Alexa's Baby Shower & McCormack Fun Night!!!

Today was Alexa's baby shower.  It was a nice party.  She got a lot of fun things.  We were able to spend time together and visit.  The shower was at McKell's house.  We had a brunch.  I made a party favors for the shower that said, She's ready to POP!!!  And gave caramel popcorn with it.  It turned out cute.
Tonight we all got together at Mom and Dad's house.  We made pizza and the kids had fun in the backyard.  We laugh so much when we are all together.  Brian and Hillary brought all the fixings for the best ice cream sundaes.  They had waffle cones, 4 different kinds of vanilla ice cream, mint and chip ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, chocolate sprinkles, colored sprinkles, marshmellow creme and whip cream.  The best sundaes.  I love my family. 

Hair cuts and swimming

Today was really wonderful.  I made Abby and me appointments to get our hair cut.  Abby's hair is so fine and so thin.  We decided to cut it short again to see if we could get it to look a little thicker.  She looks so cute and sat so still.  She loved being pampered and taken care of.  I was also able to get my hair cut and colored.  It was fun getting our hair done together.  After our hair appointments we went to Cassie's for a day of swimming and taco night.  We made all the same games in the pool.  Julie, Amy, Cassie and I all swam with the kids.  The kids love it when we get into the pool with them.  They want us to play all the games and make whirlpools and throw them in the air.  Kevin also came down for the weekend.  He was throwing all the kids in the air and they were doing back and front flips and having so much fun.  Kevin was so tired by the time he was done.  Amy brought glow sticks for the pool.  They didn't work to good this time because the pool was a little to cloudy but hopefully next time they will work perfectly in the water.  Once it got to dark we had the kids come in and they all snuggled up together and watched a movie.  The adults played a game.  It was a new game that Cassie and Ben have played and we had so much fun playing it.  We were laughing so hard we were all laughing.  Dad even played.  We laughed so hard when Dad described Betty Boop. 

Britton's first game and a clean house

Today I needed some help cleaning.  We have been so busy and I have been a little behind on my chores.  So I asked the kids if they would help me out.  I knew that if I didn't get the house clean before the Beck's come I am going to be in big trouble.  Anyway Britton vaccumed, Bryson mopped, Parker dusted.  They all helped clean up any toys.  The house got cleaned so fast and they did such a good job.  Thanks boys for all your hard work it really me helps a lot. 
Abby had her last fairy camp day.  We were invited to watch at the end so they could perform what they learned.  They told us all the fairy colors and what they mean, they did a fairy dance, they sang a song, and did a cheer.  Abby was given a fairy name and it was Pearl because she is so pure on the inside.  She had a lot of fun at camp.  I was so glad that she was able to do this. 
Britton had his first soccer game with the Strikers.  He played great.  He was able to play on offense most of the game.  He stayed in his position well.  Great job Britton we are so proud of you.  We went out for ice cream after the game to celebrate.  We went to Dairy Queen.  Then we went to Mom and Dad Mack's to see Julie and Megan.  They have come to visit for the next week.  Let the fun begin.

Soccer camp, fairy camp and pine wood derby

Somedays I think that I must have decided that I needed to play a game against myself and try and see how many things we can try and accomplish in a certain amount of time.  Britton has had soccer camp all week and has been loving it.  He loves soccer and meeting the players on his team.  He is hoping that he is going to get to play offense and not defense but we will have to see how that goes.  Abby is attending a fairy camp for the week.  She is going to a house down the road with a bunch of girls from our ward.  There are not a lot of girls her age so she is excited to play with anyone in our area.  She gets to go Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and the class is from 1:00-4:00.  She hasn't told me very much about what she does but she is having fun.  Tonight we had our pine wood derby.  The boys hadn't even finished there cars until about 5:00 and the meeting started at 6:30.  Brittons car was silver and orange.  Brysons car was red, yellow and orange, and Parker and Dan did a car and it was black with yellow lightning bolts.  They didn't win for sped but they had fun.  Britton got the most votes for kid approval.  Brysons car was voted most cheerful.  Parker and Dan's got 12th overall and Parker was happy with that.  Bryson also earned his Wolf badge tonight and was so excited about that.  He also earned a gold arrow and 4 silver arrows.  He has worked so hard on his scouting.  Britton moved on to Boys Scouts tonight and walked over the bridge.  I am kind of sad that Britton won't be in scouts anymore.  It was nice for Bryson to have Britton with him.  Life moves so quickly. 

