Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

We made a quick trip this past weekend to Lava Hot Springs, ID with Summer's brother and his girlfriend.


In the hot springs



The Chuckwagon, where we ate breakfast


This is where we ate some yummy pizza for dinner before soaking in the hot springs

Our room did not have a shower. It had a bathtub that had access to the mineral water. Apparently mineral water is hard on a regular tub. Needless to say, we did not use it. Good thing we only stayed 1 night!

Beginning of autumn in Utah

Dew it for Diabetes!!

This year was our 4th year participating in the diabetes walk. We always have a lot of fun and the weather has been good 3 out of the 4 years we've done it!

Jon's mom made this sign for our team.

We got to see the baby elephant!


And the baby giraffe!!


Thank you to all of those who participated with us or supported us in other ways.

Time for the Utah State Fair!

Yesterday, we went to the Utah State Fair with Summer's brother Garrett and his girlfriend, Ashley. We saw lots of cool (and weird) animals, ate funnel cakes, and rode on the Ferris Wheel, among other fair activities. Always tons of fun at the fair!

Walk, Wag, & Swim

This past Saturday, the Draper pool was open for DOGS ONLY for a fundraiser for No More Homeless Pets. What a sight! Nike usually loves water (we can't keep her out of the water at Sugar House Park) but was being a wimp so she only swam when we pushed her in the pool. But then she was dramatic afterward trying to make us feel bad. However, she did like being off her leash and playing with the other dogs. Maybe she'll want to swim next year.



Summer's health update:
Everything seems to be under control. I am off the prednisone! Yay! Which means I was able to get rid of 3 other prescription medications that were treating some of the side effects of the prednisone. Some of the puffiness in my face is going down. I still notice a fullness in my face that wasn't there before so hopefully that will go back to normal too. I haven't been as lucky with the acne that started with the prednisone. It acts like it's going to clear up and then it comes back again and again. So I'm hoping that will improve as well. I am still having to be on a medication full time to keep my immune system suppressed to avoid another flare-up and I am having my blood drawn every month to evaluate for any adverse reactions (like increased liver enzymes- which I have.)
This has been a rough year, in more ways than one, and I'm glad to see that it is drawing to a close and things are continuing to go uphill.

A Fun Weekend

On Friday night, we went to the Midnight Drags to see Garrett race his orange 1969 Plymouth Satellite.


Then, On Saturday evening, we went to the Clark Planetarium to see a laser show. We also visited the moon and Mars.

More Olivia

Olivia loves the dogs but they usually don't let her get very close!
What a goofy little girl!

Olivia loves when the family gets together because then she has an audience! Listen to her "talk."

Summer's New Hair Cut

Summer's hair, unfortunately, was starting to fall out (no bald spots though, just thinning) because of the shock her body went through from being sick, rapid weight loss, and the wide variety of meds she's been on. The only real solution was to cut it so it didn't look so thin and to get rid of the weight of long hair. They ended up taking roughly 6-8 inches off!!
Also some other good news! Summer's primary care physician took her off 3 more of her meds. She discontinued the prednisone about 2 weeks ago and the extra meds were to control the side effects caused by the steroids. Her doctors are still closely monitoring her health and progress to ensure that everything will continue to improve.

Another Busy Weekend

Us after our nephew Connor's baptism. (Jon got to be one of the witnesses and in the circle for the confirmation. I am so proud of him for honoring his priesthood).

Us at our cousin Colton's wedding. (I think my face is starting to look less puffy! Or maybe I'm just hopeful!)

Jon is the life of the party. Especially when the DJ plays Michael Jackson!

The Diet Mountain Dew, of course!

Weekend Fun

Jon and I went to Midway with some friends this weekend to a friend's cabin. On Saturday we went to Jordanelle. We had so much fun!

4th of July

(Yup, Summer still has the stupid, puffy prednisone face)


Summer's brother Garrett and his girlfriend, Ashley

Olivia's first Independence Day