Enjoying the Sun

    

 Lowe girls now how to enjoy the Sun.  

Betsy loves hanging out at the Rancho Sienna pool.  She goes at least three times a week.

Marissa and her friends are having a wonderful time in Idaho this summer.

Fourth of July weekend - Mark and I enjoyed a few hours at the pool.

Devon and Marissa decide to Stay in Provo

At the end of the semester, Devon decided to stay in Provo even though they were not offering the class he needed.

He didn't want to leave or have time away from Sierra.  They have developed such a close and amazing relationship.

Devon works for the City of Provo in Park maintenance and management.  He is responsible for a few parks.  He enjoys his job and more importantly enjoys his time with Sierra.

Saturday was wonderful

Today was a fantastic day!

Marissa babysat, but just for the morning and  Jessica had to work from 10-5:00 (that's good for her but not good for us).  While they were gone I took Devon to open his new checking account (he's official).  We then got some other things done around town - all the while he drove.  He did a great job.  I don't comment nearly as much!  I'm so glad he is learning this very challenging responsibility and opportunity.

Back at home everyone got their chores done quickly so that we could enjoy the beautifully perfect sunny, but not-so-hot day!  Mark and I took Marissa to the pool while Devon took a nap at home (he has to work in the evening).  We were at the pool for three hours.  The weather was perfect, the water temperature was nice (a little on the chilly side, but okay), the food was delicious, the company fantastic, friends, books, music… what more can I say!  

PERFECT day at the POOL.

First Day at the Glen Oaks Pool

Mark and I took the younger kids up to the Glen Oaks pool after the Memorial Breakfast (and getting some chores done).  The water felt great in the piercing heat of the bright sun.  It was a perfect pool day except that we got there after the rush, so there were NO lounge chairs for us to spread out on.  Luckily, we found some chairs and shared.  

Robert eating Reece's ice cream pie

Marissa had to squint - the sun was so bright

Marissa took a picture of Mark and I at the pool

I love being the one to capture special moments on film.  I just happened to be walking by when the little kids tried to push Mark into the pool.  Mark ended up grabbing both of them and taking them in with him.  It was a big SPLASH!

After the big splash, they decided to jump into the pool together...

Ready …Set … Go

  Up… and ...

  In...

   SPLASH!!

  Where did they go ???

Marissa swimming in the cool water

Mark and Robert with the football
Some habits never die

It was a great day in the sun but the pool.  Later on Betsy went to help her friend Meredith with a move, but Meredith wasn't home, so Betsy bought so plants for the outside.  She loves to take advantage of the good weather and beautiful the yard.  We have a party coming up next weekend so it was perfect timing.  Mark helped Betsy get all the plants in today!

Cancun

Hi, We have just returned for one of the most wonderful family vacations we have ever taken, our trip to Cancun, actually just south of Cancun in the Riviara Maya. What an amazing experience it is to go on vacation and not have to worry about naps, bed times, dishes, laundry, etc. I think we enjoyed this vacation so much because we were all able to join in the activities and the kids were old enough and mature enough that we could trust to "not" have them in our sight at all times...if that makes any sense. We still did the buddy system, and mom had to know where everyone was at all times, but I didn't have to be with them. I was even able to jog with Mark along the beach and leave Jessica in charge of the kids at the pool. I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to have a bit of peace and freedom.

While on vacation we enjoyed relaxing by the pool, building sand castles and playing in the ocean. Robert and Marissa were burried up to their necks in sand. Robert enjoyed every minute of it. We also played beach volleyball almost every day, pool volleyball, and beach soccer. Boy, playing soccer in sand is much harder than playing on the grass. Everyone was amazed (first) that I would play beach volleyball with the family and (second) that our kids wanted to play with us. We had a great time. Just so everyone knows, Betsy's soccer team was undefeated 3,0.


We took the family on several activities outside the resort as well. Betsy and Mark's favorite activity was sailing out on a catamoran and snorkling along the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. The water was warm and beautiful light teal. The fish were amazing. We saw a sting ray and a few eels.

As for the kids, their favorite activity was having an amazing adventure swimming with dolphins. Since Marissa and Robert were both under 12 years of age, Mark and I were required to swim with them.

We decided to join in the fun (and expense). It was great! We got to pet, stroke, kiss and hug the dolphins. They gave us all belly rides and foot push rides. We also got free time with them to play in the open water.

The first adventure we took was on a field trip into the Mexican jungle to tour the newest 7th wonder of the world, Chinchen Itza. The temperature at Chinchen Itza was over 100*. I think everyone in our family last 10 pounds of water from sweating so much (just kidding). We had a wonderful tour guide that explained the ancient civilizations culture and habbits. We loved being there.

Best of all we had a great time with each other. We learned that Marissa likes virgin strawberry daquaris (like her mother) and nobody expect the grown ups like virgin pina colata. The food was great at every meal. We took photos galour (Betsy's addiction). The funny thing was that almost every day strangers would come up and compliment Mark and I on how well our family gets along together. It was amazing that people even noticed us. I've added some pictures at the bottom of my blog of us swiming with the dolphins, standing in front of the temple at Chinchen Itza and playing with a squirrel monkey right on the beach at our resort.

2 weeks - 2 injuries

I guess in a family that is active, precautions for injuries is always on my mind. Well, I haven't done a very good job in the last two weeks. While I was away on Saturday at a soccer tournament (my kids weren't even playing) Jessica was playing knock-out at home with dad and the other kids. She jammed her finger getting a rebound, and broke it (ouch). Not even a week later, Marissa is playing soccer in the back yard with her brothers and neighborhood friends. While she attempts to block a shot on goal (she's goalie), the ball bends her wrist back (too far). She ended up with a sprained wrist and a buckle fracture on her radius. Jessica is in a splint and Marissa dawns a beautiful baby blue cast (waterproof, of course)...I think I'm going to keep the boys inside for a few days...