Car wash and slurpees

Today we decided to wash the car.  After going to the drive in last night we thought the van could use some TLC.  Parker helped me clean the inside of the van.  He cleaned so good.  I vaccumed and he did all of the washing of the panels.  Then we got lots of rags and bubbles and started on the outside.  We washed and squirted but the best part was each time we would rinse the van the kids would just be in the way so we had to soak them.  They loved it and I loved soaking them.  I love the laughter that always is present with water.  It seems that anytime we use water the kids giggle and giggle.  After we washed the van we were tried and hot.  So we picked Britton up from soccer camp and got our first slurpee for the summer.  I remember years past we would get a slurpee at least two or three times a week.  I love slurpees!!!

Homework in the summer and Dinner with Dr. Hall

Each day we have the kids work a few sheets out of a workbook.  They get to rotate from four different subjects and also do reading minutes each day.  We think that it is important to help them work on these things throughout the summer so when school comes along they will retain some of what they have learned.  I feel like I am helping my kids and offering them something good.  But my kids think that I am mad at them and that is why I do this.  I told Britton today that I lay in bed at night and think how I can destroy his day.  Homework is definitely the best way.  If they do there work without complaint it usually doesn't take to long.  But today it was 2 1/2 hours of worksheets.  I totally wanted to give in and say okay just go play.  But we finally got it done and I reminded them that if they would relax and just read the instructions they wouldn't have to redo it some many times.  Hopefully tomorrow is better.
Tonight we were invited to go to Dr. Hall house for dinner.  He invited the Sandberg's, Parkin's, Hartvigsen's and Us.  It was so fun.  He provided the hamburgers and hot dogs and we brought salads, chips and dessert.  He has such a nice house.  We had such a fun time.  He has a play room with a dodge ball set up.  The kids played in their for so long.  He has some really cool murals on the wall like cat and the hat, and Baer Rabbit.  He also has a hidden door that opens to a secret twisty staircase.  And his house was totally kid friendly.  He has a home school group that comes in and also a preschool group that goes their.  He also has a huge backyard.  We had a big game of baseball.  The kids loved that.  We all had so much fun just visiting and playing.  We love Dr. Hall.  We were able to take a picture with him and all our kids.  He has delivered are our kids, my five, Cassie's four, Amy's two and Julia's four. 

Drive In

I took the kids to Cassie's for some swimming.  It was a nice day and the water felted to good.  We played lots of water games like marco polo, rainbow, sea monster, shark attack, surfing, trick contest(which everone wins) and whirlpool.  The kids love to swim and could last for hours.  Brynlee is even enjoying to swim this year.  We put her in her life jacket and a little tube and she just floats around.  She has realized if she kicks her legs that it will move her.  Abby is wanting swimming lessons and I need to get those scheduled.  The boys love to swim and are always learning new things to do in the pool and getting more confidence. 
After swimming we hurried home and had dinner and went and got some treats and went to the Drive In Movies.  We went to see Brave.  The Sandberg's went also.  The kids played a little football before it got dark and had fun running around.  We laid down the seats in the back and put down the futon mattress in the van and had lots of pillows and blankets.  We brought treats and card games.  Brynlee didn't like the movie from the start and wanted to go home.  And Abby about two thirds the way through the movie said that her throat was hurting and threw up.  It was lovely.  Dan wasn't with us because he still isn't feeling very good.  So I had both girls unhappy.  I was able to talk Abby into staying until the movie was over so the boys could enjoy it.  She lucky threw up in the street on the side of the van so it wasn't right where we were.  She never did through up again.  Our kids seem to have sensitive stomaches, if they eat to many treats they seem to have a problem with it.  Well, I am glad this night is over.  It was fun even with the unhappy girls.

Monopoly Fun Night!!!

Never start a game of monopoly unless you are willing to play it to the finish.  Abby decided to play for the first time tonight.  I didn't think that she would last long but she played until the last five minutes.  The kids were so excited when after dinner tonight Dan said go get a game.  Tonight was the first time this week Dan has joined us at the dinner table.  He is feeling a lot better, thanks to the new medication.  Anyway the boys picked Transformers Monopoly.  Dan, Britton, Bryson, Parker and Abby all played.  I was the banker and the property holder.  I helped Abby and would help with Brynlee.  The first out of the game was Dan, then Parker, and then Britton and last was Bryson.  Abby won the game.  She killed everyone.  She was so excited each time someone landed on one of her properties.  She would say I am rich.  The game lasted about 2 1/2 hours.  We had a great time and we were all so happy to have Dan with us for the night. 

