We Love our Backyard

I have to admit that there are several reasons I'm overjoyed not to be going back to DC. One of the major ones is humidity. We love summers in Utah because even though it often gets above 100, it's still pleasant if you're in the shade and it always cools off as soon as the sun dips behind the mountains. DC was always hard to return to since it stays toasty hot through September and much of October.
We're loving the 80 degree days and no humidity and also having a shady backyard to play in. And there's a few benefits to living so close to Grams- the boys have a dog to play with without the hassle of actually caring for a dog and there's lots of toys and sports equipment left from Taylor's siblings.
Sorry most of the pictures are from a down angle, but honestly it's so nice to send the boys outside to play and I can stay inside and get some things done. It's been nice enough to leave the porch door open and just listen to them play.
One of my big worries about living in Utah was having no trees. I grew up moving all over the midwest and east coast and I love trees. Luckily this neighborhood is old enough that there are amazing trees and fabulous shade for the entire morning and even until about 4 in the afternoon. Ethan is happy playing soccer for hours.
Of course he prefers a little competition and Grams is happy to oblige. Since we went to several professional soccer games this summer, he has figured out the game a little more- okay maybe only a little more. He has started issuing "yellow" and "red" cards to Grams and others that play with him for offenses such as kicking the ball into him or running too fast.
Isaac tries to get in on the games but isn't quite fast enough. He's pretty happy just to kick a beach ball though.