Patriotic celebrations

We really got to celebrate the 4th of July this year because different towns celebrated on different days due to the fact that the 4th was a Sunday. We went to a neat park presentation of what colonial life was like on Friday, then went to the 4th of July parade and fireworks in Kaysville with Jeff's family on Saturday. Sunday we relaxed at home, and then Monday we went to the 4th of July Parade in Provo with my family. It was neat to be reminded of all the freedoms we have. It was also nice to not have to split one day in half this year to spend time with both families.

Down on the Farm

The first week of July we decided to go check out the Thanksgiving Point Farm. Since it was just a few days before the 4th, we got to enjoy it without fighting crowds. The kids enjoyed seeing the animals and riding the ponies. The best part is we got in free with our Tracy Aviary Pass. I love getting a deal.

The Broken Arm

Leave it to the fifth child to get the first broken arm. Carter broke his arm the Sunday before Father's day. We'd just gotten home from church, and in a frenzy to get everyone changed before the home teachers came, Carter fell off his bed. He did not fall off the top bunk mind you, just the bottom. He and Parker were playing around going over the bed guard, and that's when he fell. A lot of good the guard did. Anyway, he cried, but after taking advil seemed to be fine. After two days of still whining now and then, I finally took him in. Carter just is not one to complain about pain. Well, he had a buckle fracture of both bones in his arm.
Boy did I feel like a bad mom. Anyway, Carter is one tough cookie, and his arm didn't slow him down one bit.



Ignore the boogers on the slide picture.

Getting Wet!

The splash pad and swim beach we went to was a lot of fun. It was especially fun to have Cindy and her kids come. My kids loved hanging out with their cousins.

More Summer Fun!

Ok, now that I have finally fixed my blog so that I can read it, I figure I better update what we have been up to. Some of the activities we did in June included going to the Monte Bean Museum, hiking in the canyon, and going to a local splash pad and swim beach. We had a lot of fun getting to know some of the ladies and kids in our ward through these activities. The hike had one of the best turn outs. I believe we had six moms and thirty kids if you include the three in utero. We were quite the sight, but the kids had a blast playing in the water and hiking through the trees. I was tired at the end because I ended up carrying Carter on my shoulders most of the time. It was good we went hiking at the beginning of the summer, because I am sure I wouldn't be able to handle it now. Anyway, we had a fun time.

Lagoon!

We got a special treat from Jeff's parents this summer when they took us to Lagoon. The kids thoroughly enjoyed their day and were upset when they had to leave at the end of the day. We thought they'd be tired out earlier, but it turns out that they out lasted the adults. It was so fun to watch the kids ride the bigger rides, they are really growing up.

Summer Fun

In order to get the most out of this summer, I decided to make sure I took the kids out to some sort of fun activity each week. I figured it would help me stay sane, as well as give us the opportunity to see some of our new area before the twins are born and we can no longer leave the house. I also invited anyone in my new ward to join us so we could get to know new people, and it has turned out to be a fun experience. Anyway, with these activities and play times with grandparents, the kids have stayed pretty busy. It's hard to believe it's almost over though. I'm both ready for new structure in my life, but sad to have the kids back at school again. I really do enjoy going out on adventures with the kids.
One of the first activities we did was go to this cool wooden, castle park which the kids enjoyed exploring. Later that same day, we went miniature golfing with Grandma Koller before picking Taylor up from a summer camp he'd been to for a week. It made for a long, hot day, but the kids did great.

End of School Activities

The end of school brought many fun activities. Some of these involved school programs. Taylor got to participate in a neat patriotic performance in the Marriot Center with fifth graders from all over the county. It was very impressive. Ashley got to do her own patriotic presentation at the end of the school year as well. I love the focus on our great country. Finally, Emily had a darling performance for parents at her kindergarten graduation.