A play date for Abby

Abby got a call from one of her pre-school friends named Cami.  Her mom called and wanted to get together.  So she told us about a splash pas in South Ogden.  We were suppose to meet at 10:00 and bring our lunches and let the kids play.  I got a little lost and didn't get there until 10:30.  The weather wasn't the greatest it was a little rainy.  But we went anyway.  Abby friend never showed up but we stayed anyway.  The kids had so much fun.  I think that next year this might be a weekly spot.  It is free, and clean, and close and a lot of fun.  I wish that I would have known about it earlier in the summer because it closes on Labor Day.  After the splash pad Cassie's family came over and everyone played, played, played. 

Swimming and the Brigham City Temple

Today we went to Cassie's and swam.  The kids always have such a great time swimming with cousins.  Abby was happy because I forgot her life jacket so she got to swim without it.  She did great and she loved diving to the bottom of the pool looking for rings and torpedos.  We couldn't stay all day because we had tickets to go to the Brigham City Temple Openhouse.  My young womens group was going and they had some extras so we took all our family with the girls.  It was so beautiful.  The kids were so revent and well mannered.  Britton's favorite part was the mirrors in the sealing room.  Bryson's favorite part was the mirror's also and the baptismal font.  Parker's favorite part was the baptismal font.  He thought that that was so cool.  Abby and Brynlee loved the light and the paintings.  It was a great opportunity to teach that the only place that we want to be married is in the sealing rooms of the temple.  After we went to the temple we went to Peach City and got an ice cream cone.  This was a fun day.

Brynlee is turning 3!!!

Our sweet little girl is turning three today.  She is so fun.  She brings such a light into a room.  Her nickname is Angel and she is exactly that and Angel sent from heaven.  She is really funny.  She quotes movies all day and says some of the funniest things.  She loves all of her brothers and sister so much.  She loves to play animals with the boys.  They are all such good sports to play whatever she asks of them.  She loves books, My little pony, Dora the explorer, strawberry shortcake, princesses(especially her babies), to color, and play doh.  She loves to watch movies.  She also likes to sing and tell jokes.  For her birthday she wanted a My Little Pony birthday.  I made a Twilight Sparkle cake.  I drew Pinkie Pie on a posterboard and they played pin the cutie mark on Pinkie Pie.  We galloped with a stick and had a relay race.  They played hot potato with a pony, they played horseshoes, and we had a giant coloring book with My Little Pony pictures.  We had the cousins over for the party and everyone had a lot of fun.  She had a great birthday.  Some of her presents were all 6 of the main my little ponies, a baby pinkie pie doll, and dora the explorer back pack that sings, a puzzle cake, some little furry animals and a new baby doll.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYNLEE!!!

WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got the greatest opportunity ever.  I got invited to go and see WICKED.  Brian called and said that he had an extra ticket to Wicked and wanted to know if I wanted it.  I was so excited.  We went to dinner to the Macaroni Grill in Salt Lake and then walked to the Capital Theater.  It was Hillary, Mom, her Mom and Me.  We had awesome tickets.  We were on the floor on row U and on the side towards the aisle.  The show was absolutely amazing.  The cast sounded just like the CD.  I was so floored by the performance.  It was a best thing I have ever been to.  I had no idea that the wicked witch didn't really die.  I loved this play and if I could I would see it again and again.  Thank you so much Brian and Hillary!!!!

