Utah Trip

We spent 2 weeks traveling to Utah, visiting with family, and coming home. We couldn't do everything we wanted, and some things were done that shouldn't have happened, but in all it was a good trip. Lee's grandma died while we were visiting, so we had the chance to go to the funeral.



We had a great time riding the 4 wheelers up at Monte Cristo. The kids had a blast!
We had to visit The Dinosaur park with the cousins while we were there.

Throwing sticks and rocks in the river up at the cabin is always a favorites with all kids and cousins. They could spend hours there.

We had an awesome experience pulling a handcart while we stopped in Nauvoo for a few days. It was actually a very difficult trail, and our kids did a super job. Carson pulled the handcart the whole way, and never complained. We were very dirty and muddy, but glad for the adventure.

We had to walk down and visit the Mississippi River.

The kids LOVED dressing up as pioneers. They had so much fun playing games children used to.

The Nauvoo temple was so beautiful. We loved the outside and the inside. (Lee and I were able to go inside).

They tried to keep the outside an exact replica of how they originally built it.

I love to see the temple. It is so peaceful, and such a great comfort to me.

P.S. Thanks for reading my blog even though it is private now!:)

Going Private

Hey all! I am making my blog private, and I am giving all my friends, followers, and readers the chance to keep in touch with my blog.:) If you would like to stay in the loop, please leave a comment letting me know, and I will invite you to my blog. (That means leaving me your email address as well.)

Please hurry, this offer will expire August 3rd! Thanks and have a great day.

Summer Fun

We have been very busy so far this summer! First my birthday. I will not reveal my age, but I was excited to get this fondue pot! I love going to The Melting Pot for dinner, but it is quite expensive. I asked my husband for my own set, and my wish was granted. We already had a fondue night, and it was so yummy! Best of all is that all of the set is dishwasher safe. :)

Father's day. Lee really wanted his own camera to use and abuse. He found this great camera that is dust proof and water proof. He has had so much fun using it. We have 2 of them now so we are hoping they last, since our history with keeping camera's safe and unharmed is not that great. Lee is a great father, and deserves a big thank you for all he does for our children. They adore him and love to spend time with him.
Mara has been practicing on her skates so she can improve. She is trying to be patient with the process.:)

My baby Kale, who is not so much of a baby anymore, is riding a big boy bike. He is getting better everyday.

This is Carson. Of course we have been swimming ALOT this summer. This picture was taken with Lee's fancy camera that will take shots underwater. We have passes to use the warm and mostly isolated swimming pool at the University. We are having a blast.

Lee had the opportunity to go with the High Adventure Scouts for their adventure this summer. (Part of the perks of being YM president).:) They went to W.Virginia to go white water rafting. They had a great time I am told. They did stink and were quite dirty when they arrived home, but everyone was safe.

We are looking forward to our family vacation soon, and hope we have more fun!

Happy Birthday Carson!

Carson turned 9 years old on June 1st. We had a fun filled, busy day. Carson didn't want normal birthday cake this year, and instead had me make banana cream pie. He wanted one all for himself, so I made 2. He did end up sharing with his siblings. :) What a great big brother. This is his first bite eating the pie. Yes he did blow out candles on it.

Earlier in the day we went to the Go-Kart park. We only have birthday parties every other year for the kids, so on the off year we do something really fun as a family. This year Carson, wanted to try out the Go-Karts. We had a blast! Carson and Mara both were able to drive the jr. karts, and loved it!

They were able to get two turns in, that lasted about 5-6 minutes a piece. I was surprised how well they did, and how much fun they were.

Carson recieved an electric guitar for his birthday. Lee and I got guitars a couple of months ago, so we thought we could make it a familiy affair. He is having a great time learning how to play.

Carson was given a rocket by his grandparents, and we had to go shoot it off to try it out. It was so much fun. One of the rockets did get stuck in a tree, but we hope it will fall out soon so we can have the 2 blast off together real soon.

Tadpoles

We had to invest in another camera, since our last one was eaten by sand dunes.:) This new one is dust proof and water proof, so hopefully it can endure all the abuse it gets from our house. We went out walking to test it out, and to see all the tadpoles in the swamp. They are numbering plenty this time of year. The flowers are all in bloom as well.

Lee and Carson checking out the tadpoles. Our underwater shot of one of the tadpoles. Isn't he cute?:)

Happy Mother's Day!

This is what my great husband got me for Mother's Day. I know I am going to use this a lot! He even bought me some of the accessories to go with it. It is a Bosch mixer. I already used the chopper blade, and chopped tomatoes and onions in about 1/2 minute or less. I think it will be my new best friend for awhile.:) I hope you all had a great mother's day as well.