Sunshine, pools, late bedtimes, popsicles and freshly cut grass. It's no secret that we love Summer around here. When else can you take a break from life and just let your boys run wild outside searching for frogs and bugs? Well apparently I took a break from the blog this summer too, but not for lack of living.

This summer we had many firsts. We experienced out first Minnesota Summer, Jackson and Bennett had their first ride on a Jet Ski, and Jackson even lost his first tooth.

But the biggest feat we accomplished this summer was our first real road trip as a family of 5. Now we moved here in December from New jersey, but we meandered slowly across the country that time, and never drove more than 7 hours in a day. It was cake compared to this beast of a trip. Our trip this year was a 21 hour drive from Minneapolis to Provo Utah, broken up into two days. It still pains me to write about because the memories are too fresh.

But once we got there we got to enjoy the Rose Family Reunion. It was really fun to just enjoy some extended family time. Jackson didn't miss a beat as he latched onto some older kids (Greg's younger cousins) because in his mind he's 12 years old anyway.

The reunion included various days of adventures. Day one was Seven Peaks where Jackson gave into peer pressure and rode some of his biggest thrill rides to date. And due to some stars aligning, we ended up running into our friends the Hardy's who we knew in New Jersey. Small world in Mormondom.

Day two we spent the day at South Fork Canyon Park and played all sorts of games: Volleyball (again Jackson thought he was 15) Water Balloon Volleyball, as well as a rousing game of Softball. We also had a small competition where the men spent about a half hour trying to be the first to unwrap and frozen t-shirt and get it on there bodies. I think it's safe to say this family is not lacking a competitive spirit.

Of course with all this competition Bennett was content to play in the water and dress up like a Bumble Bee.

And of course my favorite part of trip was going to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Sundance. (Was there ever any doubt?) but the icing on the cake was that famed BYU professor Brent Barlow sat right in front of us. I kept telling Greg we were sitting behind a celebrity. He reminded me "you do realize you are sitting next to my Uncle Dave right?" Oh yeah. I guess head BYU Basketball coach is a big deal too, but wow, Brent Barlow!

The next two days we got a little ambitious and hike up to stewart falls after taking the lift up from Sundance. We knew it would be mostly downhill so we expected an easy stroll. Well we were right about it being downhill, but everyone struggled as the trails were very thin with large drop-offs and most of it was rocky and rough making it very slow going. Three miles felt like fifteen but we all came out alive. Greg carried Davis on his back the whole way, even while Davis learned to tickle his neck. Also a big thanks to Uncle Nate who got Bennett out of the canyon far after he had given up.

That hike was followed by a hike up to Timpanogas caves, a more clear wide trail, but a much harder hike. We left Davis and Bennett home for this one, but Jackson did awesome. One positive to having a child bursting with energy: they are great hikers.

By the time we got back we were sore and sweaty, but the kids eeked out the energy to to the haka for a family talent show. Greg even bribed them with double brownies to take off their shirts. There was no hesitation.

We had a wonderful reunion, and now we are lobbying to get the next reunion to be in the Twin Cities! Anyone in?