The Non-Stop Par-Tay

My sister Lisa drove here from California (with her kids) to see family. She was only here for about 4 days, so we spent every second in party mode. Monday night a bunch of the older kids spent the night at my sister Lynette's house. They stayed up until 3:00 in the morning. I think that she had at least 10+ extra kids.

The next day (Tuesday) we went camping. We had a blast playing games and hanging out by the campfire. We played a fun and hilarious game called, Oooga-Booga. (I got a great picture of John and my dad during the game.)

The next morning (Wednesday) we cleaned up camp and went to a water park for the ENTIRE day. By the time Wednesday night hit....I was POOPED! I couldn't even hardly think or talk straight. Every chance the teen kids got they were, going to the mall, out to dinner, hanging out, etc. All the days just seemed to blend into one BIG party.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!!!

Mesa Falls

Saturday we spent the day at beautiful Mesa Falls. We had a great time looking at the falls, hiking, and eating dinner together. It was nice to just get away from the T.V., video games, telephone, house work, etc. for the day. The weather was absolutely beautiful...we couldn't have asked for a better day.

What a handsome little buddy!

This crazy drinking fountain shot all the way over to where Jace is standing. Jace thought it was so great!




I love the look on Haley's face.

Brynn and Jace had fun with the animals.



Brynn is so funny!




What a beautiful view...every where you look!!


You can see the Grand Tetons over Haley's shoulder. So beautiful!

Scouts

Jace has not been in scouts very long. Last night was his very first pack meeting. He is already really enjoying scouts. John and I don't know a lot about scouts, but we are excited to learn and help him. He just earned his Bobcat and last night he was given his badge.

Introducting the newest scouts. (Left to Right) Spencer, Jace, Tyler, Parker



Jace getting the Bobcat Badge.

Checking out the new award.


Haley loves her daddy.

Feeding the Ducks

Today I took the kids down by the river to feed the ducks. We happened to have a bunch of bread, hot dog buns, and bagels that were no longer any good. There are a lot of geese, ducks, and birds that LOVE it when people come to feed them. At times the geese almost get a little aggressive when they see you coming with bread. They all want the piece that you are about to throw. Haley was enjoying herself at first. Then, she started to feel a little threatened by them. I think I would feel nervous too--after all, they are as about as tall as she is.

Haley could hardly get in the car fast enough and get the door closed!

The geese were starting to make even Riley and Brynn scream and run. They also felt better once they got in the car. The geese were not going to hurt them, they were just being big chickens.

Jace stayed out the entire time and kept them well fed.

He's a good little buddy.

Once the geese were gone, Haley was able to smile again.

4th of July Festivities

This 4th of July was fun, but definitely different. John's Grandma passed away and he was in Arizona for the funeral. So we were not with him for the 4th, which was a big bummer. I was, however, not alone for the festivities. I spent the day with 6 sisters, their spouses, and children, and my parents.

The 3rd of July we watched people light fireworks in the cul-de-sac right by our house. There were a lot of people there from my ward.

Karaoke at the neighborhood party. Riley with some of her friends.

Jace--striking a pose with his sparkler.

Brynn was lighting most of the fireworks. John usually does that, but since he was gone, Brynn took over. I was trying to keep Haley happy. She was not enjoying all the noise.
The kids were lighting fireworks and then dancing around them.

Haley did NOT appreciate all the noise. She didn't last too long out there. She wanted her daddy.
Rye-Rye.


Next on the 4th...BUSY DAY...

Hanging out...waiting for the parade to start.
Always see several of these nice trucks in the parade.

Airplanes flying over the parade.

Sweet little Hay-hay.

Riley walked in the parade with the "Dare" kids. She was torn between walking the parade and watching the parade. She ended up walking part of it. When she saw us, she came and sat down with us. I guess you can have your cake AND eat it too.
Riley wrote on Jace's face, "I want Candy". He stood out on the road, and yes, they did throw candy to him.
After the parade we went to Monica's house for a BBQ. We spent the afternoon eating, and watching the kids play. The kids decided to put on their own parade. There were cheerleaders, princesses, and kids throwing candy...the WORKS! It was pretty cute watching them. They acted like they were in the real parade.

We had a great day and I was grateful to spend it with my kids and my family.

Baseball and Smores

Thursday night we went to Jace's baseball game. After the game we went to our friends, the Wildings, for smores and fun. We just love the Wildings. They are some of our best friends.

Jace has a serious face as he is waiting for the ball.

Waiting for the pitch....

He gave that ball a ride.


Riley, Brynn, and Jace after the game.

Ridge and Haley....so cute.

Wilding's backyard fire pit


Jace digging in to his smore

Our friends, Dave and Emily.

View from the fire pit.