Election Season

Every year I try to learn about candidates and the current issues to make informed decisions. This year with a special election for District #2 it has thrown the whole cycle off. I have also taken a couple of government classes from Community of Self Governance. Each one answers questions as well as giving me more questions that I don't understand. One class in July we had an unexpected guest show up. One of the candidates running for District 2. I was completely lost on who was running and why. It is time to investigate.

Another race is brewing in St George with 16 candidates running for 3 spots. Some crazy stuff has been reported locally that need better understanding. There is also another group of people that are showing up to everything meeting and creating chaos.  A little digging and listening is what is required this time around. Now I need to convince Ryder to join me on this adventure. I love his insight and his questions.

District 2 Debate

It's hot outside and I had to bribe Dave & Ryder to come with me. Ice cream worked in getting them there.

The room was starting to fill up.

It's a full house

Ryder was definitely the youngest in the room.

The group that has been stirring it up are once again in attendance.

This time the main person is dressed with a tin foil hat and sign around his neck "Innocent Bystander"

The debate started with only 2 of the 3 candidates. The 3rd one chose not to attend this one or the next 10 being held in each county of the district.

One member of the group asked a very intelligent questions but very confrontational.

Afterwards over ice cream we talked about what impressions we each had.

Next up city council  Meet the Candidates.

Each candidate has a booth to meet and greet.

Followed up with a 2 minute intro to the audience. Then question time.

Dave decided not to go to this event. Ryder was sure that it was going to be a waste of time.

We played a game of trying to narrow down the field to 3 that we could vote for.

At the end we had done it. 3 stood out a little more than the others. An interesting item one candidate is from that group. She is well spoken and draws people to her. My issue is that once again chaos follows this group where ever they go and whom ever they talk to.

I believe we are better prepared for the primary election next month. The one thing I am already tired of is the commercials, political signs scattered on every road around town.

Another Quick Glance

It hasn't slowed down as much as I anticipated with no swim. We are still busy just not crazy.

What is that smell?

Ryder has won the award for the smelliest shoes. I usually hold this title.

It has now moved to the next generation.

The shoes, socks were banned to the garage.

Girls Night Treats

Reganne planned a fun night watching a movie and devouring chocolate, popcorn, and ice cream.

The boys went to Oppenheimer.

Who is that?

Why are you petting this strange dog.

OH!! It's Dexter

Dude what happened to all. your hair?

Finally, summer haircuts.

This 16 year old is fiesty

The groomer asked if he really is that old?

He jumped out of the top kennel.

He has a lot more energy but still snaps when Indy & Piper play a little rough.

Someone forgot to fill the water.

If Dexter had thumbs he would have taken care of it himself.

Another week of summer fun. We are trying to enjoy this before school starts. Ryder is still undecided about going to the new high school or going back to Desert Hills. We still haven't heard whether the school will be open in time. Power School does show his class schedule with 4 classes that he finished last year. Who knows what will happen this week.

2023 UT LC Senior State Championship

This is the final official meet of the long course season. Teams from across the state of Utah all meet in Kearns near the Olympic Speed skating Oval. This is a new meet for all of us. Once again this is a meet for 15 years old and Up. All you need is a qualifying time and the money to enter. There are college age swimmers entered. Let's have some fun and work hard. Each team has a required number of volunteer spots that need to be filled or be charged. I will be officiating all the morning prelims.

Nice large pool

It doesn't look to intimidating.

Taking a much needed afternoon break.

Ryder has to be back at the pool by 4:00. Coach Mike requires all

team members swimming or not to warmup. They must also stay and cheer for their teammates.

Watching The Sound of Freedom

Amazing movie and oh so sad that this continues to be a problem in the world.

We highly recommend seeing it. 

Nat D Team 2023

Catching up to Ryder

for a quick picture. He is deep in thought.

Dave is the parent in charge.

Remind the kids to eat and drink. 

Also make sure they don't hurt themselves.

Loved that they thought of this.

Grandma JeanAnn would love this front row seat.

Go Ryder!!

Everyone supports everyone

School shoe shopping

Another afternoon break.

Waiting patiently

Parent sitting

When we aren't busy working the meet.

Coach Mike & team

Last minute pep talk before starting the finals

Team cheer!!

They are really loud

Amazing kids!!

National Anthem is starting and these kids were singing.

Official Officials Team Picture

They are a great group to work with.

The sun is setting on this LC Season.

Everyone is exhausted.

There is a small group qualified for Sectionals next week in California.

Good luck to all of them.

We were tempted as we drove by the Honey Baked Store.

We couldn't pass it up it's been so long.

We also bought of dozen ears of corn from fruit stand in Springville.

It was an amazing dinner.

We made it home safe with Ryder driving. I promptly fell asleep in the back and didn't stir until Mona with stop and go traffic. Swim is on a 3 week break. I am not sure Ryder is going to survive. I will definitely have to remind him about deodorant and what it is used for.

Event 5    Boys 200 Meter IM    2:32.74    67th Place

Event 18    Boys 100 Meter Breast    1:19.67    60th Place

Event 20    Boys 100 Meter Back    1:09.84    53rd Place

Event 30    Boys 200 Meter Breast    2:54.39    40th Place

Event 105    Mixed 50 Meter Fly Time Trial splits    32.54    4th Place

 

In Between Swim Meets

This month is moving along wicked fast between swim meets. It wasn't until I looked at my pictures that  I realized we have been a little bit crazy. Enjoy the brief view into our so called crazy life.

