Pioneer Parade

So us moms got a crazy idea.  We decided to get up early and head down to Bountiful main street at 4:45 AM to save an area for hoard of children.  We found a PERFECT spot and sat there for 2 hours until we could set out our chairs, blankets, and rope off an area.  It was worth the sleep deprivation.  The kids LOVED every second of the parade and being together.

Natatli had a lions house roll tossed to her, and a plastic "glass" slipper...she was in HEAVEN. 

Salt Lake Day

While Ben was still here with us we took full advantage and spent the morning down at Temple Square.  We took a tour on top of the Conference Center.

We walked over by the reflection pool.  It was beautiful.  The kids loved the water.  A little TOO much, Isaac fell in, yep that's right...he feel in!

We walked around and smelled and the beautiful flowers.  And we got a bag of Lion House rolls.  They were DIVINE.

We walked over to the temple so the kids could see it up close and touch the outside.  They love to watch the movie, Mountain of the Lord, and we thought this would be special for them.  We also went into the north visitors center to see the beautiful Christus.  

We then went over to the Church History building (I think that's what it was called) to see the art and their new (new to us) hands on children exhibits.  This was a highlight for the kids.  They could be quilters and make designs, they could build parts of Nephi's ship, fish, play games, and dance.  Tears were shed when we had to leave.

It was a great day as a family.  It's nice to create these memories as a family.  I cherish these happy moments we can have together.

Cousins

There are so many great things about coming back to Utah, but on HUGE higlight for the kids is all the cousins.  They all have little buddies and they run a complete muck!  They play, moms talk, it's a win-win!

 These little boys love to play in sand!

 Cute kids

Aunt Anna & Natali

Summer Adventures

After 24+ hours in the car, 5 states, 6 barf sessions, multiple pit stops, and nonstop movies...we arrived in UTAH!  The long awaited and anticpated road trip & vacation had begun.  We left Texas Friday and arrived in Utah Saturday afternoon/evening.  We started the night with an imprompto girls night out to go see the movie 17 Miracles.  Glad I brought my tissues. It helped me get into the pionner spirit with the upcoming holiday.  The kids have been in heaven, loving every second (excpet bedtime).  It's been nice to sit and relax and know that Ben's pager is not going to go off.

 The kids have been loving makeing crafts with Grandma!  

We all have been enjoying the cooler temperautres and playing outside as much as possible.

Pirate Adventure

We had a pirate adventure!  Captain Hook came to our house and stole some treasure, hid it, and left us a message.  We had to walk the plank, follow some clues, fight off the bad guys with water balloons, earn our sea legs, and break the treasure free (sneaky Hook froze it in ice).  

We were pretty lucky that we had some helpers along our journey.  

*Activity inspired by the book, How I Became a Pirate, by David Shannon

HAPPY 4TH of JULY

Happy 4th of July.  I am so grateful to live in a place where we have freedom.  I am grateful for my Grandpa's and father-in-law who served this nation.  I am grateful for those who have and still continue to serve.  I am grateful for the woman/mothers who sacrifice while their husbands are away.  Thank you.  We've celebrated this year with a ward Pancake breakfast and hanging out with great friends eating good food!  And as always I am grateful for these little people of mine.  

 Spencer & his beloved McQueen

 Isaac and his squishy cheeks

 Miss Natali who is clearly entering that...I don't know how to smile for the camera without making a weird face...stage

The cute corker bows I learned how to make.

Dirty Little Boy

This little boy knows how to get dirty.  He was covered head to toe in dirt.  I knew there was no turning back when I looked out the window and buckets of dirt were being dumped over his head.  He loved every minute of it.  It took MULTIPLE washings to get this little man (and his cohorts in crime) clean.  Impressive Spencer...very impressive!

(Spencey and Elle Bell)

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Father's Day

Thanks dad for always sharing your ice cream and chocolate milk.  Thanks for the wrestling.  Thanks for working hard at work for us.  Thanks for making the best car sounds.  Thanks for always sharing a bite of WHATEVER you are eating.  Thanks for the piggy back rides.  Thanks for reading books.  Thanks for teaching me how to be a Jedi.  Love you Dad!

The Girl Turned 6!!!

Today was Natali's big day.  She is officially 6!  WOW.  We had a fun packed day.  It started early with french toast and off to swim lessons.  After swim lessons we went to a friends swimming pool...unfortunately that pool was closed.  So we loaded back up and headed to ANOTHER friends pool...that pool was closed till 2 for cleaning TOO!  So we settled on a local splash pad.  (apparently I'd ruined Natali's birthday, or so I was told)  We ate lunch and played with friends while staying cool in the shade & water.  We went home, got Spency down for a nap, and I let Natali finish opening her presents.  After naps I tried to redeem myself and I took the kids back to the pool.  This time we actually got in and did some swimming.  The kids were anxious to show off her their "new" swimming skills.  We were all pretty hungry after all that swimming so we picked up Happy Meals, ate picnic style at home while watching a movie.  Followed up by cake, reading new books, and getting ready for bed.  It was a GREAT day.  Only bummer was that Ben didn't get to spend any of it with us, out the door at 6am and home at 9pm.  Happy Birthday to my sweet red headed Natali Lynn!  You made me a mom, you keep me on my toes, adn I love you!

 "Mom, I want a chocolate cake with pink frosting and a crown on top."  Sorry sweetie...that's the best I got!

 Little brothers were eager to help open presents and celebrate the special day!

Both sporting new "summer" buzzes.  Natali actually on her own accord offered to let each boy open one of her presents for her.  Sweet girl.

  New rain boots (funny since in NEVER rains here), but she LOVES them!

 We LOVE books around here.

Birthday cake, birthday cake, birthday cake!

It's a Birthday Soiree'

That's fancy for "It's a Birthday Party"...in case you didn't know everything is fancier in French.  This week little miss Natali will be turning 6.  I decided to finally throw her a little birthday party.  The theme...Fancy Nancy.  We invited just a few other little girls over from her primary class.  We made rings and added accessories to our fancy outfits.  We played "pass the parcel" (that's fancy for, pass the present). We ate and sipped punch with our pinkies up!  Painted finger nails, took pictures, and ended by making & eating parfaits.  It was perfectly, fabulously, FANCY!!!  Natali had a wonderful time so I consider it all a success.

 All our fancy guests

 The girls decorating their goody containers.

 Playing pass the parcel. (yes even Isaac got in on the fancy-ness)

Our fancy food...frilly tooth picks make everything fancy I learned!