Water fun!!!

I love that my kids are so easy to please.  This afternoon I went out to set up the pools.  We have three pools that are inflatable.  One of them has a little hole and I had a patch that I could use to fix it but it had to sit for a half hour before I could blow it up.  So I patched the hole and the boys started to blow up the other.  Bryson said well this isn't going to work.  I said why?  He said because their is a huge hole in this pool.  So I go over and the pool had been melted some how.  I was so upset and disappointed.  We have only used these pools twice and now neither one is working.  We tried to figure out how this happened but we are totally confused.  So we go inside and try to think of a new plan.  It gets late so the girls take a nap and the boys want to watch cartoons.  Which I was stoked about because Dan is feeling really sick today.  He has been throwing up and really sick to his stomach.  We called the doctor and they gave him some new medience, it is starting to help.  Poor Dan he is such a easy person.  He doesn't complain about anything.  Anyway after the girls woke up from there nap I decided to fill up two totes with water and bring out the baby pool and bring out the squirt guns.  They were totally happy and played for a couple hours.  The boys joined in the fun and everyone was happy.  The house was quite so Dan got some undistured sleep, the kids had water and that always equals fun, and I had some time to play with the kids and relax.  I love that my kids are so easy to please.  Sometimes I make things so hard.  Their only little once, enjoy each day before the days are gone.

Amazing Family

We are so blessed to have such an amazing family.  We get phone call after phone call and dinner after dinner.  Our neighbors even brought us a recliner for Dan to use while he is getting better.  Today Lisa and Brent came and brought us two freezer meals and took the boys.  They went to Layton Park and brought a picnic lunch.  They watched the ducks and played on two different playgrounds.  They said that they had such a great time.  They also took them to get a shake.  Abby, Brynlee and Me played princess.  We painted our finger and toe nails and put on pretty make up.  We also did the girls hair up like a princess and put on head bands that were of course pink.  The girls had fun and they call me Madame Lisa.  It is so funny to hear Brynlee say Madame Lisa Gardner could you please paint my next finger pink.  The girls never pick one color of polish we always have to do some crazy pattern.  Brynlee had one foot painted orange and the other painted purple.  And both of their fingernails were five different colors.  We had a nice day. 
Dan still isn't feeling the best.  Today he slept most of the day and felt sick to his stomach.  He gets up and walks around a little bit.  Hopefully tomorrow he will have a little more energy.

Britton's first soccer practice

Britton had his first soccer practice today.  He was so excited to go.  He got to meet a few more guys on his team.  He is going to have to work really hard on this new team.  They have a lot more practices and trainings that Britton isn't use to.  I think that he will love this new opportunity.  Hillary brought dinner in tonight.  She brought such a wonderful meal.  We all loved it.  It was so nice to sit and visit with her. 

A day at home

Today Dan woke up not feeling very good.  He didn't sleep to well.  His pain was a lot more intense.  He hasn't decided if the surgery was worth it yet.  The doctor told me that day 3 is usually the worst.  So tomorrow he is expecting to feel even worse.  We have such fun and thoughtful neighbors, they found out about Dan's surgery and brought their recliner over so he could recover with it.  We put it up in our room.  Dan said it is very relaxing.  I think that he is going to sleep in it. 
We have had such a busy summer.  Everyday we have done something fun and exciting.  When I told the kids that we were just going to stay home today they thought I was crazy.  We had a fun day anyway.  We built forts, played life, played video games, the girls set up a pet shop town, we visited Grandpa and Grandma Mack, Britton had scouts and built bottle rockets, Britton also had his first strikers meeting and was able to met some of thr players.  Lisa Mack brought dinner in and the kids decided that someone needed to get hurt after Dad so they could have more dinners brought in by aunts.  Everyone has been so thoughtful.

Dan comes home and Amy's birthday lunch

Today I got to bring Dan home from the hospital.  He looks and feels so much better than last night.  They took an x-ray so we could see the progress of his healing.  We got his prescriptions and some treats and headed to Grandpa and Grandma Mack's house to see the kids.  We were only going to stay a few minutes but when Dan sat in the recliner he was so comfortable he didn't want to leave.  We stayed most of the day.  The kids had fun playing outside with cousins and I had fun with my mom and sisters.  Cassie went to so much work.  She made a wonderful lunch and made dinner for my family.  And yesterday she watched our kids all day long and fed them dinner.  I don't know what I would do without our families.