Camping at Mirror Lake

We finally got our camping trip in for the summer.  We have done a lot of fun things but the one thing that I wanted to do was go camping.  We got a late start but found a nice camp spot in the mirror lake camp grounds.  We were right next to the bathrooms which is what we needed for Abby.  We were also not to far from the lake.  It was a beautiful night.  It was a lot cooler but we had a fire, so we were all nice and toastie.  We roasted hot dogs for dinner and marshmallows for dessert.  Out tent is pretty small so we all spent close.  We kids all slept good.  In the morning we had eggs, sausage, and banana bread.  We made hot chocolate to warm us up.  Dan made a nice fire.  The kids had fun exploring and playing games in the woods.  At 1:00 it was time to check out so we drive to the lake and walked around the boardwalk again.  The kids saw tons of baby fish and some larger fish also.  It was lots of fun.  After that we drove all around and checked out lots of different camp sites.  We wanted to find the best ones for next year.  Then we went to the Provo Falls.  The kids had there swim clothes on and were able to play in the falls.  At one the falls Britton and Bryson found a huge hole.  It was so deep that Dan could hold on to Brittons hands and lower him into the hole and Britton couldn't touch the bottom.  So Dan filled the hole with huge rocks to try and make it a little safer for a little kid that might fall in.  This was such a fun camping trip.  It is amazing how much easier camping gets when the kids are a little older.

A Day of FUN!!!

We had such a fun time.  We had a list of things that the kids wanted to do.  So we did them.  First we did a little finger painting with pudding.  The kids had a vanilla and chocolate cup and a poster board.  They would swirl the pudding with their fingers and sometimes noses.  The kids were covered in pudding and the table was a mess.  What a great time.  Then we mixed potions.  We had test tubes, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and baking powder.  They exploded and bubbled all over the place.  After potions they did bubble making.  We poured liquid soap all over the table and had straws and they made the biggest bubbles.  Then we went to Cassies house for cousin play date.  It was so wonderful.  I love summer.

Spencer's game and the Davis County Fair

Today we went to Spencer's final play off game.  He was in the same tournament as Britton but a different division.  He plays for SWAT.  Spencer is the goalie for his team.  He did such a great job.  His team got 2nd place in his division of the tournament.  It was fun to get to see Spencer play.  Then we went to look at some houses with Matt and Amy.  They were pretty cool.  Awesome layouts.  Then we went to lunch at Subway.  This was a great Saturday.  We came home and just played around the house.  Then we decided to go to the Davis County Fair.  We watched the dog competition.  The dogs would try to jump as far as they could into a pool of water.  Then it was measured to see how far they jumped.  The kids loved watching the dogs.  Then the kids got to pick one ride to go on in the kid zone.  The boys all rode a twisty ride with Ethan.  The girls rode the purple train roller coaster.  They all had fun on the rides.  Then we went to the bunny house and the hen house.  The kids decided that they need a bunny.  Then they went into the petting zoo.  They got to pet goats, sheep, ponies, bunnies, a camel, a kangaroo, a donkey, a turtle and a mule.  They all loved to touch the different animals.  After the petting zoo we got in line at the sting ray area.  The kids got to touch a sting ray and also horseshoe crabs.  It was so slimey.  They thought that that was so cool.  Then we walked around some of the booths.  It was a really good night.

Britton's last game, friends over, and outdoor movie night

Today was Britton's last game in the tournament.  He played another great game.  I think that this was his best game in the tournament.  They played good as a team but were not able to win this one.  After the game Britton invited Weston and Hunter over to play and Bryson invited Bridger.  Parker was good to play with everyone.  We went and got some pizza for lunch.  We put the sprinkler under the trampoline and the slip-n-slide under the pvc sprinkler.  We also put the pvc sprinkler over the playground and they had races it get through the playground.  The boys had fun playing in the water.  Britton then had a birthday party at Surf and Swim.  He had fun with some kids in the ward.  After dinner we went to the Parkin's house for our outdoor movie.  The kids all decorated a car to take to the drive in.  Dan had some boxes left over from work and the kids were able to decorate those.  Abby's was spray painted gold with pink trim.  It had pink polka dots and pink flowers.  We put pink wheels and a pink license plate that said Abby G.  Brynlee's was spray painted pink.  We made hers look like a airplane.  We put a propeller on the front and rounded the sides to look like wings.  She also had a license plate that said Brynlee.  Parker made his car into a limo.  He painted the outside black with gray trim.  The inside of Parker's car was a spy car.  He made wheels and a license plate also.  Bryson's car was the batman mobile.  Bridger helped Bryson finish his car.  Bryson painted the outside black and put a yellow ovals with a black bat into the middle.  He also decorated the inside with lots of guns and different gadgets.  Britton's car was decorated to look like a taxi.  His car was painted yellow with a black stripe on the side with a white checkered boarder through it.  He also made a license plate and decorated the inside like a real car.  We all brought a treat to share.  We brought our popcorn maker.  Amy had treats and drinks it was set up so cute.  The kids watched the Lorax and The Princess and the Pauper, barbie movie.  The kids had fun in their cars and also playing around the backyard.  It was such a fun night.  The kids love this tradition.  We can't wait until next year.  Thanks Parkin Family.

