July 22-31, 2023

(published 9/8/25)

The night Cat and I got back from Los Angeles we gave everyone the souvenirs
we brought them from the Philippines. The clacker toys were a hit.

As was the frog bag.

It was nice to go back to Choir again after being gone for a few weeks.

Cat was anxious to get a second ear piercing as soon as she turned 18,
but because of our HXP trip starting the day before her birthday,
she didn't get a chance until July 24th.

She was pretty excited.

Meanwhile Liza was experimenting with makeup.

And doing some awesome Barbie-Movie-inspired (?) nails.

Ben kindly made a campfire for us so we could do s'mores.

I love a good campfire. And a good s'more.

Cat got her wisdom teeth out.

All smiles before the surgery!

But it was a little harder to smile afterward.

We helped take care of our neighbors' pets while they were
out of town, including several sweet guinea pigs, and one active dog.

Got the dog!

The kids, especially Jack, were very excited for the movie
Go West, from JK Studios! Everyone was dressing up for
Barbie Movie and Oppenheimer so I convinced Jack
we should dress up too, at least a little bit.

All grown up and learning to shave.

Looking good.

Liza biked to and from swim lessons all summer.

My little garden in the front yard (away from the chickens)
did okay. The weeds were all part of my plan to keep people from
pilfering produce as they walked by.

Playing with the dog. And jumping on the trampoline. With a cousin.

Lowes Xtreme Air Sports in Provo is a favorite.

Building the US Capitol

Help! There's a Liza under the bed!

We finally saw Barbie Movie!

Playing the princess matching game with Sydney.

Playing the princess matching game without Sydney.

Playing the princess matching game while Sydney is in another room.

Baby guinea pig!

Lindon Temple construction progress.

Newsies at the Hale in Sandy was wonderful!

Harry Potter's birthday is one of my favorite excuses to eat cake.