I've been reading a few books this (now last) summer, and over the vacation, I was able to finish two, that I felt correlated, leaving me feel very disturbed and disquieted. One of the books was 1984 by George Orwell. I actually have wanted to read this for quite a while because of how "Big Brother" is referred to so often with our media and some movies. I felt that once I personally read the whole idea, the reference would mean more to me, and I could be more specifically critical in op ed pieces and news articles I might come across. When I finished the book, I struggled to be able to sleep. Putting my finger on what exactly I was most disturbed about still has had my mind turning in non ending circles. The second book, The Giver, was recommended by my son who loved the book assigned to him in Jr. High. We read it aloud, because he liked it so well, he wanted to read it again. With every page, I kept asking him when it would get good. Honestly, I have heard this to be a great book by many others. It is recommended reading on many lists. And it was poetic. The correllation that really bothered me was the "Utopia" that both books set up. I think that not enough people read these books.

Family Vacation

We had the most wonderful family vacation! Usually, we visit family, which we all love, but we decided to use the short time we had to go somewhere cool at night (Troy's requirement). So our dear friend referred us to her friend who has a cabin in Fish Lake in Utah. On our way over, we stopped in Vail
Then we went to Arches National Park, which is Aunt Mindy's favorite park. The arches will not always be there, so we tried to see them specifically.






Then we went to Goblin Valley! I went there when I was younger with my Nelson cousins and, although the details aren't sharp, I remember having a fabulous time and have wanted to go back ever since. And, Goblin valley is a set for a part of Galaxy Quest, my medicine to bring laughter. That was also impressive for my kids.



I need to find a way to do the movie thing for all our pictures. . .
We then headed to Fish Lake to this fabulous, comfortable cabin!






We did many hikes,




We drove a boat








jumping in freezing cold water


Nathan, Emma and Daniel went fishing with their dad


Nathan caught 2 Emma caught 3 and Daniel caught 4 and the largest, which we ate for lunch!
We cooked smores and Luc threw rocks in the lake