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.

4th of July

We spent a few days up at the cabin before the 4th, which was so fun...swimming, hiking, playing games...and then we drove home on the 4th with NO plans on our schedule, which was such a nice change.  We went to eat at Brick Oven and then headed over to BYU campus and found a spot to watch the Stadium of Fire fireworks.

Wyoming

We took a little weekend trip up to Star Valley to drop off Grandpa's truck, and do a few things for the condo.  It was so fun to stop by Grandma and Grandpa Hokanson's house.  The kids walked around and looked in every room and had to play for a minute with Grandma's toys, and of course, Will had to turn on the dancing Elvis for old times sake. :) It was sad being there without being able to see Grandma and Grandpa though.  They loved being able to visit Chester, and even spent an hour or so feeding him and his friend some grass.  Going there got us so excited for Van and Joyce to get home from their mission in November.  I love that Andy grew up in that cute little town, and for all the good things being in the country can teach a person.

Andy put on a little impromptu fire works show the other weekend...a pretty late one (the kids were in their pajamas ready for bed).  Here they are doing some sparklers.  This was the night he said, "Yup, I'm going all out this year on fireworks."  I think he will keep his promise (not that I really want him to), because I did see a certain receipt from TNT Fireworks-Evanston, WY., from his last little trip up there.  Should be a fun 4th!

SUMMER SCHEDULE

I love, love, love having the kids home.  I really do miss them during the school year.  My only complaint is that this summer is flying by way to fast!  I found a cute little idea that we've been trying to do each week:

They wake up in the morning and do a few chores and a couple worksheets, and then we plan out the day.  They each take a turn picking the activity.  I really love that most of the things we decide to do cost little or no money...but we do splurge now and again. 

They are allowed two days a week to have friends over for a few hours, and when it is "Friend Day", boy! the friends come in herds.  :) But I don't mind at all, because I'm happy to know that kids in the neighborhood like being here, and more importantly I love that my kids love being here.  It's usually one big party over here on those two days of the week....X-box, hot tub, tramp, beyblades, snacks...

Most days go pretty well for us, but believe me, mixed in with all these fun days/activities are plenty of fights, time-outs, and crying...but that's just life.

Academy of Ballet - Swan Lake

Can I just say that Ava is such an amazing little dancer.  Her flexibility is out of this world.  We loved watching her during her recital at the Covey Center last week.  We are taking a break from all things dance this summer, even though she's begging for more...she will get to do one little camp in a few weeks which she is looking forward to.  They don't let any sort of photography during the show, so these all of her before and after.

 Grandpa "B", Dad, Grandma "B"- right before my dad left on his mission.

Dad with Grandpa "B" and Aunt Gayle -skiing up at Sundance.

Happy Birthday, DAD! You are such a wonderful father and grandfather, thanks for all you do for me and my little family.  We love you!

Aunt Shelly's 40th!

Lele and some of Shelly's good friends threw her the best 40th birthday party. There were so many people that came! The best part about it was it was a total surprise to her. She just about fainted when she walked into the room and saw over a hundred people there.  Shelly has so many people that adore her, because she is so selfless and always willing to help others out, is so unpretentious, and hardly ever spends any money on herself...I could go on and on about the amazing attributes she possesses.  She is such an amazing example to me.  We were so happy we were able to be at this awesome party!

Hundreds of cupcakes!

Waiting for her to arrive.

Lele had it catered.  All the food was so good!

On the dance floor.

One of our good friends, Doug Stone, was the DJ and MC.  Andy did his "Randy LeBeef" stand-up act for everyone.  People were crying they were laughing so hard.  (I didn't get any pictures because I was videotaping)

Emma and Shelle' dancing.  They are so fun to watch!