Penny and Diana using Sam's weights as cell phones.
Diana always comments on "the balls" on top of the mountain, so this week we did FHE (Family Home Evening) high on the mountain top at Francis Peak. We didn't realize how cold it would be when we arrived at the peak. We only had two small blankets for three cold children.
We made it to the balls! "The balls" are actually a radar and air traffic control station.
Douglas used the BYU flag in an attempt to stay warm.
Sam taught the children about affirmations. They try to say their affirmations whenever they brush their teeth.
I earn quite a few free rental car days through work. The free days expire at the end of each year. So, I decided to rent a convertible for one week to let the children have some fun. I ended up taking most of the neighborhood children for rides on the freeway and driving (while sitting on my lap) in the church parking lot.
Taking Penny and Diana out for a ride.
My favorite part of this one is when Penny says, "Dad, your hair is not blowing in the wind because you don't have hair." 😁
Taking Douglas out for a ride.
Classic Douglas. Always singing a song. I love that he's singing a church song. He belted out this same song at Penny's soccer game the other day. Funny boy.
I bought some traffic cones and took the kids for driving practice in the church parking lot.
Some of the other neighborhood children joined in the fun.
We also used the cones during a recent visit to the home of Granny and Grandpa Ogden.
Penny trying to lift the cone to her mouth.
Penny, Diana, Daniel, Grandpa
Yesterday I switched the convertible out for this Dodge Challenger, which is brand new and much more powerful. American muscle - gotta love it.
You might be thinking, "Why is Daniel wasting free rental car days when someone else (a family member, perhaps?) might need them?" I totally agree with you! Unfortunately, the rules state that I, Daniel, have to use the free days.
We found a great, easy hike to a pretty waterfall near our home.
Hiking up.
Douglas, Penny, and Diana taking a break on the very short hike up to the waterfall.
We made it!
Someone left two outdoor chairs next to the waterfall, so we took advantage of the photo opportunity. Douglas took this picture for us.
Sunning themselves. The weather has been hot lately, but after playing in the cold mountain water the kids were happy to stand in the sunshine. In fact, we didn't stay at the waterfall very long because they were too cold. Next time we will hike up in the afternoon when the temperature is hotter and the sun is on the waterfall.
Diana pointing toward a new temple currently under construction near our home.
That will be our new temple when they finish construction in a year or two.
Standing behind a sign on the trail.
And a few random things:
Oh, how I wish I had the video recording the other day when Diana said the breakfast prayer. I love her emphasis on the word "beautiful" (booootiful!). I tried to re-create the breakfast prayer at dinnertime tonight. It was cute, but as usual, the original is always better.
Some anonymous neighbors (likely the youth) left this box of brownies and the fun little messages on our porch today. Our church group holds an annual patriotic breakfast on or around September 11th to honor military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and others who serve (or have served) our country. We live in a very patriotic area.
I love the random star that says, "Don't eat a stick." 😁
