Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#1 - The Return of Uncle Trent!

My brother returned home from a church mission in the Philippines. He had a great time and did a wonderful work, but we are so glad he is home. He was certainly missed. Though I do miss the nightly prayers that said, "please, please bless Uncle Trent, far, far away in the Philippines," we are all so glad to have him back. (yes, ladies. . .he's single.)

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#2 The Beach We had the best time at Newport Beach with my family this summer. I can't believe it has taken me so long to write about it, but summer wouldn't have been quite so nice without time spent at the beach. Thanks Amma and Papa for such a wonderful vacation! We loved every minute.

Cute boys.

The entire Morgan clan, minus Bridget (sorry.)

We even got to spend time with some of our very favorite people.

Sandcastles with Sammy, so cool!

Ahhh, Brooks and Annie. How cute is that?

A little competition is good for the soul!

We ran and jumped waves four hours and hours. Can't wait to do it all again. Surf's up!

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#3 - Disneyland!

We were so lucky to be able to go to California this summer with my family. While we were there, we stopped off to see Mickey and Minnie and all the other fun friends at Disneyland. Brooks was enamored with it all, from the rides to the characters, the treats to the toys and he even loved the swinging doors on the garbage cans. I think he hit every one in the park, yuck! But we had a wonderful time and made so many great memories. Here are some we'll share.

Ahoy Matey! Our first ride was Pirates and it was the best way to start off our day. A quick lunch at the Blue Bayou and then another turn on the ride and this sealed the deal for Brooks, "A pirates life for me." Just last week he told everyone in primary that he wants to be a pirate when he grows up. I am fine with that...there's good money to be made in piracy.

Lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe with the whole gang.

Tea cups with Amma and Papa. The orange cup was the only cup that spun the entire time, Papa is crazy, but you will be happy to know that none of the passengers got sick!

Thumbs up dude!

Our last and favorite ride...Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Brooks waited all day to ride and it was well worth the wait. He loved every minute of it. I loved hearing his giggles. Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth. I can't wait until next time.

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#4 - Wasatch Back, Baby!

Sadly, I din't have my camera out much during the race, so please refer here for highlights of our run. It was such a great time and a pretty great accomplishment for all of us, if you ask me. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat . . . a fast one!

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#5- Sun Valley

We get to go to Sun Valley each summer with the Utah Bar Convention. Sounds rather boring, I know, but it is anything but. We loved swimming, hiking, throwing rocks in the river, falling in the river, eating, throwing more rocks in the river, chatting, ice skating, good movies and late nights with great friends solving most the world's problems. Oh, so fun. Here's to next year, Cheers!

Our ice skating adventure. Thanks for the lessons Macy!

At dinner.

River Fun.

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#6 - The Tramp!

Might be a bit contraversial, but accounted for hours of endless entertainment for all kinds, kid kinds and adult kinds too!

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#7

Lucky for us, many of our out of state friends have family here, so visits from friends come more frequently than they might normally. We had so many fun friend stop by this summer. Thanks for taking the time to see us. We love you all.

Sorry, not many quality pics to show for our visits. You'll have to trust me on this one.