Swimming at Cassie's house

Grandpa and Grandma Mack were able to come to Brittons game today.  He played great again today.  He got a lot of game time.  He enjoys playing forward and he is getting more and more confident the more he plays with this team.  He didn't win this game but he did tie the game.  After the game we went to cool down and go swimming at Cassie's house.  Amy, Cassie and I swam today with the kids.  We had fun playing games with the kids.  We made a whirlpool.  Abby got to take off her life jacket and she was so excited to swim without it.  She did good swimming and practicing he skills in the water.  We had a fun day in the water.

Summer Olympics

Today we invited all the cousins over for our own summer olympics.  We had sprinting, long distance run, balance beam, trampoline routinue, discs throw, shot-put, javelin, long jump and volleyball.  The kids were all timed and were able to participate in each event.  They all had fun.  It was a nice to see them all cheer each other on.  They were happy when each other did good.  The cousins are good to encourage each other and not worry to much about 1st place and so forth.  After all the events were finished we rewarded each of them with a gold medal.  Then we put the sprinkler under the trampoline.  We played in the water until Brittons game.  Then Cassie and Amy brought there kids to watch Britton play.  He was excited to have his cousins at his game.  He played good but didn't win this game. 

Striker's Cup

Today Britton has the start of another tournament.  This one is close it is in Layton.  Britton played really well today and he had a lot of fun.  He didn't win but it was a close game.  His team is good but they just turned off there fuel after the second half.  Hopefully tomorrow will go a little better.  After Britton's game we came home I was able to clean house and the kids just played.  It was a good day to get caught up on all the odds and ends.  Our power went out today and I decided that we need to be a lot more prepared.  I had no way of making dinner and I need to be able to cook even if i don't have a oven, microwave or a grill.  I need to get organized in emergency preparedness and have a plan.

School shopping and Sadie's birthday

Today I decided to take all of the kids for a little school shopping.  I needed to return some shirts that I got at Ross.  So we returned the shirts and started to look for the right sizes.  I bought the boys some shirts and the sizes on the shirts were all so crazy.  It could be the same shirt brand and same size as the shirt we tired on before but fit totally different.  After trying on a bunch of shirts and shorts we left with some good finds, but I will not go clothes shopping again with all five kids without Dan again.  It was to crazy.  After shopping we went to Cassie's house for some swimming.  It was Sadie's birthday.  The kids swam all day.  We stayed and had Sadie's party that night when the men got off of work.  We had fun watching the kids swim and visiting with each other.  Sadie turned 2 today, happy birthday.

Olympics closing ceremonies

Today was a nice peaceful Sunday.  The kids played so good together.  I love Sundays when we can just relax and take it easy.  We watched the last of the events for the Olympics.  The kids loved to watch the events.  Britton would check all day to see if the coverage had started.  Then while the events were going the kids would be re-enacting the events at home.  The girls practiced there gymnastics and the boys mostly practiced there wrestling and running.  The Parkin's air conditioning wasn't working so we invited them over for dinner and we all watched the closing ceremonies together.  That was a little different.  We enjoyed the music but I wasn't quite sure on the storyline.  It is amazing to watch people fulfill dreams and goals they have set.  We also liked to listen to the stories behind the athlete.  Britton has decided that he wants to be in the Olympics he just needs to decide what event.

