Lava Hot Springs

 Lava was on the calendar as part of the girls Christmas gift. We set a date several months ago and when the day came the girls were so excited. It was the first longer trip we had taken with the new Yukon and it worked great. The girls loved the dvd players and Matt and I were able to adjust the sound to the back so we could visit. We packed lunch and ton of snacks so no one went hungry. The girls quickly ate their lunch since they were dying to get into the water.

 Chris and Krissy joined us. It was fun for Matt and Chris to take the girls to the slides while Krissy and I swam with Em and Eden. The girls also loved the diving boards

 

 

 

It was a great time and at the end of the day we were ready to be home. Sunned out and tired we made our way home. I love the gift from Christmas that is allowing us to make memories all year long.

Fun in the Sun ALL Day

Tuesday morning Nic came up so the kids could play and we could catch up. It was so fun and the kids had a great time. After lunch and some more playing we had to clean up and leave to get to swim lessons just in time.

 After swim lessons Britt had invited us to North Shore. Matt was out of town but I figured we would be ok. It was so fun and the weather was perfect.

 

 

 

  We had cookies for dessert and then called it a night. 

Once we got back to Britt's we decided to take Lyv and Kaylee home with us to have a sleep over although by the time we got home and bathed it was straight to bed at 11pm. It was an exhausting fun day. The girls were so good and I love watching them experience life

Gracie's Parade and Matt & Nick in Cananda

This year was in that we had dance thru June. It made for a couple crazy days but it was fun for Gracie. The weekend Matt went to Canada for the car was her last event of being in the Pleasant View Parade. She was excited to get to ride on the float. I was nervous to let my little girl go alone but she did great. 

 After I dropped Gracie off to Brit the other girls and I went to find a place to sit and watch. The girls were super excited to see her and catch candy.

 Hallie is the ultimate helper. It has been so nice with me not feeling good that she is happy to help when needed. I just don't want her to ever feel like she always has to help. Im so grateful for her and I try to make sure to let her know that all the time

 While we were at the parade the boys were headed home from Canada but first made a stop at the first temple in Canada.

  After the parade we had lunch and hung out at Nick & Brits's. After awhile the kids started fighting and only wanted to play on electronics so we packed up and headed for home but even when they were done with each other they still needed to give hugs goodbye that turned into this.

 Although fun Im glad that dance is over for the summer and to just enjoy our summer days

Baby #4---16 Weeks

Finally feel like Im looking prego. Went to the Dr this week and they verified that he is indeed still a boy. The girls really want us to pick a name but we feel like we need to see him to decide. We have been talking more about the nursery and getting that ready in our head. I feel like Im completely unprepared for him. No diapers or clothes. Im struggling with clothes for him I can't seem to find many things that I like but Im hopeful as the fall and winter line comes out that I will find something for him to wear. I think with girls there are just so many options and with boys there are fewer options. I feel like time is passing quickly so I need to get it together but I feel like summer has been so busy. Maybe as fall comes and we get the girls back in school we will get it together. He is getting more active all the time but still can't be felt from the outside. Hallie is anxiously awaiting the day she can feel him kick.

Hallie's Soccer Camp

This past week Hallie had soccer camp and already can't wait for next year. It was a 3 hour camp that ran from Mon-Thurs. She is growing up so fast and has grown so much as a soccer player. Soccer is proving to be her thing. The one thing she always wants to do and always seems to enjoy. Its fun to see her do her thing.

 The last day the families were invited to celebrate with an award ceremony and popsicle...it was so fun

Father's Day and the Big Reveal

Father's Day was a huge mix of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, and so ready to announce we're expecting a BOY! We decided to get together at Kerry & Joy's with everyone but we said we'd bring dinner. Kerry loves Matt's ribs and lets be honest we all do. They turned out amazing.

The kids were happy to eat outside which made it nice for us to stay inside and visit as adults.

 Matt has such great memories of Brave baseball games with his dad...see post later this year. A trip to Atlanta was his gift. Matt made an incredible card with a poem that spelled out where they were going. Kerry cried and had to have Carson finish reading it. He and everyone else was so surprised and excited. 

 Later in the day after dessert we decided to play a game to announce the baby. Chris & Krissy were in on it. We played Madlibs. Chris read the clue both slow and fast but Kerry was the first one to say it but didn't fully understand what he said until Joy started screaming. I have always loved and looked forward to her reaction. Kerry cried again and everyone else was so excited for us. It was a great day and so nice that everyone now knew we were expecting so it didn't have to be a secret anymore.

On a different note I feel so happy & proud of Matt. He has worked so hard to get where he is and I love that he can finally spend some time and money on people outside of our immediate family doing what he loves.

The New Family Car

For a couple years now Matt and I have been looking for a new suburban and had it all planned out to buy one the end of the year but with this baby coming we moved up our deadline. On June 12th we decided to list the suburban and see what kind of interest we would get. It was a 07 Chevy Suburban with 120,000 miles for 14,500. On the 14th we sold it to a cute young family with 2 kids that were so excited. The morning of the 16th we met up for them to give them the suburban. It was harder than I thought. I have loved my car. It has always been reliable and so good to us. This picture is from the morning we took the car to the new owners. 

 By this point we had a couple Yukon XL picked out and the exchange rate was in our favor. We made plans for Matt to fly to Canada to get them the following weekend. Exchange rate $0.764. And when Nick decided to go with him we decided to buy both and make a decision when he got home. Both were in Calgary, Alberta. The reason we went to Canada is because it saved us about 24% or $10000-$12000. Both are 2017 GMC Yukon XL and fully loaded here are the differences

White 18492 miles $58802.36(US 44547.32)

Silver  17066 miles $59208.16(US 44851.34)

Once deciding we were going to keep the silver one we are now selling the white one hoping to make some profit to help pay down the loan for the silver one more.

Swim Lessons

We were lucky enough to find a private swim teacher here in the valley and she has been great. Her name is Brooke she is a newly returned missionary that was a life guard and a swim teacher. We go once a week for 90 minutes(30 minutes each). It has been so great and I hope we can continue for the girls to learn more and become more confident. Hallie on the first day could actually swim almost a whole length of the pool. Gracie could do the width of the pool and Em is great at putting her face in. With as much time as we spend in the water this is long over due.

Gracie the Chef

Gracie has started to really love cooking. Most of the time I bake or make dinner she is wanting to be involved in some way shape or form. She has learned to make eggs, grilled cheese, and mac n cheese. Grilled cheese is her favorite though. She is also so proud of herself when she makes something new and loves to cook for everyone. Its pretty cute

Dad for the Win-Tristan's Birthday Party

Work at both McKay and Ogden have been slow so when I am feeling good and there are shifts available I have been trying to take advantage knowing I will be taking several months off when I have the baby. Ogden Regional was super busy one weekend so I picked up Sat and Sun. Gracie and our family had been invited to a swim party and really wanted to go but Matt was super great and said he would take the girls and I would meet them after work. When I got there they were having a ball and swimming their hearts out. Matt had it completely under control. There was pizza, cupcakes, and other snacks. It was so great and just what I needed to get thru the rest of the day.  

 They had this super fun blow up and once I got there to watch Em. Matt and the older girls were able to go play on it.

 

We are definitely considering doing a party there for one of the girls in the near future it was so fun. I feel so blessed to have married a man that is such an amazing dad.