Dan's neck surgery

We were told that Dan needed to report to the hospital at 11:15am on Monday.  At about 9:30am the hospital called and said that they were running behind so call them back at 12:00pm for a new time to come.  At 12:00pm Dan called and they said to call back at 3:00pm for a new time to come.  Dan was already scheduled to have the surgery last Monday but the hospital called and cancelled that surgery.  This isn't looking very hopeful.  At about 1:15pm the hospital called and said to come at 2:00pm.  So we dropped off our kids at Cassie's house and we headed to the hospital.  We get there and sit for a while finally they call Dan back and tell us that the doctor is still behind and that they are hoping to get us back before 5:00pm.  They were right, Dan got wheeled back at 5:00pm.  His surgery went well, he had two bone spurs and the disc problem.  Dr. Winter's was able to fix it and came and got me and explained everything.  He said Dan should be ready to go to his room in an hour and I could see him then.  So I waited and waited and waited.  Apparently the hospital was running behind again and couldn't get anyone to clean his room so he stayed in recovery until they could find someone.  He is having a little problem with his heart rate being to high.  They said that it is probably because he is in so much pain.  I hate seeing Dan like this.  It is making me so nervous.  I stayed with him until he was able to eat and was feeling a little better.  I hope that this surgery will take away the pain and give Dan the comfort he has been looking for.  Oh, and Happy 14th Anniversary Dan.  Dan wanted to go away for our anniversary, so I guess he got his wish.   

Happy Father's day, Britton's Birthday, and Dallin's Homecoming

Today is such a special day.  Today we have the oppportunity to let our dad know, just how wonderful we think he is.  Hopefully each day we let him know that but today is special.  Today is also Britton's 11th birthday.  Britton opened his presents and they were a bow and arrow, madden 2012, a multi purpose knife, gum, water bottle, card game, and baseballs.  He is such a fun kid to buy for, he loves everything.  We decorated the kitchen for Britton's birthday and Father's Day.  We made Dan breakfast.  We cut up red and orange bell pepper, onion, ham, tomatoes and sauteed them in butter.  Then we cut another yellow pepper and sliced it like a flower and poured an egg mixture inside.  Then we topped the bell pepper omelet with our sauteed mixture and added a little cheese on top.  Then we toasted the cinnamon swirl bread from Aspen Mills and Dan used his Bear Lake Raspberry jam on it.  It was a delicious breakfast and great start to the day.  Dan had no meetings today and was glad that he could sleep in.  Then we went to Dallin's homecoming.  Dallin did such an amazing job.  He was a great missionary and you could feel such an amazing spirit from him.  I am so grateful to have such awesome cousins for my boys to look up to.  Then we had a luncheon with the Gardner family.  The kids had fun playing together and we were able to visit with some of Dan's family.  After the lunch we went back to Grandpa and Grandma Gardner's and the kids were able to see the horses and play outside for a little bit.  Dad, Keith, and Brent gave Dan a blessing for his neck surgery tomorrow.  It calmed Dan and gave him peace.  We are so blessed to have the priesthood power on the earth today.  Then we came home and had a simple dinner and relaxed a bit.  Then we had cookie browines and ice cream for Britton's birthday.  Dan was able to get a Father's Day back rub and it was a good finish to a great day.

Father's Day a day early

We had our Father's day celebration a day early.  We got together at the Sandberg's house for a night of swimming.  We had meatball subs, olive garden salad, orange dream jello salad, chips, vegetables, fruit and fruit dip, broccoli salad and potato salad.  We had cheesecake and mint brownies for dessert.  The kids started to swim at 4:30pm and swam until 8:30pm.  Ben made a nice fire for the kids to warm up and also to roast marshmallows.  The kids had so much fun playing marco polo, rainbow, jaws, and life guard.  The Sandberg's pool is 14 feet wide and 48 inches tall.  The kids love to swim there and enjoy diving and playing any water games they can think of.  The kids also played in the playhouse, the water table, the slide, and in a kids tent. 
We are so grateful for our dad.  Dan works so hard for our family.  He has two jobs and works lots of different shifts.  He is the Elders Quorum President in our ward, he is a great father and a wondeful husband.  Happy Father's Day!!!

