2013 was a great Summer on the hill. The good times are too numerous to count - but here's a recap of some of the highlights.
Girl's Night Out(s)
What's better than a swim on a hot Summer night?
Adult swim!
There were a few nights this Summer that we had Girl's Nights on the hill.
My friend, Jessica, and I had a fun night when she made me a special dinner for my birthday.
Mmm...it was good. Smoked chicken with grilled pineapple and broccoli.
It was so fun to enjoy dinner by the pool and soak in the beautiful view below as we talked and talked...uninterrupted by "little people".
No offense to the little people...but sometimes...during the Summer break...by the end of the day...mama's are ready for some relaxing. You little bear cubs will understand when y'all are parents someday :)
Jessica was so sweet to plan and prepare everything to make it a fun night.
The best part was not having to wait in line for the diving board.
We had it all to ourselves.
Jess even had dessert ready and waiting. Amazing Key Lime pie.
Oh my heavens, it was good.
The entire night was fabulous.
Night Swimming
We enjoyed many nights on the hill, as a family, swimming well into the night.
We love a good, spooky, swim!
Kid Parties
Karah had her birthday party on Donkey Hill this year. There were tons of afternoon swims with different friends and family. We were there every day and it never got old.
The 4th of July
After a party at our home, we all headed to the hill for swimming, a fire, watching fireworks and lighting Chinese lanterns.
Our favorite part of the swim party was watching all of the "big boys" play rock the boat (where they take turns doing cannon balls and jackknives into the pool...one after another...creating a massive wave pool for the kids.
Sitting on top of Donkey Hill, you have a perfect view of the city fireworks show. You don't have to fight traffic or crowds...you can just sit and enjoy. There were two additional shows off in the distance that we could see at the same time.
If only i had good pictures!
The lanterns were so much fun. I lost count of how many we ruined as we were trying to figure it out. Once our engineer (John) figured it out...it was great. It was beautiful.
It was fun to share the night with our family and friends.
Flash Flooding
After a horrible drought in 2012 - it was great to receive an abundance of rain in 2013. The rainfall totals were impressive. The rain actually FILLED the pool to the top.
This is what it did in the valley below.
Time to buy a kayak.
The donkeys didn't seem to enjoy the rain as much as we did.
Summer Camping
Piper enjoyed her first night of camping this Summer. We invited Courtney and the kids to camp with us, and they brought along Piper's mama, Georgie.
They had a blast together, exploring Donkey Hill.
The humans had a great time, too.
When we woke up the next morning - the entire valley was full of fog. It was gorgeous. It eventually cleared out, but the chill in the air remained. Karah and Rhiannon took a Polar Bear plunge. I turned blue just watching them. Brr....that was a cold morning!
There was plenty of work to do. (read: poop to scoop)
Wrapping up Summer
Meet Brandon, the pool "boy"...and his mini me.
Since we don't live on the hill yet...he helps us maintain the pool and kept it looking great.
Time flew and it was time to close up the pool for the season...a depressing day for all of us.
Though we were sad to see it close...we had a fun time helping out.
S'mores and some more S'mores
I don't even want to think about the quantity of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars we consumed this Summer. Yikes.
One memorable weekend, Grandma came to town and joined us at the campfire.
Mmmm....I love em burnt.
Farm Chores in Business Casual
It was a great, memorable, Summer. It makes us so happy to have so many fond memories on Donkey Hill. We continually thank Heavenly Father for such a beautiful gift and patiently await the day that we can live there. For the time being...we will keep adding to the list of memories.
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