Britton's final game and Caren's wedding

Britton had his last game of the tournament.  Unfortunately they lost.  It was a good experience for Briton.  Next week he has another tournament, this one is in Layton.  He is hoping for more time on the field and also more wins. 
Caren Anderson got married today.  I was the only one who went because Brynlee has a fever again.  So Dan stayed home with the kids.  I left at 3:30 and went with my Mom and Cassie to the wedding.  We got to the wedding a little early so we stopped at the Chocolate Cottage.  Mom bought us all a treat.  It was really yummy.  We tasted a chocolate covered grape.  It sounds yucky but it was really good.  Then we went to the wedding.  Uncle Doug married Caren and TJ.  He did a great job.  Caren looked beautiful and so did Cora.  It was a really pretty reception hall.  The hall was like a greenhouse, plants and flowers all around the outside of the room.  They also served coldstone and cupcakes.  It was a fun reception.  Great music and awesome company.  It was fun to sit and visit with cousins.  After the wedding we went to dinner.  Michael and his family came with us and Amy came home with Mom, Cassie and Me.  We had a fun time together hanging out with family. 

More SOCCER

Tonight was a crazy game.  It was a little cloudy.  But after a few minutes into the game it was raining and then lightning and thundering.  The game was called after the score was 2 to 1.  We waited for about 15 minutes then they decided to play again.  We scored and tied up the score.  Then they called the game again because of the weather.  Bridger invited all the boys to go home with them.  They even asked Parker.  They ended up going to the Shaw's grandparents house for popcorn, ice cream and a movie.  They watched Little Giants.  The boys said that they had a great time.  Dan and I and the girls went with Grandpa and Grandma Gardner to get ice cream.  We had a nice time.  They came to Britton's game to support him.  We are so blessed to live so close to so much family.

R.A.D. Kids and Britton's first soccer tournament

The boys have been going to R.A.D. kids all week.  Dan, Jason and Kyle were teaching Layton Elementary School this week.  So we decided to let the boys sign up because Parker and Ethan are finally old enough to take the class.  The class was taught at Central Davis Junior High School.  The boys had fun in the class and were able to learn different skills to defend themselves from a stranger or someone that was trying to talk with them that they didn't know.  They were told to pick a security code, learn their address, practice dialing 911 from the home phone and all cell phones they might use.  They were asked to review the fire plan at home.  They also got to practice the skills they were taught on Thursday.  Dan put on the red man suit.  It is a padded suit(it looks like a transformer with pads).  Dan tries to capture each kid and they have to use the skills they have been taught to try and escape.  The kids all enjoy the class.  I missed the final day because Britton had his first soccer tournament.  Amy filmed the scenarios for me, and Britton went to the afternoon class so he could do his.  Brittons tournament was fun to watch.  He played good.  The final score was a tie. 
Tonight we decided to race the boats at the creek.  The water level is pretty low but there was enough water to race.  The kids had fun playing in the water and ended up wet from head to toe.  Brynlee liked racing the boats the most.  She loved watching her boat go fast and then trying to catch it before it went into the tunnel.  Abby's favorite part was catching bugs in the creek.  She was so excited each time she would catch a water skeeter.  The boys were laying in the water and throwing the boats out of the tunnel.  Bryson was the best bug catcher with Parker right next to him.  Britton liked trying to catch the bugs but if he really did catch one he would quickly get rid of it.  I love that we live so close to the creek. 

My Little Pony Party

Today is Sarah Parkin's birthday party.  She is turning 4 years old.  She decided to have a My Little Pony birthday party.  The pool was filled, they have a trampoline, a swing set, and also a dirt pile the kids love to play in.  All the cousins were able to come.  Amy planned some fun games that the kids loved.  The kids all had to pick a cutie mark and a pony name.  So we did a little face painting.  They also did a balloon relay race. And they played ballon volleyball.  The kids played so good together.  They had cake and ice cream and opened presents.  The kids didn't want to go home after the party so we went inside and played with Ethan and Sarah's toys and stayed until dinner time.  We had a great day with cousins. 

