California Lovin
As most of you know, we took a trip to California last week. We had Mike’s family pictures on the beach, which I’m anxious to see…they should be beautiful! And for being so good during the pictures and giving lots of smiles, Bobbi surprised them with presents…
We certainly enjoyed the nice weather! We went mini golfing at Boomers…(that was quite an adventure with our large group)
We went to Sea World, also. I haven’t been there in a long time. IT’s changed a bit. The trainers don’t show off the animals as much any more. There’s a lot more Cirque de Sole tricks. Still very cool and fun, but wished we could have seen more tricks from the animals. The kids did amazingly well for no naps and being out all day!
We had a late dinner at good ol’ In-n-Out. The kids were tired and Sea World is expensive so this was a good choice.
Of course, we can’t go to California without playing at the beach…
Soozi has a friend from work that has a beautiful house on a lake that we were able to go see. He took us on a little boat ride, which the kids LOVED! THey each got their turn to steer, too. How fun!
Afterwords the kids had the chance to feed some swans.
I’m so glad I got to see some of you in Vegas! Summer was fun…and now it’s time to get ready for school to start. Thomas is so excited to go to Kindergarten and be at the big school. 
High on a Mountain Top
We decided to spend some time at the cabin with GM, GP, and Kevin last weekend since we weren’t able to make it to the reunion this year. Thankfully we made it up there after I got us lost (I can’t believe I couldn’t remember how to get there after as many times as I’ve been there, but I think I finally got it down). It was a very nice weekend and good to be able to spend some one-on-one time with them. (although I will miss being able to see you all this weekend).
GP took Thomas and Keira on the Rover. Don’t they look so cute with those helmets on? I even took a turn driving them around, for my first time driving it ever. So fun! The kids loved the swing and see-saw. Keira had fun riding the old trike down the ramp and Thomas used a whole lot of peanuts trying to feed the chipmunks…or pretending to be one himself as he gobbled up a ton.
While we were outside playing games and enjoying the nice weather 2 deer came up and started eating out of the trough by the driveway. It was amazing having them come up so close! Thomas and Keira were so good at trying to keep still for 2 wiggly kids.
Jay and Jordyn came up on Saturday, which was great for Thomas and Keira to have someone else to play with! And Jordyn tried her hand at photography with a picture of her dad. She did good!
We had to get one with GM, GP, and Kevin. I couldn’t get the kids to look at me and smile at the same time so this is what we got.
But here are some better shots of them on the hammock!
I love the cabin and the peacefulness of the mountains! I will miss you guys. Have fun!
Happy Independence Day!
I know this is a little slow at getting out but it’s been a little busy here since we’ve had my dad and the family here. And then Cherilyn stayed behind for track camp this week at BYU. So, I’m still trying to catch up on everything.
Our 4th was a bit spread out from Saturday to Tuesday. Saturday, I took the kids to Provo to see their Colonial Days, which was interesting to me to see some of their reenactments from that time period. Thomas and Keira thought it was pretty boring, though. Maybe in a few years… Later that night, we did some fireworks with Mom. Thomas and Keira had their hands over their ears most of the time. Those noisy fireworks!
Sunday, we went up the canyon by us and just enjoyed the great outdoors! I love the peacefulness and beauty of the mountains! Monday, we went swimming in Payson and did a few fireworks of our own. We thought my dad would be here for them then but they got here too late and the kids were excited. However, Tuesday, we did have our fun with my dad and family shooting off fireworks. We did get a little crazy with them as some us started jumping over them. Luckily the kids lost interest by that point and were playing in dad’s van.
We had a BBQ with everyone and were so happy to have Becky there too. If only Carsten and Jared were here, too…but we were close. 
And a few random pictures:
I love all my family members!! And I love this country and the freedoms we have and am grateful for those who for for that and still fight to protect them! Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th and is enjoying their summer!
Good ol’ Idaho
Every year, Mike’s step dad has his family reunion somewhere in Idaho or Las Vegas. This year was in Blackfoot, ID. There were a ton of people, lots of good food, and a few games of ping pong and horseshoes to keep people happy. And the kids enjoyed throwing rocks in the canal (with adult supervision), coloring, and Thomas even joined in on a bit of a water fight. He also loved playing in the field, creeping along like a tiger and ducking down to hide.
Keira and Abbi got new matching pajamas and just look adorable in them! And then there was Thomas who didn’t want his picture taken then.
I didn’t get much pictures of the extended family but here are a few random ones of the kids:
Springville’s Art City Days
I love the smaller community events they have here in Springville. Every year there is a week full of activities…some that cost, some that are free. I like to take the kids to some things and break out the routine of every day life and have fun. So, we started out the week by going to the Library for a Teddy Bear picnic where they had crafts, games, and we had a little picnic.
