Kevin took the children downtown to the annual Pioneer Day activities. They missed all but the end of the small parade that went through the area. Soon after, they went to the craft area, where Megan, Ian, and Erin made tie-die bandannas. Ian enjoyed throwing the atlatl, a hunting weapon used long ago. There was also hatchet throwing, which both of the children tried.
Brown Family Reunion
Here are three of the four living children of Archie Lee Brown, April's grandfather: Maryetta Brown Tsukamoto, Beverly Brown Greene, and Irene Brown Ingram. David Brown (younger brother of Maryetta) was not in attendance.
Grandfather Brown's marriage to April's grandmother was his second (he had 6 children from his first marriage which ended in divorce), and he was 25 years older, hence the generation differences between the step-sisters. Grandma Brown 
was closer to the age of her step children, plus for some reason they always referred to her as "Aunt Ethel" so it has always been a bit confusing how we are all related. Here is a not-so-great angle of the grandchildren who were in attendance, lined up according to age. Again, the oldest are the age of April's mother with April at the younger end of the scale.
The grilled chicken was great, and we ate a lot of food. The children had a huge yard/playground area in which to amuse themselves. Notice the happy smiles as they ride on the bucking bull.
Grandfather Brown's marriage to April's grandmother was his second (he had 6 children from his first marriage which ended in divorce), and he was 25 years older, hence the generation differences between the step-sisters. Grandma Brown 
was closer to the age of her step children, plus for some reason they always referred to her as "Aunt Ethel" so it has always been a bit confusing how we are all related. Here is a not-so-great angle of the grandchildren who were in attendance, lined up according to age. Again, the oldest are the age of April's mother with April at the younger end of the scale.
The grilled chicken was great, and we ate a lot of food. The children had a huge yard/playground area in which to amuse themselves. Notice the happy smiles as they ride on the bucking bull.Farewell Party for Emmy, Brad, & Gabe
Kevin's cousin Emmy and her family moved to San Diego for Brad's graduate school, so we had a family party to say "good-bye" and "good luck." We can all survive for awhile without Emmy and Brad, but we don't know what we'll do without darling little Gabe running around. They promised to bring him back for Christmas. Hopefully they will post new photos on their blog soon (hint, hint--but who are we to talk?).
New Hamster!
Megan has finally gotten a hamster! She has named him Tico. He was given to us because he was donated to a yard sale, and then nobody bought him. Much to April's relief, he does not smell bad at all compared to the mice. Luckily, Tico is a nice hamster, and he does not bite.
Cache County Fair
We visited the fair over two days, the first time with the Bucherts, and the second time with Dad. Erin especially loved all the little animals. Megan was eyeing the hamsters for sale, thinking she might need another one. Ian enjoyed sitting on the big farm machinery.
Perseid Meteor Shower
We drove up Logan Canyon and camped out overnight near Logan Peak to watch the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. We sat out on blankets until about 11:30 p.m. when the children finally crashed, but we had seen a lot by that time--as many as 3 per minute. Even Erin was commenting on them. Kevin wore his camo hunting clothes. Can you see him against the foilage? At least admire his nice facial hair growth...a new image after so many years of shaving. Now he has the true "outdoorsman" look.
Canning Distractions
Canning season unofficially began towards the end of July when a friend dropped off 3 bags of delicious apricots for our use. April had been lamenting the fact that our apricots had been killed by a late frost, but thanks to our neighbors up the street, we are in good shape once again with apricot syrup and apricot-pineapple fruit leather.
We were also blessed with bushels of garden green beans, compliments of our friends the Crooks. They always plant more than they can use and graciously share their produce with the neighborhood. We bottled 14 quarts along with eating lots of fresh beans.
Most recently we were given several boxes full of ripe tomatoes from Megan's Activity Day Leader's family. We bottled 20 quarts, plus we attempted to dry some for the first time. The remainder we passed on to other friends for their food storage.
We think Erin is the perfect poster child for advertising produce. Not only does she pose with it, she also really eats it!
Next week the Brigham City peaches will be ready. We can hardly wait!
We think Erin is the perfect poster child for advertising produce. Not only does she pose with it, she also really eats it!
Next week the Brigham City peaches will be ready. We can hardly wait!