Brynlee!!

Brynlee is not feeling good today.  She has a fever and just wants to be cuddled.  I am sad that she is not feeling good but I am loving the extra cuddle time.  She is such a sweet little girl even being sick.  She just wants to watch her movies.  She has quite a few favorites like Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Ponies, Mickey Mouse, and any princess shows.  Her fever reached 103 so I called Dan and asked him to come home and give her a blessing.  Dan came right home and brought Jason and they blessed her.  After the blessing she was able to go to sleep.  After her nap she was playing and acting more like her self.  I am so grateful for Dan and all he does for our family.

Coloring Contest

Today we got out the glitter glue, crayons, markers, foamies, stickers, colored pencils, markers and coloring books.  The kids all took there time and created a master piece.  We decided to have a coloring contest.  The boys colored Captain American pictures and Looney Toones pictures.  The girls colored Strawberry Shortcake pictures and LaLa Loopsey pictures.  After they finished the pictures then they built boats with popcicle sticks.  They all made boats with sails and decorated the boats really cute.  

Mirror Lake

Today we decided to go for a drive.  We packed up our dinner and decided to go to the Uintah's.  We ate our dinner at the Provo Falls.  We sat on a huge rock and enjoyed the beautiful view.  The kids explored all around the falls.  Then we packed up and drove to Mirror Lake.  I love Mirror Lake.  It is so beautiful.  We walked the trail and board walk around the lake.  We saw a few deer and some fish jump out of the lake.  We had such a nice time.  On the way home we saw so many deer that we lost count.  It was 9:15pm when we left so it was really dark.  There were so many deer on the side of the road.  They would just jump out in front of the van.  Dan was a really cautious and drove slow.  This was such an awesome night.

Date Night - so fun!!!

Today Britton had a game early in the morning which was nice to beat the heat.  He played so awesome.  He got his first goal.  Hooray!!!  He had so much energy and was able to use it very wisely.  He is loving Stikers.  He has his first tournament next week and is excited to play a whole week of soccer.
After Britton's game we decided to go for a little hike.  We tried to drive up Farmington Canyon but the road was closed so we went to the trail around Lagoon.  It was very short but it was shaded by some large trees, so the kids loved it. 
Then it was date night for Dan and I.  We needed a night out.  We got Maya to come over so the kids were very happy.  Dan and I wanted to do something different.  So Dan suggested to go to Trampoline Park.  The cashier gave us a buy one get one entry.  We jumped for an hour and were exhausted.  It was so fun.  Dan did a one and a half flip and landed face first in the foam pit.  I finally got the courage to do a flip and loved it.  We felt like little kids and laughed so hard.  We also played dodge ball, basketball and ran all around.  It was a great workout.  Then we went to Olive Garden for dinner.  This was such a great night.  We also played peanuts once we got the kids in bed.  I love my husband. 

Britton's first scout camp out

Britton got to go on his first camp out.  He has a great eleven year old scout leader.  Bishop Riley and Brother Carrington are his leaders.  They asked Dan to go with them.  The scouts are Britton, Reese, Logan, Dammon, and Caden.  They were headed for South Fork.  So the kids and me are going to have a movie night and a sleep over in my room.  The kids love to sleep in our room.  Please be safe Britton.

Our way of boating

Today we went to Pineview.  Amy, Cassie and I took the kids to Pineview for the day.  We had so nuch fun.  We got to the lake at 10:30 and stayed until 5:00.  It was great weather with even better company.  The kids had fun swimming and playing in the sand.  The boys dug the biggest hole.  We bought two little boats and the kids could row and row all over.  We borrowed ores from Grandpa Mack.  The boats were a little hard to control because of the wind but they still had fun, especially when the waves would come.  We love Pineview days!!!