“I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” -Andy Rooney

A combination of summer, me being stir crazy, and a father without a job for the first time in almost 40 years united for some great mountain hiking opportunities. My father and I went on several hikes around Salt Lake and enjoyed the beautiful nature our part of the world has to offer.
We took my nephew, Carter, with us a couple of times…he did great, and always has some hilarious comments to add to the trip. Some of my favorites were: “Grandpa, I’m doing good at not complaining huh?!” which was followed only minutes later by “Man, why do there have to be so many rocks?” and “I wish I was sitting down and eating pizza”. We can always count on him for quotes worthy of recording.
We also went on one with my mom, Carter, and his sister (my one and only niece) Aniston.
Sawyer did fabulous.
He already has a love for the outdoors and seemed to thoroughly enjoy each of our outings. Good thing!

What the heck is this stuff??

Sawyer's horizons have expanded! He got his first taste of “solid” food (really just ‘not totally liquid’ food). You can tell he is thrilled about it…or he’s just looking at us and wondering what all of the excitement is about. We had a dinner at my parents’ house and had Rob’s parents and sister come over to meet our friend Sean (from Rob’s MBA school group) and watch this fun event. It was fun to have everyone there and I think Sawyer got enough food!
Is that a look of satisfaction or what!? Mmmm, milk with a little bit of oatmeal! What a life!

The splendor of sporting events

I was raised to enjoy all that sporting events have to offer. Rob and I are kindred spirits in this regard and we didn’t even have to discuss whether or not we would raise our children in the same manner. So when our friends Brooke, Jared, and their little boy Ryker invited us to a Salt Lake Bees baseball game, we were game.
It was on the 23rd so not only were we able to watch the game, which we regrettably lost, but we got a bonus of a fireworks display at the end.
We were quite impressed! It was a lot longer and grandiose than we had expected, and once again, Sawyer thoroughly enjoyed it all! Thanks McArthur family! We also finally went on a “date”, and brought our son along, on the 31st of July. We got a “groupon” for passes to a Real Salt Lake game.
What else could you want, soccer, a winning team, and a good deal! Needless to say it was a thrilling game that our boys won. We lucked out with our seats too. Not only was it a good view but when the impending rainstorm unleashed we were 5 rows up from getting drenched. We comfortably watched the entire game warm and protected by the “wings” of the stadium. We were treated to a spectacular sunset after the storm as the cherry on the top of it all!