Britton's Camp Kiesel & Anniversary celebration

Britton had a great time at camp today.  He has a fun group of boys and great scout leaders.  He said he almost fell out of the canoe and that was scary.  He bought a cool arrowhead necklace that glows in the dark.  He earned his scientist badge and his readyman for the second time.  Britton has earned his webelos badge and also his arrow of light.  He has been going to both 11 year old scouts and webelos the past two months.  He is looking forward to more scouting this summer.  We didn't get a lot of detail about Britton's day at camp but he had fun so I guess that's good enough.
Tonight Dan and I dropped our kids off at Matt and Amy's house for our date night exchange.  It was our turn to go out and that worked out good because Monday is our 14 year anniversary.  We celebrated by going to the Bountiful Temple first.  Then we went to the City Creek Center and had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  We have never been there before and I think that it is one of my new favorite places to eat.  The food was so good.  The wait wasn't to long and the dessert was to die for.  Then we walked around the shops for a little bit and then went on a carriage ride.  It was really nice weather so a carriage ride was the icing on the cake.  As we were touring the city in the carriage someone let off some Japanese lanterns.  That was a nice touch.  They were so cool floating in the sky.  The sky was dark and they glowed so bright drifting higher and higher.  We had such a nice night.  I am so glad that I am married to my best friend.  He is truly a wonderful husband and father.  I couldn't have picked a better man.  I know that I am so blessed to have the marriage and life I do.  Thanks Dan, I love you.

A Pretend birthday

Britton's birthday this year is on Father's Day, the same as when he was born.  And of course it is also a Sunday, so we decided to have a pretend birthday party.  So we invited the cousins on my side over for a swim day.  We set up three pools, had water guns, water toys, bubbles, chalk, popcicles, the tramp, and the playground.  We started swimming at 10:00am and didn't stop playing until 4:00pm it was such a fun day.  Everyone brought their lunches and we had a few treats and lots of cold water bottles.  It was one of the best swim days we have ever had.  All the kids got along so good.  They put on a small play for us moms and grandma mack.  They played war and dodgeball.  They played trampoline soccer and had a few diving competitions(which we had to stop because we almost had a few broken necks).  I love that we are so blessed to have family around and could celebrate Britton's birthday together.  Thanks everyone!!!

Bryson's day at Camp Kiesel

Bryson was so excited to go to camp it was almost like Christmas.  He was so excited to finally buy himself a pocket knife.  It would be his very own.  He had a blast.  He got to shoot a bb-gun, shoot bow and arrows, go in a canoe, run threw an obstacle course, do a craft(which was leather making and they stamped a dragon on it), go on a nature walk, go to the general store, and a few other things.  He loved the canoe part, he came home soaking wet and loved every minute of it.  The theme of camp this year was Robin Hood.  They all witnessed the princess get captured at the start of camp and by the end the battle started and she was freed.  Bryson was also able to pass off his last requirement for his wolf, by attending an outdoor flag ceremony.  Great job Bryson. 
Today at home we had a quiet day.  Lots of yard work and then tonight I took the kids to see the Lorax at The Kaysville Theater.  We got popcorn and treats.  The movie was great and everyone was so well behaved. 

Cousin Tuesday

Tuesday is such a fun day of the week.  It is the day all the cousins get together and play at Grandpa and Grandma Mack's house.  We have been doing this for about a year now and we always have such an enjoyable time.  Now that it is the summertime we have decided to go to a park occasionally and extend the invite to extended family.  Today we went to Barnes Park.  The kids played soccer, kickball, relay races around the side walk track, on the playground and in the sand in the volleyball court.  We brought chairs and blankets and had our lunch.  The kids really wore themselves out.  The weather was great not to hot.  The kids that played were Britton, Bryson, Parker, Abby, Brynlee, Ethan, Sarah, Carter, Hallie, Ellie, Sadie, Kellie, Josie, Thomas, Nathan, Emilie, Jeff, Amanda, Raechel, Sammy, and Brooklyn plus some of Michelle's neighbors and there kids. 
Then we came home for some arts and crafts.  The boys made melty beads.  Bryson made a really cool tank and Britton made a growing circle.  Parker made a few different creations but none that got melted.  Then we had the Young Women's Girls Camp Fund Raiser.  We had hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, chips, watermelon, popcicles, creamies, and lemonade.  We had all kinds of activities set up for the kids to play.  It was a great success.  The ward really came out and supported us.  Everyone seemed to have a good time.  We have a great ward and are blessed to live in a great community.

