Fun in the Sun

Like everyone else, we have spent A LOT of time at home. We've had some good weather and some bad weather, but mostly we've just stayed home. We decided we needed to get out and about. We had a fabulous weekend doing just that.

On Friday, we went to pick strawberries. This is an annual tradition for us. Just the smell of the fresh strawberries makes it worth it. Some of the local farms are closed and some are picked out so we didn't know what we'd find, but Cottle Farms out by the temple was great. The strawberries were smaller than usual, but we found that the smaller ones are actually much sweeter

We were especially happy to join our friends the Alsups. We miss our friends so much.

We tried to keep our distance.

Happy girls.

Happy moms.

Yummy berries.

Saturday, we wanted to go somewhere to try out the kayak. Last time we had trouble finding a place where we could swim and kayak. It was either one or the other, but not both. We discovered Monticello Park. It was awesome. It wasn't crowded at all.

It was our first time taking the boat on the water. Unfortunately, it had a small hole and the patch we put on it last summer didn't hold. David and J took it out for a bit, but it didn't last long.

The reservoir was a restful place,

but the nuclear plant is a bit of an eyesore.

Last year I was too big to fit in the kayak so I was super excited to try it.

I am an albino.

I paddled out and around this little island. So did David and Baylie. It was a little tricky because there are rock shelves all around. I kept thinking I would run aground, but I didn't.

The drive home was lovely.

It was wonderful to spend some time outside in the fresh air.

Happy Birthday to Me!

David and the kids woke me up and sent me on a treasure hunt around the house. At the end of the hunt, the final clue was under a big rug. They had made me this sign with awesome quotes about teaching and motherhood. There was also a note saying that my main present - a tripod - was on it's way. It's what I wanted!

We moved the words to the fireplace so we could look at it easier.

I got a lovely card, money, and a personalized notebook from my parents. They are always so good to me. 

The kids bought me an oversized mug for my Optavia fuelings. Also what I wanted! 

I decided to take a break from my health plan - for the first time in eight months. I made English muffins and we had sausage and egg English muffins.

I decided to get dressed, put on make up and do my hair. I haven't done that much since the quarantine.

We went and picked up this week's school lunches and then met some friends - keeping our distance - to watch the military jet flyover.

We discovered for the first time that our back seats actually flip over for tailgate seating. So cool!

We saw (and heard) eight jets. So cool!

I delivered lunch to some of my students and they surprised me with birthday notes and homemade vanilla. So sweet!

David and the kids got cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Another request! Such a favorite - and so much richer than anything I have eaten in eight months! They chose strawberry, lemon, and vanilla. (Baylie and I tried to tell David vanilla would be boring...)

We ate it on the front porch.

We were doing the family treasure hunt when we heard a bunch of cars honking. I joked that they were celebrating my birthday. Well, it turned out they were! I was shocked to find our cul de sac filled with people that I love, wishing me a happy birthday.

I was so moved. I am so blessed with amazing friends that fill my life with love.

Courtneys

Turners

Michelle Burgess

Melanie Daniel

Alsups

Baltzegars

Harleys

They sang happy birthday to me!

I felt surrounded with so much love! 

I have VERY generous friends. I was overwhelmed. (I also had so much fun shopping!)

Melanie got me this beautiful bracelet.

For dinner, I had popcorn! I waited eight months for this! (I have a bit of a popcorn obsession.)

It has been such a lovely day - perfectly relaxing and filled with love. I feel so blessed today.