Sweet Summer

For some reason it feels like summer is still just getting started when really it is already nearly July and as of Monday Ryan is officially back into the swing of school.

Ryan was able to spend his week long summer break with Stella and I visiting family out west.

He then took an extra week to travel to Arizona where we began what is going to be a long and stressful process of determining where we want to be when all of this school stuff is said and done.

We still have no idea, but the Arizona sunshine sure was enjoyable, even with temperatures in the 110+ every day we were there.

Sunshine just makes me happy.

Our summer adventures were numerous, and I think the best part of it all was being able to experience some of our favorite summer time activities together as a family.

Ryan hasn't been home for a summer in nearly three years so it just felt good to do the normal summer stuff that we have been missing out on since being in dental school.

One of those favorite summer past times in the Palmer household is baseball.

Most of you know Ryan and his brothers LOVE baseball and have played throughout their childhoods, in high school, college, and beyond including playing either together or individually in the Northern Utah Baseball League each summer.

This league is real baseball being played by real baseball players ranging in age from 18-who knows how old.

We spent many a summer nights under the lights at the ball park during our dating and early married years.

And while there were times when baseball wasn't always my friend, I cherish the memories made watching Ryan do something he loves so much.

So when we heard Greg was playing on a team this summer I kept telling Ryan he should go play a game or two.

At first he told me no way, no how; but eventually we all talked him into playing one night.

And not to brag or anything, but he did awesome for not playing the game in nearly 3 years.

His first at bat he nearly hit a home run, but had to settle for a double.

If you ask him the hitting was the easy part, running the bases...not so much.

Taylor couldn't join the brothers due to a recent shoulder surgery.

That really was the only thing missing from the night.

Not sure why we don't seem to like each other in this picture, but trust me we do.

Grandma P helped entertain the kiddos by chasing them (Stella) around the park and letting them play with her IPad.

I am tempted to get an IPad just for it's babysitting value.

We also enjoyed some of the beautiful scenery that is Cache Valley.

One day we decided a nice little 5 mile hike would be fun.

It really was beautiful and felt great to get outside, but after a bit the lady carrying the baby in her womb and those carrying the baby on their backs were pretty wiped out.

We spent a little time getting reacquainted with friends both old and new.

My dear friend Leah took the time to drive from Bountiful to Logan so that we could have lunch and let the kiddos play.

Her little Beck is just the cutest and he and Stella thought this little toy bunny sure was cool.

Ryan's parents also had a few real bunnies running around in their backyard.

We caught one and Stella loved putting her face in the box and saying hi to him.

It probably had a heart attack each time the giant baby monster yelled in it's ear, but it sure was cute.

Summer time wouldn't be the same with out a trip to Bear Lake.

Fun was had by all as we enjoyed the beautiful new addition my grandparents added to their cabin, as well as raspberry shakes, Pickleville Playhouse, and milk can dinners.

Ryan and I were able to sneak away for a little 4 wheeler ride, another of our favorite activities that filled summers past.

Stella was introduced to junk food in a major way this trip.

I am afraid she will never be the same.

I think this is one of my most favorite pictures of the trip.

Taigen (aka Shag) and Stella really had fun with one another.

Taigen came to Arizona with us as well, and we would not have had such a great time with out her.

I miss my babysitter almost as much as Stella does!

Along with treats, Stella was introduced to dipping her food into sauces.

Heaven help me.

It is a good thing she is so dang cute.

Her two favorite things in the world: Dodger and Nana.

After wearing out our welcome in Utah and Idaho we headed for the Valley of the Sun.

And sun is exactly what we got.

Our days were pretty hard: we stayed with Ryan's awesome cousin in their beautiful house where we were fed like kings, we shopped, we found our new favorite treat- Bahama Bucks- and might have had two or three, we swam, we took naps.

It was perfect.

We did accomplish a little business while we there too, but that just isn't quite as exciting.

Stella is officially a water baby.

We ended our week of fun with a BBQ and pool party with some of my Arizona cousins.

Everyone was so kind to give up their Saturday to come hang out with us, as well as to provide a beautiful pool and all the delicious food you could eat.

We enjoyed every second of our day!

Two more of her favorite things: eating and having a dance party.

Currently we are slowly recovering from 3 weeks away.

Unpacking, decompressing, and laundry are bad enough in their own right, but I also came home to an apartment in complete upheaval as we had to pack up for the exterminators before we left.

Let's just say it is slow going.

Good news is I finally went grocery shopping today so we can eat more than the loaf of banana bread my friend gave me.

Yes, banana bread does taste good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Don't knock it til you try it.