What's in a hat?

Just the cutest little boy around! We found this hat at the Dollar Store a couple of days ago and D has had a great time entertaining himself with it. Today we rounded up a handkerchief and vest from the dress-up bin as well as AJ's boots and he was instantly Woodyfied. Now if only the fascination will last until Halloween, I've got his costume done!

one lazy summer afternoon...

We have had such a busy summer that I was feeling kind of like I missed the "lazy days of summer." We finished off right though on Sunday (just before AP had to head back to school). It was a perfect afternoon. Warm, calm, and happy. We went out back with ice cream cones and enjoyed the afternoon! AP and AJ took turns with the camera and this is what we ended up with:

AJ's perspective

AP's perspective

I love what they came up with! They got some really telling shots. And I love that I just got to relax and enjoy it while they took care of the photography.

Here are some more pictures AJ took of her toys. She brought out all of her cat petshops and set up camp using some rocks and leaves. D wanted to play with her but kept knocking her stuff down so I helped him build his own little petshop fort nearby.

Two of my favorite sweets!

This was a monumental day. AJ let me curl her hair without complaining and D wanted to wear this tie and kept it on through all 3 hours of church. More indications they are growing up on me!

front yard - done!

This project has been on our radar foreva. Ok, not that long but at least since last summer when we realized that keeping up with the weeds in our front flowerbeds was going to be near impossible for us to do. We had rocks put in since they will last at least 3 times longer than bark or mulch would and will be a better weed barrier. I am really pleased with how it turned out! Now I just need to figure out the sprinklers (they have been having issues all summer as you can see from the HUGE yellow spots in our grass).

fun in the country!

At the beginning of the summer we made a list of fun things we wanted to do before going back to school. I admit we have only done about half of them, but I have made sure to do the ones that were most important to my kids. Top of AP's list was to go camping and hunt for our own food. As soon as he said he wanted to do this I got a little worried. We are not campers and I don't know the first thing about hunting or fishing. Especially with J gone most of the summer, I had to get creative. I decided the best place to accomplish this request was at Grandpa and Grandma's house. So I bought a nerf bow and arrow and guns and off we went. Grandpa helped AP set up the tent and then we used our nerf gear to hunt for pretend food (aka each other).

Hanging out in the tent. No one actually spent a full night out there, but they loved playing in there in the evening and at bedtime and were ready to head back out first thing in the morning.


Grandma had also picked up these spinners for them to play with. AP would have Grandpa launch them as target practice. They all got a kick out of trying to shoot them in the air.

Grandma also had a bunch of wood things for them to paint. D (well mostly I, but he did sit with me the whole time and tell me how to do it) did the two on the left. AJ did the horse and the two birdhouses on the right, and AP did the lobster. We always enjoy having some low-key crafting time.

Once again, a wonderfully fun time at Grandpa and Grandma's house!

Planetarium

We went to the Gateway Tuesday afternoon and spent several hours at the Planetarium. D was fascinated by the cloud maker and spent most of his time there. However, the main attraction is always the gift shop. And since admission is free, and they do have such cool learning toys, I don't feel so bad getting them each a little souvenir when we go.

Walking on Mars

Exploring the MoonAfterwards we ate at Jason's Deli, another favorite of ours. They have gluten-free bread in stock so the kids love getting grilled cheese and I love their salad bar. AP is also a big fan of their pickles. However, I think the real reason the kids like it so much is the self-serve ice cream. What kid doesn't love that?! Anyway we had a really fun afternoon!

Great Grandma's visit

J's grandma was visiting from California and came to our house with his Uncle Steve and cousin Tayleen for a visit Monday night. Katie also drove down with her kids to join us. My kids had a great time seeing their cousins and visiting with Grandma, Steve, and Tayleen. When they arrived AP looked at Steve and said, "When my mom told me Dad's uncle was coming I thought of a nice guy with glasses. And it's you!" We're grateful they came to see us!

