Everybody's Home!

Our summer has been a whirlwind. A fun, busy, and challenging 21/2 months.

Our first adventure was a simple one. A last minute invite to the Holt's pool. That small event received big reviews. "That was the funnest time - ever!" .......who knew.

After that, the big boy's took off. I've hardly seen either one this summer - just occasional sitings.

First, to High Adventure in Moab - the boys had a blast. Sam hiked, cheated his way through water fights and slept on the rocks (he didn't take much sleeping apparatus with him). His group did win the golf tournament - I think. Ryan ended up "hiking" the entire 3 mile - advanced hike - called Firey Furnace. I'm told it was quite a feat. He said it was one of the hardest things he's ever done.

Then, Samson went to Kentucky with the Olympus baseball team. He called once or twice. I think they actually did pretty well - but not much "commentary" on the particulars.

Ryan was then off to California with his coach Dean and his friend Latjor. Latjor is from Africa - and has lived through stuff the likes of which we have never seen. He got an infection about 10 years ago, which paralyzed his legs. He pretty much "crawled" from Sudan to the United States about 3 years ago. Dean, Ryan's coach, is now helping Latjor learn how to play wheelchair tennis. All three piled in Dean's small BMW, with six wheelchairs and numerous tennis rackets, and headed to the Irvine tournament. It was Latjor's first time away - and his first tournament. They had a great time. Dean is seriously one of the best guys I know. He is a total giver.

The boys (Ryan and Latjor) then attended a youth tennis camp in Mission Viejo - the following week. Wayne would pick them up from there and bring them home.

Meanwhile, Wayne had to get to California - which he did - with 3 large teenage boys, and 3 sibling children who dare i say - "fight". There was no leg room! An occasional bathroom break, was - I think - the highlight. They did make it however, to the beautiful coast of Santa Barbara, where the 3 large teenage boys were attending EFY.

The boys were "dropped off" - and left for a week to figure stuff out for themselves. I heard (again - commentary is limited) that they had fun! (But I think - with Samson's new arrival onto facebook - they might have had "lots of fun".)

While the boys were at EFY and Ryan and Latjor were at tennis camp, Wayne went to visit his sisters (one in Temecula, and one in San Diego). Elna and Dennis were also in California. The little kids went to Sea World and the beach, and had a nice time being with their dad (and cousins and aunts).

(My mom and I were home alone during this time. It was very quiet around here. Once a day we'd get together and go get something to eat.......relaxing).

Next came the big SHABANG! Ryan, Wayne and Grandy went to England. Two full weeks of wheelchair tennis and traveling. Ryan actually never left his hotel. Sightseeing, for him, was not in the plan this trip. But, boy did he have fun. He loves tennis and people - and he got plenty of both of those.

Wayne and Grandy pretended they were 18 - and did England "Cheap"! They stayed in a hostel (which makes me smile), ate at Aldi's (a discount grocery store), and talked with people from ALL walks of life! I'm so glad they went together - a grown son and his mom! They got to know everyone on the team and were the official cheerleaders. Tennis was their main focus - but they did do a litte traveling around London. I think they had a very good time.

I stayed home and finished 7! graduate classes. It was soooo busy. I literally had to think one hour at a time most days. I really enjoyed it - and I am very happy with my choice of Westminster. I start again in the fall.

Lastly, Emily and Duane came to town, with the two dudes (and Hannah) in tow. The boys are adorable. We had a nice time relaxing in a mountain condo while the kids swam in the pool. The scenery was beautiful. We then decided to follow Emily home via Boise to visit Joe and Lezlee, and view their new landscaping. We had a nice time roasting s'mores in their new fire pit and playing "ticket to ride".

We drove home early (4am) in time to attend Jacob's farewell. Thanks to the Rigby family for a nice dinner at their home. Jacob we wish you ALL THE BEST.

Ode to Grandma: My mom has helped me so much while I have been attending school. She takes total care of Annie - and keeps the others company.

Ode to Abbie and Eric: Wayne's sister and husband (and three cute kids) came to Salt Lake for two weeks and "played" with the younger kids, while I did school, and Wayne and Ryan were in England. They REALLY helped me out. THANK YOU....sly.

Whew.........I'm done for awhile.

P.S. summer pictures posted below.....