indoctrination

on the end of our most recent trip to bear lake, we tacked on what we lovingly refer to as an  'indoctrination stop'.  fueled by the upcoming husker/ byu game, we: got byu swag, toured campus, and sampled college food at places like j dawgs.  our day trip also took us up bridal veil falls, past dalia's name sake, on a hike up cottonwood canyon with lifelong friends, and to cafe rio for burritos.

p.s.  i cry every time we leave this beloved indoctrination spot.  it has a little hold on my heart and i get a certain homesickness when we leave.  we really hope our kids get to experience byu, the beautiful utah valley, and the adventures of the mountains!

the indoctrination culminated in what may have been byu's best football game in history! (paid a million dollars to show up, byu was invited in the hopes that they'd be an easy win to continue the huskers 29 year opening game winning streak)  in the absolute last second, byu landed a hail mary touchdown for the win!  it was absolutely incredible - husker fans were jaw-dropped speechless and a water fight ensued among the cougars.  no doubt about it- mission accomplished!

#blessed

In the solitude of my recent daily bike ride, I was suddenly overcome with tears.  Simply put, I glanced at my surroundings : a quaint neighborhood near the school, a short distance from the lake, a home with room to grow, and I even considered our upcoming disneyworld trip... and it overwhelmed my heart with gratitude.  In that moment, I realized that the Parry family is privileged enough to be tasting 'The American Dream' and that's when the tears came!  I can't possibly sort through all the feelings I had in that moment but it was a truly humbling experience I hope never to forget.  I love my life!  #blessed  

(and now, the irreverent reference: )

reunions

we were lucky to have two family reunions this summer and both were so wonderful!

at bear lake 2015, both jack and kindin got up on skies for the first time; we enjoyed getting to know the new SIL emily better; dave freaked us out with his driving stunts on a rzr; we surprised omi with a silly string attack: and loved all the usual swimming, tennis, and sunning activities.

wisconsin dells hosted the eichmann's reunion.  we played at the waterparks for 3 full days - only leaving the posh resort three times for a waterski show, MACS for lunch, and a quick shopping stop.   the kids (and their kid-like dad) loved the slides and were much more adventurous than their momma!  

ah... family is wonderful! and family reunions are even better!

chomping water and tennis rockets

we really packed it in this summer.  our days were largely filled with 'chomping water' (treading water) and 'tennis rockets' (tennis racquets) as dalia would say.

but we also worked towards summer bucket items:

planetarium, sand in the city, slurpees, service to others, scotch tape portraits, feeding stingrays, stamp camp, squirrel cage jail, kanesville tabernacle, half price books, weekend at grandmas, ski show, baseball games, paddleboarding at the lake, YES day, splash station, river boat cruise, sleepout on the trampoline, shooting and archery range, hydrant party, early morning bikerides for donuts, and lots of time with friends.

[i must say that i was against the pinterest bucket list loved by so many but i knew my busy 9 year old needed it.  it also took care of my loveable 7 year old who doesn't have much interest in arranging play time with friends.  (it seems as if following around his social sisters is enough for him.) and it excited the 4 year old who loves trying to keep up with 'the kids'.]  i may have overscheduled us but it was been a quick, fantastic summer!  no one was bored and everyone was tired!  

there's no girls night like a 'MO girls night

meet my girls nights gals.  this past weekend, us very fun 6 mommies took a roadtrip to a lakehouse in missouri.  a tiny bit of shopping, a little skiing, some floating, a good amount of snacking, and a lot of talking made for the best girls nights ever.

 p.s. someone tell me why i don't have a boat yet???

elation part II

this- this right here- is... elation! 

(last day of 3rd and 1st grade)

elation

that- that right there- is... elation!  

(mastering a bike without training wheels)