Bike wash and sleepover!!

Today was our first day of summer vacation at home.  We had a fun night, Sarah and Ethan spent the night and the kids played until 11:00pm.  This morning they woke up about 7:00am.  They made the best fort for star wars, avengers, batman, and transformers.  It was good verses evil and each group had there own hide out.  I love it when the boys play like this it reminds me of barbie land when I was little.  The girls played dressed up, princesses, cooks, and ponies.  They weren't ready to go when Amy came to pick them up.
We had are first day of summer learning time.  The boys think that I am so mean because I make them learn even in the summer.  We did work books, journal pages, math problems and reading minutes.
Today we also had a bike wash day.  We filled up a big bucket with soap and water and got some towels and washed all the bikes.  Of course it turned into a water fight.  The only problem was that the towels turned into whips which didn't feel to nice getting slapped with.  We played out in the yard and did yard work.  Abby got to play with a neighbor girl, Georgie and had a blast.  I love summer. 

Parties continue

We sang in church today.  I am glad that that is over and I don't think that we will be asked to do that again.  We sang Love is Spoken Here.  Probably not the best idea to sing a song with rounds.  Anyway its over and I am glad.  We are having another party tonight.  Kevin is still here so we are going to get together again and have spaghetti at our house.  We are so blessed to have family around us.  We can hang out each day.  The best part is that we never get sick of each other. 

A day of parties

The girls were invited to a princess party with Avi and Eden.  Abby dressed as a pink princess and Brynlee was dressed as Snow White.  They had a farewell party with the Gardner girl cousins.  Emily did a great job, the girls had a blast.  The boys went to Spencer's and played outside.  Then they all went to Grandma and Grandpa Gardner's and looked at the horse's and had fun playing.  I was at a baby shower for Shaundee and Aunt Cathy's house.  It was fun visiting with cousins and celebrating the upcoming birth of baby girl Bull.  After the party we had to go to the church to practice the song Love One Another.  We were asked to sing in sacramenting with another family.  After the song practive we had another party for Amy, Ethan, and Britton's birthdays. 
We did a Avenger's theme party.  We had a bar-b-que.  We served hot dogs, potato salad, chips, spinach salad, pasta salad, browines decorated as the Captain America shield(great job Uncle Matt), and homemade ice cream(thanks Dan). Amy had treat bowls and a beautiful backyard for the set up.  We played four games.  Hulk smash - the kids popped balloons, Captain America - used a shield to knock over bowling pins, Thor - throwing a hammer at a table with water bottles with super hero cards taped to them, and a bow and arrow event, trying to hit the bad guy.  We had a fire in the fire pit.  The kids smashed pop-its.  They tried to find there favorite avenger under there cup.  Then we opened presents and the kids played, played, played.  It was a fun birthday night.  Then when we got home Britton went to a night games party until 11pm.  He had a lot of fun.  What a day!!!

Headed home

Today I was not ready to leave.  We were having so much fun.  Sometimes vacations are so much work.  I feel like I need a vacation from the vacation.  But not this time.  The kids were so well behaved and we had so many things planned and we were just carefree and kick back.  We decided to stop at the American West Heritage Museum.  We walked around the museum and the kids enjoyed the little rooms set up from the past.  We then went outside and were able to learn rope making, horse shoe making, toy making, how to wash clothes and dry them(without a washer or dryer), taste some gingersnap cookies fresh from the oven, ride a train, ride a pony, pan for gold, visit lots of farm animals, talk with mountain men, go inside a tepee, look at lots of old buildings, and old fashioned homes, and lots more fun.  We spent almost 4 hours exploring and learning about the American West.

Once we got home we unpacked the car and loaded immediately back in for a taco night at the Sandberg's home.  Kevin came into town and we were all able to eat and visit with one another.  The guys took all the boys to the park and the girls stayed back at the house and let the girls play.  We had a fun night playing with cousins.

