Back to School

Sadly the summer vacation time is almost over and you young ones will be returning to your school classes. The fun part will be learning new things and making new friends. Grandpa and I had a fun week - we went Back to School. But just for a week. We went to campus education week at BYU. We got up early every morning and were in class by 8:00 am. There were so many choices to choose from that sometimes we split up and went to different classes just so we could satisfy all our interests. I have to admit that my favorite class was lunch but there were others that I liked too. After a long day of 7 or 8 classes we found our way back to our dorm by 9 pm and then crashed and tried to rest up and get ready for the next day of classes.

These are some important things I realized this week: 1. you are never to old to learn 2. you need lots of rest to keep you alert in class 3. there are so many interesting things to learn about 4. that it is fun to walk and be outside 5. I could use some help with computer technology 6. a healthy lunch keeps your going for the whole day 7. it's fun to hang out with Grandpa As you all begin a new year of school I hope you all are happy in your learning and making new friends. We look forward to seeing your "back to school" photos soon.

A special day

Ellie, Kelsey and Emma - looking radiant - on Kelsey's baptism day.

A reunion

We were invited to attend the HJRogers family reunion and were delighted to see all the cousins and their families. An especially tender moment was when Valene arrive and was greeted by Jarvis.

We enjoyed their dance competition and thought they were all good sports to try and dance on the gravel at the cabin. Try tap dancing or waltzing on the gravel - it's hard. They all willingly participated in line dancing. Thanks for inviting us - it was fun to see you all.

Happy 4th

Blogger and I aren't getting along well tonight so I will just post here and you can decide what is what with the photos. We had a glorious 4th of July week. We enjoyed being with our family. Jennie and Jason hosted a BBQ and invited their friends and relatives. We ate well ! Good food, good company, good times. The kids enjoyed the Maestri's festive yard, got their faces painted, and waited patiently for a turn to be swung around and around. Kelsey designed and painted her own t-shirt. Sarah had multiple festive outfits and had to wear each one as they won't fit next year. Grandpa followed Sarah around with his camera, I got to hold little John - who slept cozily most of the evening. The Cousin-Cousins had art camp. They painted, they visited art museums, and the older cousins were excited to find a amazing race car display at one of the museums. A Happy Festive Week with lots of Family. Hurray !

Dessert ???

Last night for FHE we had a talent show. Some people sang, some played instruments, we had one comedien and one contortionist. Some young men shared their cooking talents and brought us dessert. Chocolate coverd bacon. Very intersting combination.

babysitting

Grandpa and I had a pleasant evening playing with these two young ones.
We played soccer on the lawn in the last rays of sunshine and then took a long walk
around the block.
These little ones ate a yummy dinner and then settled in for a time playing with
the farm animals and the railroad track. To polish off the evening we made some puzzles and then checked to see what was in the treat jar before they headed back home with the rest of their family.

Fun times !

Annabella getaway

Grandpa and I spent a lovely few days with the Lee kids while their parents were
away celebrating their anniversary.
Everyone loves to read at this home and they love books early as you can see Becca
loving this book from all directions.



Max is into dinosaurs and was devouring this book and another like it.

Brianna talked Grandma into reading her this VERY LONG Barbie story.

Trav was busy with his studies.

Recess ! - Grandpa declared himself Principal of their school and was very keen
on recess and lunch time.

Travis was good to help Becca ride the purple dinosaur.

Max was going to surprise Alyssa as she came down the slide.

Hannah and Alyssa being silly.

This is the new kitchen clean up crew in training. They have a great kitchen training program at this home. Grandpa and Grandma were only invited to the kitchen to eat. Hannah cooked dinner the first night, Alyssa was our breakfast specialist
and Travis cooked our lunch and dinner the next day. Pretty amazing crew!

Grandma declared Friday as Photo Day! We tried re-enacting Jon's puppy photo but
it doesn't work with children. Here is our best effort of all the girls.

Then all the boys !

My personal favorite - (I took it myself) of Travis and his Grandpa Lee

Becca shouts for joy as her parents return home.

shoot quick

We've been here, there and everywhere the last few weeks. Some weeks we can say that we've seen all of our Utah grandchildren.
Just after Christmas we got together for a few days of peace and quiet and good food in Annabella.
Catching 19 grandkids and getting them to pose for a photo is a major challenge - but this time they were all very co-operative
This isn't all pretty and proper like Sarah's kids when they pose or all cute and lined up nicely like Jon's puppies pose - but these are 19 of our grandchildren and they make me smile.

Getting the four Cherry children to pose is quite a feat too. Here's our best effort from our visit at Thanksgiving.
Add these 4 to the other 19 and you have all of the current Lee Family grandchildren. THEY ARE THE GREATEST!

Peaceful, Heavenly, Wet and Fun

You've all been there at least once so you know that a weekend camping at Capitol Reef is something to look forward to and to enjoy.
We were the first campers to arrive so Roland and I set up our tent while the deer grazed? on the fallen pears nearby.
Most people campout by sleeping in tents - but not Jon - he made cozy beds for the kids in the van and set himself a bed outside.
Everyone did a great job with their meal assignments and we had plenty to eat at all times.
The kids loved the zipline, the irrigation ditch, the rocks, the horses, and the pinata.
And I think we all loved the hike to the waterfall. Some were timid about getting wet at first but not for long. I enjoyed seeing the cousins playing together.

Gardens

Early this year we planted in our cute little grow boxes and we were so pleased with our harvest. We had yellow squash, zuccinni, swiss chard and our favorite was the potatoes. Our cucumbers didn't do well and our tomatoes had beautiful plants and not much fruit. Still we were happy with our efforts.
The Eves' planted later in the year and as always have a great garden with quality green beans, peppers and tomatoes, which we are always excited to partake of.

On Labor Day weekend we were at Clear Creek visiting and Jon was cooking up some squash. He hollered to Brianna to run to the garden and get him a few green peppers and some other kind of peppers. I went along to be her helper. Wow! Holy smoke! The garden was huge and there were vegetables ready to pick in every direction. Tomatoes, peppers, all kinds of peppers, corn, and potatoes. But this was only Garden #1 - we hadn't even noticed the other garden.
Jon says "don't come to my garden with out a grocery bag" so I hurried off to find a bag to fill. Jon is showing Jennie a watermelon. The garden had cantaloupe, yellow squash, banana squash, acorn squash and miles of pumpkins.
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Max and Ellie are showing me where to find the cherry tomatoes
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Josh found a pumpkin just the size he is
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Max found a giant pumpkin. Wow! what a pumpkin patch!

Some extra fun activities we enjoyed that weekend - Max and Ellie at the cabin swing - Jason and Josh rowing on the pond

Don't be discouraged all you garden growers - Jon always likes to do things in a BIG way!