Skyline Drive

The Extended Barlow family had something of a reunion at the top of the world last weekend. At least, that's what Mike and Joshua call skyline drive up Ephraim Canyon. We met up with the clan and camped out for three days and two nights. We really had a good time enjoying the outdoors and making memories with family.

Michael has been trying to turn me into a fisherwoman for years now, and I have never caught anything except a severe case of grumpiness. I always rolled my eyes when he would talk about the bountiful fishing up Ephraim Canyon. Well, I have had to take back all of my eye rolls, because in the two fishing jaunts we took, we caught over thirty fish. It was so much fun! We ate fish for dinner both nights we were there. I got over my fear of sliminess enough to de-hook the fish and throw them back in the river, but I never could quite bring myself to gutting and cleaning. Luckily I have a macho husband who is tender with my weaknesses.

There was a snow patch right near our camp, where we did some intense sledding-in-July. Daniel and I have matching bruises on our tooshies where we landed on a sharp rock at the bottom of the snow. Ouch! Everyone got a good laugh out of that. We also enjoyed some fun crafts and activities including treasure hunts, rockets, face painting, movies, cooking, and of course, fires!

Happy 60th, Mom!

I realize it has been almost a month since my last post, so to all my regular readers: I'm sorry. We've had some fun this month, with lots of great pictures and videos to share.

July 5th was my mother's 60th birthday. We decided to throw her a little party on the 4th, at which we had cupcakes, baloons, and of course, fireworks. It was pretty simple but fun. We sure love Ma!

A few random photos for your viewing pleasure!

Weekend visit with the Jaussis...we went to the Utah Lake Festival. Janet loves e kids. Even the ones with black eyes and bowl cuts!

Joshua just finished up his first soccer season. Here are some shots taken just after the final game. Joshua earned the "best attitude award" because he never made a single goal, but he cheared for each one like it was his own.

This is of the boys at "Big J's" in Preston. We were visiting my grandpa Shipley's grave with Ma (grandma Jaussi) for memorial day. I love the candid shot of Joshua laughing. Also not the subject of the laugh...french fry drinking straws....

Jeri almost died today...

We went up blacksmith fork canyon to escape the heat today. We went to friendship campground, wehre the river has nice shallow spots for the kids to play in, and lots of room for the dog to run. We had a very nice afternoon relaxing and playing in the water. It is beautiful in these mountains! When were getting ready to leave I heard a distinct "rattling" sound a few yards away.....

I looked over to where the sound was coming from, and saw Jeri pointing at something behind a large log. She seemed uncertain as to whether to go after the thing or to back off. My first thought was that the sound didn't seem like a rattlesnake, and was maybe a badger or something that snarls. To be safe, I called her to me and thankfully she came. Because when I rounded the stump (with a nice long stick in my hand - I was jumpy) there was a sight to behold.

Yes, it was a rattle snake, and a pretty big one at that. I called to Mike, and we all watched from a safe distance. It rattled at us a few more times, and then slithered away. We have been regretting not grabbing the camera, but I will admit I was a little freaked out and getting a picture or video was the last thing on my mind.

In the words of my Dad, "it was a grand adventure!" And we are glad that our dog was smart enough to back away. I did manage to get some nice pictures today, even if they are snake-free.

What is that sound?

Yesterday evening we were all sitting in the livingroom relaxing. Michael was watching the US open, and I was reading Dr. Suess to the boys. All of a sudden we heard the strangest sound. It was like a low quiet whirring sound. It would get louder and then softer, and it seemed to be coming from the kitchen. Mike and I looked at eachother questioningly, and then he looked towards the kitchen. "There are two hummingbirds in the kitchen" He said, and we all jumped up and ran to the kitchen. Just as we got there the hummingbirds zoomed back out the sliding door which had been left open.
We just hung a hummingbird feeder right next to the door on the deck, and I guess the little things thought it was an invitation to make themselves at home. So that is our exciting story for this Thursday. Have a good weekend everyone!

Which Mupptet are You?

I found this while brousing....it may be a little inacurate, but fun nonetheless!

You Are Animal

A complete lunatic, you're operating on 100% animal instincts. You thrive on uncontrolled energy, and you're downright scary. But you sure can beat a good drum. "Kill! Kill!"

The Muppet Personality Test

Book Review -- One Thousand White Women

Mom Barlow lent us this book titled One Thousand white women written by Jim Fergus. It is a "What if" historical novel set in the 1870's. Several white women are comissioned by the government to go to the plains and be brides for the Cheyenne indians ina n effort to asimilate the indians into white culture. The book is writen as a journal of one of the women, and you see the culture and events through her eyes. This is a beautifully written story with much human truth to it. I know when I love a book, because I can't get it off my mind for a few days. I recomend it to anyone who can handle adult themes.