Bear Lake

Today we decided to go to Bear Lake and enjoy the water and sand.  It was a little cold but still loads of fun.  The main entrance was still closed because the water level is still too high.  So we found an area of the road for the kids to play in.  There was an area of sand for the girls to look of shells and all the kids to dig and build castles.  We had tubes for the kids to float on and we tied rope to the tubes and let them float, if they got out to far we would just pull them in.  We buried each other and skipped rocks.  I think that Dan got the most skips.  7 was the winning skip.  Bryson was the braviest and got in the water first.  Britton soon followed.  Parker was glad that he didn't after seeing how cold, both the other boys were.  After a few hours of play we went to Le Beus and got lunch and of course shakes.  The kids got to pick a stuffed animal at one the of gift shops.  Brynlee picked a kitty, Abby a penguin, Parker, Bryson, and Britton all picked a dog.  Then we headed back to the car for some more site seeing.  We went to Rock Springs and took some pictures.  It was beautiful.  Then we went to try to see Old Ephraium's Grave.  He was the largest grizzly bear.  But the road was still closed.  We went back to the cabin and Dan and Brynlee rested at the cabin and the boys, Abby and I went to play in the river.  They had fun playing in the water and trying to fight the current.  We saw a water snake and Parker and Abby thought they found quick sand. 
The cabin is so wonderful.  The atmosphere is perfect.  Lots of quiet, grass to play in, trees to hide in and fresh air to breath.  I would love to have a cabin in logan canyon. 

One thing after the other

We actually slept in this morning.  Something the kids never do.  Anyway we had a nice breakfast today, sausage, eggs, gogurt and donuts.  The kids played outside this morning while we packed up to go to town for fun.  We first stopped at the Logan Temple and took some pictures.  That is such a beautiful temple.  Then we went to the Willow Zoo.  The kids had fun looking at all the different animals.  The girls loved all the turtles.  The boys were excited about the bobcats and the boa snake that was wrapped in a tree.  The zoo was small but it was still a big hit.  Then next to the zoo were three parks so we took our snacks to the park and let the kids play.  The girls love to swing on the swings, we pushed and pushed.  We played a little bit of lava monster.  Then we went to the Stokes Nature Center.  It had lots of bones that the kids could look at.  Abby loved the different stuffed animals and tried to put on a puppet show.  The boys liked the boxes that had a hole in it and you put your hand in it and have to guess what your feeling.  They had a turtle shell in one, pine needles in one, a pine cone on another, and one other one.  They had different rocks to look at.  Some bugs to look at with a magnify glass.  Some snakes, fish, spiders, and other smaller animals.  It was a fun place to check out.  After that we went fishing.  No one caught anything but they had fun.  Then we came back to the cabin for dinner and roasted hot dogs on the fire and made smores.  Once it was too cold we came in for a game of rook.  This was such a fun day full of lots of different activities.  And the kids were all so well behaved.  I love vacations like this.  Totally relaxed and we just do what makes everyone happy.  

Water - to drink or not to drink

Well, I don’t think that we can go on a vacation without one of our children getting sick.  About 2:30am Brynlee starting coughing.  And then vomiting.  Abby and Brynlee are sharing a bed and Brynlee threw up while still in bed.  Dan was able to get her to the kitchen sink to finish throwing up and then she slept with us the rest of the night.  I think that she threw up about 7 times.  We aren’t sure if she was sick or if she got sick from drinking the water in the river by the cabin.  No matter what the source of water is Brynlee will drink it.  Anyway she felt better around 9:00am so we decided to go for a hike until Brynlee was tried or fussy.  She loved being outside and rode on Dan’s shoulders almost the whole way.  We hiked for an hour and then turned around and came back.  Abby collected so many wild flowers she had the most beautiful flower arrangement.  She never complained about the hike because she was too busy finding flowers.  The boys ran most the way back and loved the adventure.  It was a beautiful hike we saw lots of fun things.  The weather got colder tonight so we spent most of the night inside playing games and watching movies.  We also had our traditional Mexican Dinner Night.  The kids love that every time we go camping or to a cabin.  This is so fun.  We love spending time together and being outdoors.

Start of summer

Today was the first day of our summer vacation.  We had a family vacation planned to go and stay in a cabin in Logan Canyon.  Mr. B let us use it for the week.  We were so excited to get up here.  We had to do several things before we left this morning; I thought the kids were going to go crazy waiting for us.  We arrived to the about 1:30.  The cabin is in a beautiful area.  They have green grass around the cabin lots and lots of trees and the river is just feet away from the cabin.  There is a hammock, a swing set, lots of trees and tall shrubs for the kids to play hide and seek in.  We brought our air soft gun and had a best shot tournament.  The boys brought pocket knives and have been wheedling sticks.  We went on a little walk and found a great spot for the kids to play in the water.  They skipped rocks and made mud mountains, we caught butterflies, played in the water, through rocks and just had fun.  Later that night we realized that Britton and Brynlee had a terrible rash.  So we took them into Logan and found an IHC Instant Care and had them both looked at.  They said it was just a virus but to keep an eye on it.  We came back to the cabin and had fried chicken and ate out at the picnic table.  It was so wonderful being here.  I can’t wait for tomorrow’s activities.

