All in a Day's Work

I covered a story this last weekend involving a club of off-roading vehicles.  I had fully expected to interview a few of the club members on the phone, but they called me back after my initial phone call inviting me and my family on their next trail ride.  

Gladly, I said, especially given that I've NEVER been off-roading before.

 I took the two older girls with me (deciding that the 2 younger girls probably weren't old enough) and we loaded up in this monster climbing vehicle (at least that's what the driver called it). 

I really had no idea what kind of adventure awaited us.  

It was heart-pounding, exhilarating, and yes, even a tad frightening at moments when I thought for-sure we were going to roll over, especially when we were going up through this section of rocks.

I needn't have worried though because we were in good hands, and the driver assured me he had only rolled his vehicle on two instances.  

Okay, on second thought, just enough times for me to worry.  Just a little.

 At least we didn't have to be towed, like this guy. 

 Unbeknownst to me, the photographer from the newspaper took a couple of photos of us and the beautiful scenery.  I can see why people get hooked on 'wheeling.'  

I've told John he has my full support if he decides he ever wants to buy a jeep and take me jeeping.

If you are interested in the story, here's the link:

http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/08/26/wasatch-outlaw-wheelers-traverse-large-boulders-northern-utah-mountains 

Our New Family Pics!!

 Here we are in beautiful Lincoln City, Oregon

 Natalie - age 5

 Megan - age 2

 Alicia - age 10

 Kimberly - age 12

 John and Dana (ages not disclosed)

Life Elevated

We had a super fun-filled day on Monday visiting Temple Square with my brother and sister-in-law and the girls enjoyed spending more time with their cousin Gracie.

The Countdown Has Begun...2 More Weeks!

We have two more weeks left of summer before the kids start back into school.  We have been keeping busy with our summer adventures. 

Kimberly had her first violin recital.  

 

She loves playing the violin and is looking forward to orchestra in 7th grade.

After her recital last week, we joined up with some friends at their parent's condo up in Eden, right next to Pineview.

 

It was beautiful up there.  

 

This little lady thought she would see what it was like to drown while my head was turned.  Luckily, we caught her within seconds.  Scary!! 

We went to the Davis County Fair this week where we got to pet stingrays.  

Megan, our ever-so-shy one, wasn't so sure about the prospect.

She liked the horses though!

 

....and so did Natalie.

The older 2 girls both entered something.  Alicia sewed up a jean purse, and was awarded 3rd place.

 

Kimberly baked and decorated a waterfall cake, receiving 2nd place.

We always enjoy one ride while we are there.  We talked the girls into the Scrambler.  

Everyone liked it but Megan, who kept saying, "I Done! I Done!"

Hmm.  We're going to have to work on that girl. 

And lastly, John has been spending his summer adding on to his bird mew so Kimberly can get a kestrel when she gets her falconry license.  Hopefully she passes the test as soon as she's done studying. 

 You knew John had to be up to some kind of project, didn't ya?  He's been scraping together whatever change he can scrounge around to buy materials for the project.  He is hoping to have it finished before the snow flies and bird catching time begins.

Yup. All Meldrums.

Summer Time Fun

Our summer is bumping happily along with fun activities, though I can tell the girls (er, maybe it's just me...) are more than ready for school to begin given their increased number of fights and boredom around here.

Regardless, we have been doing fun things, and thought I'd share...

 We had a fun neighborhood BBQ on Pioneer Day where there was a gal face-painting. 

Then we spent a Saturday afternoon where we spent a small fortune to go see Brave as a family.   Outside the theater, we checked out the new water thingee.  

 One of the highlights of the summer was getting to welcome home John's youngest siblings - the twins who both returned from their missions on the same day.  They are truly connected as twins because they were called to serve in the same state - Elder Rimington in Northern California, and Sister Rimington in Southern California.  Cool, huh? 

 The family is complete again :)

Oh yah, this picture was taken AFTER the hugs and tears.

 We've enjoyed lots of fun cousin time over the last couple of weeks as well.  

 All of the Rimington Cousins

 Of course, we had to play some fun games.  

 Even the big boys.  

All-in-all, it's been a fun summer indeed, but I am counting down the days until school starts. 
Only 28.  Just 4 LONG weeks.  We can do it.