Friday, July 31, 2026

July 2026

July saw us adjusting back to the heat after our trip as well as getting back in the regular routine of work and school.

Megan with a bouquet of trees that grew in the yard while we were gone.

The grass is almost as tall at Artemis!

U, Matthew, Me and Megan waiting for fireworks on the 4th of July

A few pictures of the fireworks through the special glasses they gave us.



Brazil Yum box was good.


Marching Band Camp was the first full week in July. It consisted of 10 hours days Monday through Friday plus 5 hours on Sunday. Welcome back to band!
Megan and Matthew at the performance they did for the parents.

Matthew playing the baritone. Can you spot Megan behind his bell?

We did a lot of driving with Megan and Matthew (Matthew got his permit when we got back from the trip). Megan liked driving by temples.

The band performed during the new student orientation.


Matthew loves Artemis!

One longer drive took Megan and U by the Mesa and Gilbert temples.


Yum to milkshakes!


We went to Tucson to help Sarah out and brought Lionheart back with us for the weekend.
Lionheart with the teepee we gave him for his birthday.

Teepee, Bluey couch and blanket: what more could a 2 year old want?

Sarah and Lionheart

Lionheart walking with determination!

Lionheart and Matthew on Lionheart's trampoline.

Matthew, Lionheart and Megan

Lionheart and Matthew eating their subs. Lionheart did a great job eating his!

Lionheart sharing with Grandma.

Few pictures from a trip to the park with Grandpa.



He wanted to go to the sprinklers so they did. And they got wet. 

Lionheart walking home from the park.

Matthew, Lionheart and Megan watching Cars.

Lionheart loved playing with the cars!


Uncle Matthew spinning Lionheart around.

Lionheart likes going in the dog crate.

Cheese!

Snuggles with Matthew!

Megan, Matthew, Me, Lionheart, U

Lionheart wakes up ready to play.

We'd moved Lionheart away from the light switch but he figured out how to get a longer reach with the spoon. He still couldn't quite reach it but it was a valiant effort.

Megan with her red face after outdoor marching band rehearsal. Her answer if you ask if she put on sunscreen: YES!!!


We see these little DoorDash robots driving around. They are cute!


Wednesday, July 15, 2026

First Day of School 2026

 The first day of 10th grade for Matthew and Megan! Of course, they had 55 hours of marching band camp at Hamilton the week before so school was a familiar place.





Friday, July 3, 2026

The Trip Home

We headed out of the hostel to catch our flight.

This hotel was displaying the flags of all the countries we visited on our trip: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the United States.


We took the fast train from central Stockholm to the airport. We zipped through the countryside at around 180 km/hr.
Matthew, Me, U and Megan on the flight from Stockholm to Helsinki

Me enjoying the views out the window.

U on the Game of Thrones throne in the Helsinki airport

Matthew

Megan, U, Me and Matthew on the Helsinki to Seattle flight

Getting close to landing in Seattle. It really is a beautiful city to fly into!

U, Megan, Matthew and Me on the flight from Seattle to Phoenix.

A couple of pictures of Mt Rainier. Such an impressive looking mountain.


When we landed in Phoenix, it was dark. Such a strange concept as we had not seen dark since we were in Copenhagen. It was definitely an amazing trip and we were blessed to be able to take it!