyes, we came back and spent a couple more days with the Rhoduses, then on Tuesday they headed home and Jens went to Kid to Work day at Intel. He got to do a really cool lab with Lego robotics, which he was very enthusiastic about. Also, he got to drink soda. Grammy and Papa came back to our house Wednesday after a peaceful recovery at the Sea Ranch. They flew out on Thursday afternoon, and Friday we packed for Utah.
But before we left for Utah, we went to a swim meet. Saturday morning the kids had a dual meet at home. Both Helquists tore it up at the pool! Jens and Sylvie both got PR's in every event they swam, and we left the pool feeling stoked. We hit the road shortly after the meet and got to Utah late Saturday night/early Sunday morning. We made great time and the kids were really good.
They were very tired, though, so Cora and I were the only ones up and ready for church Sunday morning. So I took Jens and Sylvie to "Nature Church" in Rock Canyon once Cora was down for a nap.
We did some scrambling to get to this view. Sylvie hated every minute of it and cried/screamed continuously on the way down. Fun times.
Jens was somewhat disgusted with her wimpiness and was adamant that we return to the canyon the next day for a little more exploring, sans Sylvie. I think he secretly hoped we would make it all the way to Squaw Peak, but we didn't even get close. Someday, dude. It was really fun spending time with him and doing what he wanted to do.
Mike and I rode our bikes to Squaw Peak the next day. It was very up hill-ish.
Then we escaped to the cabin to spend a couple of nights. It is so beautiful there. Cousins came up, we hiked to the falls, I ate WAY too much Chex mix. A fine time was had by all.
Mike and I rode to the summit of the Alpine Loop. It was also very up hill-ish.
We came down from the cabin so Mike could stand on Center Street at 3am. He, Joel, and Chuck were real heroes, up in the dark to save us a seat for the parade. Everyone enjoyed it, especially Cora, who danced to the music and watched the horses with fascination. Hailey brought face paint and spent at least 2 hours painting faces. Sylvie loved it. Cora and I jogged down to the parade, and then I ended up jogging home. It was really hot by the time I got back to Grandma and Grandpa's!
More 4th festivities.
We finished the 4th off with Stadium of Fire (Jens and Mike went to see Carrie Underwood) and fireworks. I took Sylvie to watch the fireworks, which she didn't care about at all. She was more interested in running around with glow bracelets. Mike and Jens got back VERY late, but before he went to sleep, Jens asked to go see the balloons in the morning. Cora and I walked down to meet up with them.
Saturday afternoon we went swimming with almost all of the cousins. It was so fun! That evening, the "blue bloods" went to have a new family portrait done and have dinner together. I think they all enjoyed being together. We haven't seen how the pictures turned out yet, but I am sure they will be great.
Sunday we all made it to church before packing up and heading home. We love visiting our Utah family.
Home again, home again, jiggity jig.
