Haruka

From July 12-27, we had Haruka Takiue from Takamatsu, Japan stay with us.  She went to school during the day and then we did some fun things with her in the evenings and weekends.  She was so sweet, kind and quiet!  After Haruka left, the kids asked if we could have another student stay with us next year.  I think they really enjoyed having Haruka here.

Haruka is their Japanese sister.

On July 13th, we all attended the Welcome Party at Harvest Hills Park.

After church on Sunday, we baked cookies.

One night, we went up Millcreek Canyon and roasted hot dogs and s'mores then went for a hike.  In one part of the stretch, we were on a narrow path going up a steep hill.  An LDS bishop on a bike was coming down it and we all tried to move to the side, but the bishop couldn't stop and lost control and crashed.  Laynie got the brunt of the hit, but was okay.  It was kinda scary.  I'm pretty sure an angel cushioned the bishop's fall and protected Laynie.

Haruka's school had a day where the fire trucks came and sprayed foam.  Host families were invited to come and play in it too.

Haruka and her friends: Hiyori, Ayaka, and Ali.

Haruka teaching us Origami.

We went to American Fork's Steel Days parade.  Once again - lots of candy.

We ate out at Pizza Pie Cafe

Took Haruka to an Asian Market to buy ingredients for miso soup.  It's her favorite meal and she made it for us - tofu, seaweed and all!

We also took Haruka to see Peter Pan at the Scera Outdoor Theatre.

On Sunday, July 21st, we met up with Aoi's host family for a BBQ in their back yard.

Then that evening we went to Highland Glen Park to enjoy the beauty and to take pictures.

On Tuesday night, I took Aoi and Haruka to see Ugly Dolls at the dollar theatre.

Haruka brought us Kabuki and animal face masks as a gift.

For Pioneer Day, we went to Provo's Pioneer Extravaganza.

There, we learned how soap is made and the history of it,

got some free shades,

took a few pictures,

and played a few games.

Happy Pioneer Day!!

Matt's brother, Justin, lit off a bunch of fireworks that evening, but they got started late due to a firework traveling sideways and starting some brush on fire.  They put it out, but the fire department came and had to verify that it was put out all the way.  We left when the fireworks were just getting started.

On Thursday, July 25th, the Takamatsu school put on a fun "Farewell Presentation."

It may have made me cry.

Haruka showed off her karate skills and even taught the audience some moves.

Here is Haruka in front of the school where her classes were held.

Summertime Photo Shoot

On Sunday, July 21st we went to Highland Glen Park and did a little photo shoot with the kids.  They are certainly growing up quickly... too quickly.

A wedding, fat cats, cement, and the pool!

On June 29th, my mission mum Sharon Mahony got married to a really great guy named Ger Kearney.  We had planned on going to Ireland for it, but weren't able to attend due to some circumstances that were out of our control.  Sharon had wanted Gavin to be the page boy and Laynie to be the flower girl, but insisted they keep their fancy wedding attire when we found out we couldn't be there for it.  The kids and I dressed up for Sharon's special day - even though we were hundreds of miles away.

Fat Cats Grand Opening!

Saratoga Springs now has a cinema, bowling alley, arcade, and grill!  We went to the grand opening of it and were so impressed with how nice it was!

Lehi Fun Center - riding the airplane ride.

Painting Rocks

On July 3rd, we had a bit of cement work started.  4 large rocks were removed, stairs were put in as well as a winding path to the east gate, and an RV pad was poured to the west of our home.  This is Phase 3 of 10 toward transforming our yard.  When we moved here, the back yard was a huge MESS.  We couldn't do too much last year due to cancer treatments/bills, but this year we splurged for cement.  My weeding time just got drastically reduced and it's quite nice to look at now too.  Phases 1 and 2 were to put in a garden and paint our deck.  Things are looking up in the Anderson's back yard - that's for sure!

Now that the cement has been poured, we finally were able to set out the pool!  The kids have loved cooling off in it this summer.