Friday morning walk.

We got a walk in before the heat Friday morning.  Maizey hadn't ever been on this section so there was lots of stimulation!

The trail was rather shady in spots.

Maizey found a smelly hole!

Dive!

Skyler got to dive in the pool yesterday while at swimming lessons.

History being made.

I tried to snap a photo of Skyler sitting on my lap watching the first woman candidate for president speaking last night.  Go Hillary!

Parenting tips.

These tips are spot on!  21 Real Parenting Pro Tips.

Train time.

Skyler has been playing with his wooden railway for a week straight now.  He has been asking to ride the real passenger train for a while too.  Well, yesterday was his lucky day!  We headed out to the TRAX (light rail electric) train, then took it to the Frontrunner (diesel electric commuter) train South, to Provo.  It was nice and cool onboard and both of us had a good time.  We finished out our little adventure with a stop at McDonald's.  Mmm!

Waiting on the TRAX platform for our first train.

Looking down at the spot on the Parkway where he always waves to the train operators.

Entering the Jordan Narrows section.

Giant old pipe still embedded in the hillside of the Narrows.

Saturday morning river walk.

This heat is getting to be absurd!  The poor little black dog can't get her evening exercise lately because it's too hot.  Fortunately, everyone was up early enough Saturday to take the dog for some much needed exercise and stimulation.

Run!

She was still hot even though it was morning.

Phragmites seed plume close up.  It's so soft!

The lovely Jordan River.

Fireworks.

Also called, how to terrorize the dog!  We lit a couple fireworks off last night to celebrate "Pie and Beer" day (Skyler helped me make homemade pizza pie for dinner) and Utah's silly Pioneer Day.

Sparkler fun.

16 hours!

It's only taken 5 years, but last night Skyler got to do a camp out sleepover at G&G's!  It's been a little strange being without a kid for so long.

A picnic at the "Rocket Ranch"!

Since Mommy forgot her lunch yesterday, Skyler and I made an impromptu pasta salad and brought it out to her and we enjoyed a picnic on the grass.  Win, win!

Hot!!!

This heat and lack of rain is getting old.  We need a rain dance!

Carpet railroad version 2.0

Now with headlight!

47 years today.

July 20, 1969 we landed on the moon!  I'm pretty proud to say that my lovely wife has a part in our next space adventure, the SLS heavy lift rocket.

"That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."

Can you guess which steak salad was mine?

Recipe found here.

I grilled up a monster ribeye and instead of having leftovers, I just piled the extra on my plate.  This recipe is SO tasty!!  The dressing really compliments the beef.

Dogs!

I had the privilege  of dog sitting our good friends' two dogs the past 4 days.  They were a delight to play with!  Mommy even took Sadie for a 3 mile run Saturday morning and yesterday morning, we loaded all 3 dogs up to walk on the Parkway.

Sadie's favorite toy.

Maizey and Sadie got along like they were always together.

Skyler got to walk Maxwell.  His little legs couldn't keep up so Mommy carried him.

Sadie is a Pit Bull/Lab mix.  She's a sweetheart!

Can you tell how happy Skyler was having a dog to walk?  :)

Blue Heron!

Hard to see him!  Spotted on a bike ride yesterday morning.   (Edit, I published this Sunday morning at 8:11 and for some reason it never showed live on the blog.  Thanks Blogger!)

Back to the Nature Center.

We took the dog and child for a walk yesterday morning around the Redwood Nature Center loop.  It had been a couple of months since we had been there and it was even more lush and spectacular this time!

WAM (Wide Area Mower)  Skyler was thrilled!

Red algae on the pond.

It's hard to believe this is right in the middle of urban sprawl.

Train!

Southwest view.

Right before Skyler had a meltdown due to his Camelback not doing what he wanted it to.

This bird was on the attack!  She kept buzzing Maizey and me as we walked past.  Must have had a nest nearby.

Pond scum.  Looks like Iowa!

A sea of phragmites next to the substation.

The clouds made the whole experience that much better.

Pets.

The pets took advantage of shade and a freshly mowed lawn last night.

Garage fun.

I got my car vacuumed out while Skyler played on the ikea play mat the other day.

"Can we go to Kenny's farm today?"

Skyler has been asking to visit Ken's farm for a while now.  Monday, we made that happen!

Walking along the ditch bank.

His corn is looking good.

A chicken!

This chicken has been handled so much by Ken's kids that it is lap trained!

Hawk in the tree.

Skyler in the corn!

Dog Lake after work.

Mommy left work a little early yesterday so we could take advantage of the low temperature (75 cool degrees) and hike up to Dog Lake.  I'm also happy to report that Skyler hiked the entire trail up and down without having to be carried.  Woo Hoo!

Upper Millcreek never disappoints.

Mommy chasing Skyler.

Trees.

West.

Booking right along.

Perfect day!

The dog on the way up to Dog Lake.

This isn't enhanced I swear.  The sun was illuminating this Columbine flower perfectly underneath the tree canopy.

"Are you guys coming?"

Made it to the saddle.

Here they come.

"Dog Lake!"

Dog in Dog Lake!

Cooling.

Swimming.  I think she wanted that tennis ball.

Coming back ashore.

Pretty full this year.

Aspen goodness.  Bluebells were in full bloom.

We even celebrated at the top with an adult beverage.

Skyler found the moon.

Family portrait.

Look at the date!

Shadows increasing.

Speedy dog.  She's still sleeping as I type this today.

Looking West again.  Skyler asked if we could hike this trail again.  Sure thing son!