Where is everyone?

The TV is on and paused.

There is no one home.

Once again we have a couple of ghosts that live with us.

Indy loves to play ball.

After the other 2 go to bed with Ryder, she finds a ball and brings it to Dave.

They play fetch for about 1/2 hour before she crashes. She is the only dog 

that has lived at our house that will actually bring ball back to you.

Doesn't this look yummy?

There are a lot of new places to eat in town. Today's option

is Longhorn Steakhouse just the two of us.

My food was excellent. Dave's ribs were a little dry for him.

It was pricey to not sure if we will make it back anytime soon.

What's for dinner?

It's 118 degrees outside, don't always believe what you hear

that we never get this hot.

Yogurtland is the answer for tonight.

Rest in Peace!!

My favorite sandals and yes they are Crocs.

I have babied them for the last couple of years due to they aren't sold anymore.

I am on the hunt for no skid, good arch support, and not flashy.

If you know of replacements let me know.

Missing Ryder

Piper has been sleeping in our room while Ryder has been gone.

She gets into mischief and can't be in there by herself.

She disappeared Saturday afternoon.

Found her in Ryder's spot.

Dig the yellow?

Me neither!

Getting a pedicure before heading North seemed like a good idea.

I thought the yellow would be bright and fun.

Wrong it looks rather dull and very thin coverage.

It will have to do, since we leave on Wednesday for Kearns.

Ouch!! It's hot!!

Of course it's a dry heat but still hot!!

Your reading the number right.

Our new A/C that is only 3 months old.

4 days of this everyone is hot, cranky, and really tired.

We have promises for a possible fix before we leave town.

It was a temporary fix which cooled us off.

So much for avoiding the heat!!

Zucchini

Yep a super large one from the BON Gardens.

They are growing them large. This could feed a big family for 2 or 3 days.

I sent this to Reganne

Her stuffed animals are taking over her room.

I didn't even get a smile or giggle on this one.

Goodbye...

Dave decided it was time to move on from this family activity.

It's hard to find time to go when everyone is free. 

Dave posted it and 2 hours later it was gone.

We sure do miss the family time. We have wonderful memories that we will always have.

See we are crazy and it's only going to get next week.

John Sullivan Firecracker Invitational 2023

2nd year the team to travel together as a team to this meet.  The kids were all hyped to get on the road and have some fun in Las Vegas.  I was able to take a couple of pictures from a distance to avoid embarrassing Ryder. Oh, one day paybacks are coming for this boy.

This meet has 20 teams from all over the Western United States with over 100 swimmers competing. 

Gathering Place @ WCCC

Waiting for the bus or van to show up.

Where is Coach Mike?

Request for a picture

I think this is Ryder and a blanket.

or maybe it's a ghost?

They are back!!

The kids look exhausted.

Not many pictures. He does claim that they had a lot of fun and worked hard. It's a couple of weeks until the Long Course State Championships. They will put a whole lot of work in to achieve their goals for the final meet of the season.

Event 32    Boys 15&O 50 Meter Back    33:39    17th Place

Event 36    Boys 15&O 50 Meter Breast    36.75    19th Place

Event 44    Boys 13&) 1500 Meter Free    19:48.09    22nd Place

Event 70    Boys 13&O 400 Meter IM    5:20.11    12th Place

Event 76    Boys 15&O 200 Meter Breast    2:53.95    16th Place

Event 84    Boys 15&O 200 Meter Free    2:18.12    32nd Place

Event 92    Boys 15&O 100Meter Breast    2:34.68    13th Place

Event 96    Boys 15&O 200 Meter Back    2:34.68    20th Place

Event 108    Boys 13&O 400 Meter Free    4:49.65    16th Place

Event 110    Mixed Senior 800 Meter Free Time Trial    10:25.59    15th Place

The consensus from everyone is they would rather swim when its hot than cold and rain.

Liberty Week

Celebrating the 4th of July with a weeks worth of activities. This year there are more activities with more learning about the history of our country. First up is a large exhibit courtesy of Glenn Beck of American artifacts.

United We Pledge Booth

Dave & I volunteered on Friday night.

We had some fun conversations with people at the end of the exhibit.

We even sold a few shirts & bricks

Follow The Flag!!

Up early on Saturday meeting at the WashCo Fairgrounds

Everyone had their cars decorated for a parade from Hurricane to Washington.

Lining Up

Who would have thought that adults can 

get have trouble lining up.

Large flag flying high

at Staheli Farms

Picking a spot in a hay field

to learn about the flag.

Blake & Julie were good sports

to come with us.

Even better angle of the flag.

Glenn Beck

He was the main speaker. He did an amazing job.

Tuachan

Sunday, Prayer for Freedom

Ennis Canter Freedom

was the main speaker

He has an amazing story to share with everyone.

Oranges & Grapefruits

Monday morning bright and early

4th of July Parade

Balance of Nature & United We Pledge

both had entries in the parade

Once again I volunteered to help out with the oranges.

This year I was putting them into boxes to be handed out.

I had my head inside the large crates.

Employees working to 

gather the flag.

Liz and I decided to walk back instead of climbing into the box truck. I got all my steps this morning and enjoyed seeing the rest of the parade. Remembering participating with the royalties.

I was ready for a nap. Maybe a couple of movies then relax the rest of the day. I am celebrated right out. This is one of my favorite holidays of the whole year.