July Recap and Reunion!

July was a very busy month. It started with a baseball game and Dad teaching Bryn how to chew sunflower seeds. We biked to the zoo, ate a lot of Popsicles, went swimming, and had a reunion. Also, I had my last day of work, which naturally resulted in a scrub burning:


It was a very satisfying activity. The next week I went to the beach, where I got burned in all the spots I forgot about (behind the knees) or couldn't reach and forgot about (center of back) and had to spend the next week suffering the consequences. That was also the week I went on my packing spree. Have you ever packed up your whole life while the backs of your knees were on fire? It is very uncomfortable, and not at all recommended.

At the end of that week was Stake Temple Day. It was da bomb dot com.


The next week found me a bit depressed, as I hadn't completely finished packing. I would pack a little bit, and then go out to the living room to see how the skyline was coming. Then I would pack a little bit, then back to the living room. Then I would get out the trash can and finish packing.

Mary and Mother made this skyline wallpaper for the Chicago party.


The Chicago party was scheduled right in the middle of the Cohen family reunion. We kicked things off with an Opening Ceremonies all-comers track meet at the high school.

The next day we went to the fair where everyone enjoyed looking at the animals, watching pig races, mutton busting, an auction, and eating snow cones.

This reunion was also the first time I got to meet Cooper, my nephew.
You can meet him too. Here he is:



Friday was my Chicago Party. We had deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs, but perhaps my favorite part (besides the skyline, the jeopardy game and the awesome invitations I made) was the blackberry lemonade served from my Great Grandmother's punch bowls and cups.

The next picture is of the kids enjoying their dogs. They didn't prepare them Chicago Style, which I forgave because they are kids, but with everyone else, I made sure they prepared their hot dogs appropriately. Those who omitted an ingredient had to leave.

I take my theme parties very seriously.

(PS, you might be able to see the blackberry lemonade cups in the picture as well.)


On Saturday I went to the Fresno temple with Mother and the brothers. We were so inspired that we came up with these super cool poses:


Also, we found this fabulous Japanese restaurant where we ate lunch out of boats. It was awesome! I love a good boat lunch.

Sunday was the big show: Double Baby Blessings. Yup, both Torah and Cooper were blessed on Sunday. It was a very cool experience, and I am so glad I was still around to witness it.


Marissa busted out her skillz and made these adorable dresses for all the girls.


She made them out of Paul's old shirts. It was convenient that he had so many pink dress shirts to choose from. Thanks, Paul! Good work Marissa!

After Church we had a nice luncheon (notice use of the word luncheon) and then moved on to the great family picture taking extravaganza!


Later we played darts, chased each other around, and erected a tent.


The next couple of days were good too, however I'm choosing not to document them.

I will leave you with a picture of me and the local Cohen kids. We are trying to cheer up Wade by doing "cut the pickle".

Tickle tickle.