Sunday rest

Sunday is so crazy in the mornings.  Dan leaves each Sunday at 7:45am for meetings.  I don't mind getting the kids ready myself I have a routiue and we can get out the door and be on time, most of the time.  But today we didn't even wake up until 8:00am.  It was a wild morning and it just starts the day out bad.  When I am in a rush I need to remember that it isn't the kids fault I didn't wake up in time.  Relax and we'll get there when we get there.  I hate being late.
I read a great quote last night and I would like to remember.

Fear departs when faith endures.

What we are speaks so loudly that are children might not hear what we are saying.

I love these quotes and I hope to apply them to my life.

I love Sunday afternoons.  The girls are napping and the boys are playing with toys.  Dan is working a swing shift today so I am just relaxing and enjoy the quiet.

STRIKERS!!!

Britton tried out for two strikers teams this week.  One Wednesday he tried out for the State division and unfortunately didn't make it.  There were a lot of kids trying out and a lot of them have been on a strikers or competition team before so Britton wasn't picked.  On Thursday he tried out for a district division team and made it.  We are so proud of him and excited for this new opportunity for Britton.  I am also glad that my nerves and go back to normal. 

SATURDAY - no morning plans

Every Saturday we have a schedule.  Some where to be and usually early.  But today was different.  We got to sleep in and didn't have to wake up to an alarm clock.  It was wonderful.  Dan had a bike event for work.  Bryson wanted to go so Dan took him to work with him.  Bryson was having fun so the rest of the kids decided that they wanted to go also.  We got ready and packed up the bikes and went down to the bike trail.  Chick-fil-a was there handing out free chicken sandwiches and munchies ice cream was there giving away free ice cream.  The kids rode on the trail for a few minutes and enjoyed there free food and then we went to the Parkin's to play.  It is Ethan's birthday so Amy filled up her pools and the kids swam and had a blast playing with Ethan and Sarah.  After that we went to Sam's Club and then came home for a calm night.  It was a great Saturday.

Last day of school

Today is the best day.  The kids are finally out of school.  The kids were excited to go and sign yearbooks and say good bye to friends and there teachers.  They each had such good teachers this year.  Britton had Mrs. Smith and she was so good for Britton.  He had an awesome year with no behavior concerns.  Bryson had a tough year.  He was first put into Mrs. Dixon's class, then the school hired a new teacher because the classroom sizes were to large so Bryson got put into Mrs. Welling's class. He liked her but the after Christmas break she called in sick for about two weeks so they had different subs.  Then she gave her resignation so he got a permenant sub until they hired a new teacher, which was Mrs. Waters.  She did a great job and Bryson really liked her.  Parker had Mrs. Farris and loved her.  He had a great year and made lots of new friends.  He also did great in speech with Mrs. Gentry.  Abby had Ms. Debbie at Busy Bee Preschool.  She learned so much and loved to be with kids her age.
 
The boys had a little surprise when coming home from school.  I asked the boys to get off at a different bus stop when coming home.  A bunch of moms filled buckets with water and had water balloons(Mikki and Heather) then the rest of us hid until the kids got off the bus.  When the kids got off the bus they ran through a sign that said welcome summer.  Then we jumped out and started squirting the kids.  It was so fun the kids were soaked and so were we.  It was such a fun idea.  Then we had ice cream sundaes for the kids.  I hope that we do this every year.  After the water fight we had to hurry home because we had another party to go to.  At our house.
To celebrate the ending of a school year we let the kids invite friends over and we had an end of year party.  We filled up two pools, had a slip 'n' slide, had water balloons, foosball, air hockey, darts, popcorn, treats, popcicles, chalk, bubbles, water bombs, dodge ball, and lots of squirt guns.  They had so much fun.  There were so many kids.  The neighbors all joined in.  Then we had a block night games party with the entire neighborhood.  We had a camp fire at the Smith's house and roasted marshmallows and made smores.  The kids played by the creek and in the Smith's backyard.  Then when it was dark the boys played steal the flag and kick the can.  This was the best way to celebrate the ending of a school year and the start of SUMMER!!!