Elle turns 2!

We went to Ephraim to be with my mom and Lynn over Elle's birthday, because Andy had his third and final (thank goodness) YM Campout the weekend of Aug. 4th. My mom was so great to take care of all of the details, we just got to show up and enjoy the cute little party...well, most of us were enjoying it...

She loved exploring Gramma's beautiful new backyard.

We spent a lot of time in the sandbox.

We were laughing so hard, because immediately when we started to sing "Happy Birthday", she lays her head down into her hands on the table and starts crying the saddest cry. She did not like the attention she was getting, so the other three had to blow out her candles for her.

She did like opening presents. My mom got her a cute little box of princess books, and a princess collapsable tent (which she plays in EVERYDAY).

After lunch we had cake and ice cream, then we headed into Manti to swim at their brand new city pool. It's so nice!

Two bugs in a rug.

We love the Manti pool! It has a waterslide, lazy river, great kids area, and it's never very crowded.   Plus it is RIGHT across the street from the temple, so you can sit and look at it while you swim.

Thanks, Gramma Stratford, for making her birthday a special one, and for letting us come and stay a few nights! We had a great time!

Back To School

Ava-1st grade with Miss Olsen and Cael-4th grade with Mrs. Dietz. They both had a great first day of school, and are excited for tomorrow. Elle and Will and I were so happy to see them when they got home this afteroon.

Elle has pretty much taken over Ava's barbie house. She tries to find any willing person to come downstairs to play...she'll ask you, "bah-bee's?" It's the cutest.

I never dreamed I would have someone like Andy to be my husband, and the father to my children. Before I ever met him, I always sort of wished there was someone like him out there, but didn't think it was really possible that I'd ever find him, and get EVERYTHING I ever wanted on my "list". He far exceeds every expectation I ever had. He really is the most amazing man, and I love him so much. One of the many things that I love about him is how once he's home from work, he's ready to play with the kids...and they know it too! From buckin' bronco rides, to jumping on the tramp, to bike rides, to shooting hoops, to helping with home work, to changing a diaper...Whatever sounds fun, or needs to be done at the moment, he's on it. He makes life so wonderful for all of us, and I'm grateful everyday of my life that I have him with me for now and for eternity.

The Cabin

BB gun target practice

Sitting around the fire...

Making leaf tracings

I love when the kids get into "cowboy" mode, and have to talk, dress, and act like they are in a Western.  It's so fun to eavesdrop on them. :)

Best buds- Cael & Max

Orange Julius' with Grandma

Growing up, my mom always made the best orange julius' for us in the morning before school.  We especially loved having them with a slice of buttered toast.  It is a good memory I have of my childhood.  So when Grandma came to stay the night so Andy and I could go out with the Brimhalls, she not only brought me an awesome new blender, she cleaned the house, did my laundry and stayed long enough the next morning to be here when the kids woke up....and they were able to have an Orange Julius with buttered toast.

Lake Powell

Love these two!

Ava and Macie

Lexi, Taylor and Carson (both girls are playing soccer this next year for UVU and the Y).

Cael and Logan

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Temple Run was played constantly on the IPad. 

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This year we went with the Hokansons and the Campbells.  We drove to Stateline on a Monday where the houseboat was and stayed till Friday.  It was hot, hot, hot!...which made it great for swimming, becuase the water felt so good to get in.   It was the first time we were able to use the boat that Andy and Will's Grandma gave us.  It was their Grandpa's boat which he bought back in the late 70's! It is gold sparkled with tan vinyl interior, and it run like a charm!  We had a tower put on it, and it did awesome pulling all of the tubes and skiers.  They've named it "Goldmember".  It seriously is so retro that it makes it so cool looking.  I was a little concerned having Elle go this year, but she did great, and slept so well at night.  Campbell's brought their jet skis and we had an awesome camp spot.  It was a great trip.