July in Oklahoma 3

The pictures really don't do justice to the fabulous time Manu and I had in OK this summer:

Washing the car; touching a ray at the Oklahoma Aquarium; emptying the dishwasher; 1st haircut; playing with Grandpa and cousin Big E; making blocks for Manu's birthday; and mastering the stairs

Playing with Aunt Bug and Nana; the high temp while we were there - 114!; at the park; mowing; reading with Nana; on the plane; the dress I made; breakfast time; finishing the blocks; Uncle Jordon's "new" car; bath time; and exploring Nana and Grandpa's house

July in Oklahoma 2

We did a lot of swimming at my parents' house and sometimes all that excitement just wears a little guy out. 

We also went to a u-pick peach orchard.  It was awesome!  Manu snatched a peach from his Aunt Bug and knew just what to do with it - gobble it up!

July in Oklahoma 1

Here's the first set of photos from Manu and my trip to visit our dear family in Oklahoma this summer.  My sister and her family have moved to Qatar, so we went for a whole month to spend time with them before their big move!  Manu loved getting to know his family better, especially his cousins!

Helping pack and unload the dishes; Manu and Aunt Bug playing with the hose; Manu aerating Nana's flowerbed; Meeting cousin Miss A; swinging in the backyard; Giving Miss A a hug (or is it a headlock?); composing a piano duet; and hanging out with Aunt Bug and Grandpa!

The Epitome of Summer Days

Last Saturday, Nate and I combined all the best parts of summer into one fantastic day. The only unfortunate thing is that I didn't get any photos.

Early in the morning, before the day got hot, we ventured out with friends from our ward and went blackberry picking. Long rows of berries stretched out before us, waiting only to be discovered. Conversations floated along easily, as the buckets filled and the sun slowly rose higher.

In the afternoon, Nate, my sister, and I along with some friends went to the Blue Bell Taste of Summer festival. Blue Bell is a regional brand of ice cream and they have a local factory. Every year on the last Saturday in June they host a party with all-you-can-eat ice cream. However, I've lived here almost my whole life and never been. It was awesome. By the time we arrived at the festival, at 11am the day was already turning into a scorcher. There was ice cream, local musicians performing, factory tours, ice cream eating contests for all ages 5yrs - adult, games for little kids, and the fire department even opened up a hydrant to help everyone keep cool. Altogether, I tried 7 different flavors in the hour and a half that we were there: Triple Caramel, Strawberry, Rainbow Sherbert, Moo-lenium Crunch (vanilla with almonds, pecans, chocolate and butterscotch pieces), Chocolate Covered Cherry, Dutch Chocolate, and Turtle.

We finished out the day splashing in the pool and taking it easy. What a perfect summer day!