SUMMER LOVIN'

We haven't been on vacation for a few years, but we're more than making up for it this summer. Right now I'm finishing up preparations for the big Kirkham family reunion cruise (pirate night! beach time!) and pulling things together for seminary. Here's a mixed-up run of fun things to remember:

Costa Vida Multiple times -- whether trekking in Texas or just down the street in Utah. I'm a little obsessed with the sweet pork salad. Sue's pool Oh, how I love floating in the pool. (I'm so glad Scott built one for me!) Speaking of pools: the Lindon pool in Utah has the best view and lazy river of any public pool I've seen. They also have a surfing deal, if that floats your boat board. I couldn't resist the urge to Photobomb a large group of tourists on Hollywood Boulevard. Oh, yes I did. Heard the best rendition of You Don't Know You're Beautiful from my two lovelies in the lobby of our LosAngeles hotel. Karaoke, good and bad, came from the party on the lawn beneath the pool at said hotel: excellent "Sweet Caroline" but painfully awful "Bye Bye Miss American Pie." The Flour Shop Bakery makes good cupcakes. My favorites have fruity fillings with cream topping rather than icing: Key Lime  Pie (lime curd!), Lemon Drop (lemon curd!), Peach Melba (raspberry & peach!). First-time Blokus with Aunt Karen on the Scera outdoor theater lawn. It was so fun we headed straight for Target the first day back and bought our own game. Summer nights in Utah... sigh. My favorite Grahams welcomed us and Texas-turned-Utah friends the Hiatts, Copes, and Hardys in their lovely back garden, with a surprise appearance by Gina Hema! We loved laughing and playing with my college friends Ken & Susan and their boys. Kind of eerie, though, how the apple doesn't fall far: a few times I turned at Ken's voice, only to realize it was actually Grant speaking! We loved singing with Mamacita -- at 98 -- the standard "Home on the Range" but also "You Are My Sunshine" and "Daisy, Daisy." Lots of hand holding and kisses -  each time it was hard to leave her. Kelly Adams worked his magic again on my hair. Not sure how he managed, but several people have said it looks like I've lost weight?! Driving up to Ruth's Diner in the canyon is my favorite new tradition with Mom and Dad. We did Family History, sort of, and shared lots of giggles with Tanya and Gavin Barkdull. We're third cousins, don't ya know? I managed to squeeze in Pedicures and a Costco run with Erika and Tami. My "Minnie Mouse" toes are hanging on for the cruise. Kate, Anna, and I got into the pilot taping for Kids Do The Darnedest Things. I'm actually afraid to see myself in the audience some time this fall. Spiderman with Karen. Batman with John. Chicken Tikka Masala with the Andersens. Monster Sack ridiculousness with Anna and Liz. BYU Museum of Art cafe (shawarma!) and exhibit on Muslim art. Skirts at Down East Outfitters, jewelry and tops at Forever 21 at City Creek, and a Beautifully Modest dress for Katie at Alysse's Bridal -- and a few gowns tried, just for fun. Family Photos with Madison and breakfast on the 4th in Grandma's backyard. Giggling girls in Kate's big new bed. Coming home again.