Summer

Wow- I basically took a break from documenting our summer these last few weeks. I thought I was just neglecting the blogging aspect- but when I went to download pictures from my camera, there were only 45 since the middle of July. Pathetic. So I'll post what I have, and try to remember what we've done.

Our Steele family reunion this year was in Island Park, Idaho. We rented a house all together, and everyone was there this year! Especially appreciated were the two new babies since last year. There was a 3 year break in new babies, so they were a hot commodity. We had a great time together. Our first day we went to Mesa Falls, which was absolutely gorgeous- so of course I forgot my camera. I'll include one photo here that my Mom took of us.

The next day we went to Yellowstone, which was less than fun. I think that was mostly due to a certain 5 year old who whined and complained the ENTIRE time.

We did see lots of bison (you can't see them, but they're there- I promise)

and elk,

and got to stop and throw rocks into Yellowstone Lake.


We took one short hike to see a mud volcano, mud pots and various geysers.


While we were standing looking at one area of bubbling mud, Emma grouched (clearly loud enough for at least 15 other people to hear), "I HATE THIS STUPID SMELLY PLACE!" She was such a joy that day.

Our last full day at the reunion was the most fun, I thought. We went on a rafting trip down whatever fork of the Snake River is up there. It was very shallow in some places (we had to get out and push just to get through- well okay, Peter and Mary got out. I just sat comfortably in the raft), but everything was gorgeous and cool, and everyone (even Emma) had a great time. Unfortunately, not one of the almost 30 of us there remembered to bring a camera along. Or maybe it was that none of us was willing to sacrifice our own camera to the river. Memories will have to suffice for this one.

Our life since the reunion has been pretty hectic:
Rebekah went to music camp (sorry for the blurry picture- it was the best I got)



The rest of us toured BYU (nothing like a little early indoctrination),



we saw a fun puppet show put on by the library (Kai got to be the pirate),


I registered all the kids for school (no pictures here),

and... drumroll...

Tim flew to California, picked up our car from the port, and drove it back here. I have my van back! I love my van. And now we can go places with all 8 of us... and everyone gets their own seatbelt!
And now, summer is almost over. One more week- and then it's back to the grind. Hopefully, we'll still find a few more opportunities to just sit and enjoy before it's over for good.