Christmas party

We had our annual church Christmas party last weekend. We had a dinner, Nativity, coloring for the kids, a cookie decorating station, blanket tying for charity, and the big guest was Santa. This year is so much fun because Lincoln really gets it. He was supper excited when Santa appeared. Lincoln sat on his lap and then had his eyes glued on him while the other children had their turns. On another note this year was Kaitlyn's first year not sitting on Santa's lap, they really do grow up too fast!

Temple Trip

Where we live it takes us two and a half hours to drive to the closest temple. Since it is so far it is always an event! We went down with our friends the Wilde Family. We switch off watching the kids so that all the adults can go inside. This time we hung out in the chapel across the parking lot and let the kids play. We had to get some pictures of all the kiddos! It was a wonderful trip, hopefully we can go again soon!

Mount Rushmore

On our way home from Utah Ryan asked if I wanted to take a detour and see Mount Rushmore. I said sure but was a little hesitant because I didn't know how much time it would tack onto our already long trip. It ended up just adding a few hours and was a fun little break in the long drive. We arrived around dinner time and let the kids run around a little and took some pictures and then we were back on our way. I've always wanted to see this landmark! I am glad we were able to make the stop!

Natural Water Slide

On my Dad's birthday we all went on a hike in Alpine to a natural water slide. The hike was a hot one without shade, but it was fun to cool off at the top. The natural water slide is a waterfall made from granite rock. The water is all glacier or snow melt from the mountain which made the water really cold! Two of my nephews were brave enough to go down the huge slide and a couple of kids, including Reuben, went down a smaller one. Most of us just had fun wading in the pools of water, while all the Mom's there had their blood pressure going through the roof that their little one's wouldn't get hurt or fall down the drop-offs all around us. I am really glad we all went, it was really neat to see.

Aunt Sherrie

I think everyone should have an Aunt like Aunt Sherrie! She is the best with kids. Many of Ryan's best childhood memories include Aunt Sherrie, hiking or doing some other fun thing with them. We headed to her house one morning while we were in Utah. She was nice enough to let us ride on her horse, Goldilocks. She owns ten horses, chickens, goats, a huge garden, and a hay loft. Which equals heaven in my kids books! We seriously could have spent days at her house. I am so thankful to have her in my life and for my kids to be able to know her too!

Lincoln has loved tractors ever since I can remember. He loved climbing up onto this one

All of the kids had fun feeding the goats

Reba and Lincoln became friends

The chicken laid an egg just before Reuben and Sherrie checked the coop.

Salt Lake City

We were able to take a trip out to Utah this summer. It was a family reunion of sorts for us. It had been eight years since my siblings, our spouses and children had all been together! And five years for Ryan's side. It was SO good to see everyone, watch the kids play with their cousins, and meet some nieces and nephews for the first time.

Our first Monday there we visited Temple Square.

The first stop was at the Conference Center

Next was lunch and we got to see the cubicles my parents work in for their part time mission.

At lunch we ran into one of our favorite Sister Missionaries. She is serving on temple square but was able to come out our way for a while and serve at the sites next to us.

Then we went to see the temple up close

These girls cracked me up! They wanted pictures of "just" them, everywhere! I didn't post all of them though

Can you find the hiding, pouting boy?

The last stop was the Church History Museum

There was a wonderful exhibit geared towards the kids. They had fun trying to lift the gold plates.

Dancing! They could have done this all day!

There were a bunch of other centers which is didn't get pictures of. If we lived closer I think we would definitely spend more time there.

The exhibit next to the children's one had quilts! Of course I had to stop and look at these.

Summer Days

I have to give a shout out to my kids. They have been wonderful this summer. We have been stuck at home A LOT because I have been babysitting so much. I feel bad that we haven't been to the pool more or doing other fun things but they really have been great sports about it. I love them so much. We are going to Utah next week! I am SO excited to be with family and also to have a little break! It will be wonderful!

The kidos decided to randomly have horse races! I love it when they all play together.

July 4th

To top off the fourth we had a BBQ with some games and then headed out to see some fireworks.

Ryan missed the BBQ part but was able to join us for the fireworks. People need to stop fracturing their ankles on the fourth :)

We had a shoe flinging contest.

A watermelon seed spitting contest

A human pyramid

I don't have pictures but we played water balloon volleyball too

The kids getting all comfortable while they wait for the fireworks to begin. This is what trucks are made for (at least in my opinion). We had quite the crowd this year! It was so fun to be surrounded by good company! The best fourth! I can't wait for next year!!