Grandma with the great-grandkids

Singing songs and eating dessert.

Happy Day!

AP helped gather fast offerings and passed the sacrament for the first time today. He didn't get the call about fast offerings until 10 minutes before they came to pick him up. I'm so glad I made him get in the shower first thing this morning! They left at 930 and we didn't see him again until we got to church.

It was so cute to see how excited AJ was for him to pass. She was all smiles and kept saying how happy she was for him to do it. Before the meeting started she told me I should probably make sure AP's shirt was tucked in. I assured her it was. Then she was worried he had forgotten to put on a tie (his back was to her so she couldn't see it).

Later I asked him how he felt about the experience. He told me it was great. He felt so peaceful and calm while doing fast offerings and passing the sacrament. Everyone was so nice and told him afterwards what a great job he did and how proud they were of him. It was a happy day!

Park City Reunion

The first day there, Daniel took the older kids out for a game of capture the flag.

The second day we had our girls day. Her we are just back from the outlets. Love these ladies!The play-doh was a huge hit with the younger crowd.

These girls love their Uncle Spence

J ran a marvel game for the kids. They loved it! In fact, Scarlett said it was her favorite part of the reunion.

Hanging out watching cartoons

The little ones disappeared and were found on top of this bunk playing happily together. SO cute!

Relaxing with Grandma at the end of the day

12?!

I can't believe my boy turned 12! I guess I have to start calling him my young man. He may be getting older, but his interests haven't changed too much. He still loves legos and video games which is what most of his birthday gifts consisted of. Here is a rundown of the birthday.

My parents stopped by on their way to Amber's open house in Washington and gave AP his gift a few days early.

AJ brought him a present the morning of his birthday-one of her LPS dogs that he had said he liked. Here's the thank you hug.

He wanted to have his birthday breakfast at McDonald's. Shane & Co. were staying with us so we all headed off to McD's where he opened presents from us.

We had his birthday party that night in Park City. It was the first night of our family reunion with J's side. Here's the table. We were going with a lego alien theme. I made the large legos out of empty cereal/fruit snack boxes and condiment container lids.

Alysia helped me put together these alien cupcakes Sunday night. Lot's of sticky messy fun!

Birthday fun with cousins

Opening presents

Pinata time! Just an empty milk box from costco spray painted purple with frosting lids glued on as the dots.

And the oh so good looking pinata controller. He kept things interesting when it was the older kids' turn to swing.

And finally a little tribute to my first-born. J's mom put together a little book to give each of the grandchildren at our reunion. She had each parent write what they would always remember about each child. Here is what J and I wrote about AP:

I will always remember looking into your eyes for the first time. They were not eyes of a newborn. They were bright, and wise, and I saw in them understanding of who you were and felt you knew exactly why you were here and that you were ready to get to it! I will always remember your bright, happy smile, energy, and determination. I will always remember your ability to make others smile and laugh and to bring light and humor into others' lives. Love you bud! Mom

I will always remember seeing your clear blue eyes right after being born. You wanted to look around immediately and see everything that was going on. I will remember you, Mom , and I surviving your seizure at one year old. I will remember the thinker, the dreamer, the Lego engineer, and comic book hero. I will remember our enigma: fearless and shy, dependent and capable, party animal, and lone wolf. Love, Dad

Reunion at Rock Creek

Here are the kids playing in the campfire waiting to go on our hike.

Nathan handing out their hike snack (which most of them finished before we ever left).As soon as I told them it was time to go they took off running. . .

AP was the only one that listened when I told them to wait. Here he is helping D over the fence.
It didn't take long for them to find mud and get very messy.

The girls stayed mostly clean

Bonnie helping D. So cute!

We were planning on horseback riding, but the wrangler was in Montana and didn't make it back before we had to leave. The girls were really disappointed. D had fun petting this foal though.

Here's Grandpa helping the kids with their smores. Couldn't get enough of those yummy roasted marshmallows!