Houston, we have grass!!!!

When Ryan and I bought our house it didn't have a yard. Had I known the pain it would be to put in a yard, I would have insisted on a house with an existing yard (and a 3 car garage--but that's a different issue). After living in our house for a little over a year, we decided it was time to finally do something with our dirt and weeds. I think our neighbors were glad to finally have all our weeds cleared out. After our vacations we got started on all the work---luckily we have nice family and friends that helped us out. I couldn't believe how much work went into preparing the dirt for the sod. WAY more work than I ever want to do again, EVER. At our sod party, Tanner kept using a magnifying glass to look for bugs--he was lots of help. We did get to run in the sprinklers after :D Our yard looks beautiful. THANKS for the help. Ryan's parents gave us some trees for our birthdays which really helped make our yard look nice.

International Peace Garden

While Ryan's parents were in town helping us with our yard, we tried to have some fun. I had taken Ryan a few weeks previously to the International Peace Garden---of course without a camera---and he decided his parents would really like it. It was fun to have a little time away from our yard and relax and enjoy a beautiful garden.

 

Finally.....it's finished

I finally finished my first knitting project----a felted purse. It feels like it took me forever! --- especially making the I-cord for the straps. I took a couple of pictures to show before and after the felting. All in all it turned out pretty cute I think. I'll use it. Ryan thinks it looks like a rasta hat and likes putting it on his head----hmmmm. I was amazed at how little it got, it'll be perfect to put scriptures in for Church or when I just need a small little bag. I did enjoy making it and can't wait to start another project. Ryan recently bought me a knitting book, so I have lots of fun things to choose from.

Pizza Factory

We ran into a bit of car trouble (the A/C quit working---honestly, how did those Pioneer's do it?) So we decided to spend the night in Cedar City after attending the reunion. It was always a possibility, the car just helped us make up our minds. The reunion was a good time. It's always good to see Ryan's parents and as an added bonus we got to see aunts, uncles and cousins too. I even got to meet some more cousins this year. Hanging out with my husband is always so much fun. I love it when we get to have "Amy and Ryan Day of FUN!!!!!!"

Grand National Staircase/Escalante

Ryan and I had to leave Lake Powell a day before everyone else so we could get to the Leavitt Family Reunion. (Ryan's mom's family) near Zion's National Park, but the backside, not the St. George side. The closest "big city" is Kanab. After consulting many maps we decided the most direct route (and hopefully the fastest) would be to take a small little road from Lake Powell to Escalante and then to Kanab. It certainly was a portion of Utah I thought I'd never see. Most of our travels were through the Grand National Staircase. It really was pretty and scenic. I am glad we went the way we did. We spent the night in Escalante---cute little town. Here are some pictures from the drive--part of which also took us through Bryce Canyon.

Lake Powell fun

We got to spend a week at Lake Powell with my family. My family started a tradition of going to Lake Powell during the summer---luckily we own part of a houseboat to make our time more comfortable. I am the one behind the camera so fortunately no pics of me in a swimsuit ;D Ryan likes wakeboarding, I like the wave runners we both enjoy the water, the sun, the warmth, and the beautiful scenery. This year we got some excitement at the dock when a group of scouts came in with a propeller injury. I was glad I didn't have to move our boat as I was the one at the dock and the waves and wind were raging---I think there would have been more accidents. It made me glad we are extra extra careful whenever people are in the water. My parents have done a good job teaching us water safety. Thanks for the great fun and memories.

End of Season

Ryan's season of coaching soccer has come to an end. The Orange Chihuahua's did OK. They started out the season well but things started falling apart as the girls quit coming to practice. Ryan had a lot of fun and enjoyed the experience. I liked the chance to catch some rays from the sidelines. This is picture day with Kiera and Meghan.