We also went to the Children’s Art Festival at the Art Museum where they had tons of booths set up for various crafts and the kids were able to get balloon animals and make sand art, paper mache balloons, kites, etc. Thomas only wanted his balloon but Keira had fun coloring and gluing and doing her few crafts. Sorry I didn’t get any pictures of that.
Friday, we went to the carnival. As expensive as it is, I think it’s worth giving the kids a few rides and snacks so they can have these fun experiences. I really enjoy carnivals, too! It wasn’t even very busy and we beat the rain so we did good! Thomas and Keira got a ride on the merry-go-round, drive a car, and ride a train.
Saturday morning, we went to the parade. This year was so nice that it wasn’t hot. And it seemed to work out perfectly for us as it again rained after our fun. Mom joined us for the parade, too. It was a good ending to our activities. Maybe when the kids get older they can join me to see the fireworks they shoot off too. But for now, this was fun!
I Saw American Idol’s David Archuletta
I was going to Costco on Tuesday when I remembered that it might be the day David Archuletta was going to be at the Deseret Book right by the mall for a book signing. I didn’t want to buy a book and wait in the long lines (and there were a ton of people there) but I decided to wait just a few minutes to hear him sing 2 songs before he went in to sign away. Thomas didn’t appreciate it very much and Keira was tired, but I thought it was neat to get to hear him live!
2 Year Olds and Trampolines Don’t Mix
If you haven’t heard yet, Keira was injured on my piano student’s trampoline. I don’t know exactly how it happened, but she fractured her leg. Apparently with as little as she is, it doesn’t take much to hurt her. Poor girl! We weren’t sure if it was just twisted funny and sore or if Thomas jumped on it (plus she was so tired from not getting a nap), but the next day she would still cry every time she put pressure on her leg to stand, so we took her in to the doctor. They put a cast on her (she chose the pretty purple) to keep it from turning into a full on break if she falls on it any more.She calls it a big band-aid. Keira is doing amazingly well, though! She scoots around on her bum a lot and is now trying to stand and hobble along with that heavy cast. Now we get 6 weeks with sponge baths.
Thanks to Mike’s family for the Get Well gift. Thomas is a bit jealous of all the attention that Keira is getting, but they are having a good time with those balloons. Either that or they are fighting over them. What do you do?
Keira is doing fine. We thought we would share the news if you haven’t heard. Thanks for all your well wishes, prayers, gifts, etc.!
Mother’s Day Baby
Yep! I was born on Mother’s Day. This year was my birthday was the day before, but there’s something nice about having extra special days just for me right next to each other. My birthday was Saturday. First thing in the morning, before the rest of us got up, Thomas made me breakfast all by himself…Special K in a kid’s plastic bowl. When he saw me in the morning he said “Surprise!” then preceded to sing “Happy Birthday” to me, also. What a sweet boy I have! He was so excited to do that for me…much different than last year when he didn’t want anyone else to have a birthday but him. That certainly was a good start to the day.
We had Chris and Jacob over the night before. Mike to us all out to breakfast in the morning. Then later he took me out on a date (Tucanos and shopping). And Mom took me shopping also. It was a busy day full of lots of good food and lots of shopping and being with the people I love. What more could a girl want? It was a good day.
Thomas, again, made me Cheerios for breakfast in bed then gave me his gift he made for me at school. I love my son! It’s certainly a blessing to be a mother to 2 wonderful and adorable children! Thomas and Keira bring so much joy to my life! And Mike certainly helped in making my Mother’s Day more relaxed and fun.
Thank you all for the cards, phone calls, gifts, and your love! I have wonderful family members near and far! It was a good weekend, for sure! And thank you to all of our dear Mothers! We love you!
Easter Celebrations
We had a fun-filled Easter this year! We ended up going down to Vegas…just a quick weekend trip, unfortunately. The Easter bunny left goodies for us at several different places and spoiled the kids good! At the golf course (TPC), they had a brunch, an egg hunt, cookie decorating, games, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.
There was an egg hunt and baskets filled at Soozi’s, and then Matt and Adrianna came over later with more Easter baskets for the kids:
And there was more fun at Tom and Conita’s where their Easter baskets were hidden and a little talking egg inside the basket would say, “You-who…come find me.” They had fun listening and searching the house for their baskets.
And here are a couple of extras for you. Hope you all had a fun Easter and remembered the most important part about it: what our Savior has done for us. We are so grateful for Him!
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