Finally A Day At The Lake

When we moved to the valley I thought we'd basically live at the lake but then I guess life happened. Last year we didn't even go because of the low water level and the bacteria in the lake wasn't healthy. So I was happy when we were able to get to the lake and enjoy some time in the water and sand. Hallie was playing with Paityn so we missed her but had a great time. I took the wagon to haul all of our stuff but it was so hard to pull on the sand I wasn't sure we would get it there but we did. We also took a paddle board and a kayak

Once we got there and settled it was actually quite enjoyable to sit in the chair and watch the kids play. I went for a swim and played for a while and then sat back in the chair and just watch them be kids. We need to find a better solution for getting our stuff in and out though for sure.

Bear Lake Camping...Year 2

 I can't say that this is something that I look forward to myself but I do love how much the kids look forward to that and it makes it completely worth it. Every time we load up to go camping we aren't sure if everything will fit but miraculously it fits. We went back to Bear Lake KOA and got set up. The week was supposed to be record heat so we tried to plan accordingly. After setting up with grabbed dinner at the the burger place down the street before coming back to get settled for the evening. 

The next morning we got up and headed out to find a beach spot. Because we go on Saturdays its always been super busy but we found a spot. The kids went back and forth between the water and the sand pit they were building.

We set up a couple sun shades and chairs along with a blanket for us to hang out on. The water was so low the beach wasn't great but we made the best of it.

Liam and I went out on a kayak and not far out I tipped us over. I grabbed Liam immediately but he was so mad at me. But I made him get back in and we went for a ride in the kayak without further incident but he still at times brings up the fact that I tipped over the kayak and he didn't like that.

When we got back and showered we rented a few bikes and stuff to ride around with the kids in. They all wanted to take a turn driving

Some of the kids headed to the club house to play and others went to the volleyball court where they were having a hula contest. They all did very good and ended up with a lot of candy. While the kids ran around we ordered pizza and then had dinner.

Some games were played

I think one of the kids favorite parts of camping is these bunks that they sleep on in the tents. They are pretty cool and they make it so there is space for everyone in the tent. 

On Saturday night as we all sat around the fire we decided we are going to try somewhere different next year. somewhere with fewer people and more space so we'll se what that amounts to. But we have another camp trip under our belts and we survived and even managed to have some fun.

Rig's Baseball

A couple weeks after Kinner's games Nic let us know they were coming up for Rigs games and we had such a great time the last time we decided to pack up and do it again. We got to spend more time with Nic since she wasn't coaching so that was fun to get to visit with her more. Maddi joined us for one of the games before having to go to work. 

It was once again so hot. We did our best to pack water, body armor, and plenty of snacks. Along with sun shades, blankets, and chairs. We don't pack lightly pretty much ever. Nic has her little tribe of the teams families so we all sat together and of coarse Hallie orchestrated games to keep them busy.

Poor Gray laid on the blankie pretty much naked because he was so hot dressed and being held. He's so cute so we have to keep the kids from mauling him.

The boys lost one and won one so they played a 3rd time we decided we wanted to stay so Matt came to meet us after he got off work. The weather finally cooled down some as the sunset and this sweet boy slept for a good portion of the game. He is such a good baby. He gets drug from one game to another and seems to handle most of it in stide.

Unfortunately they lost the game so they wouldn't be playing the following day so I was glad we stayed to watch. It was a late night but we all had a good time. And as always it was great to make memories together and spend time.

Braces For Hallie

When the dentist said it was time to see the orthodontist all of us were a little uncertain what to expect. We went for the consult and came away with a date to have them put on. Hallie wanted to make sure we waited until after Nate's wedding so that is what we did. She should be in them for 18 months possibly 15 months depending on how good she is at wearing her bands...so we shall see.

Kinner's Softball

Nic let us know about a softball tournament for Kinners so the kids and I decided to jump in the car and head for Spanish Fork for the day to support her and spend time with the other cousins. 

Nic was the coach so I got to be in charge of Gray. 

In between games we grabbed lunch at the drive thru and then headed to the splash pad to cool off. Nic and I have never shied away from taking our kids out and about but that doesn't mean it doesn't look like a circus. 

Kinners team ended up winning and having to play in a 3rd later game so we decided to stay. So once again we ventured out to find dinner with the kids. Costco pizza for the win while Nic grabbed a few other things she needed I sat with the kids so we didn't have to drag them thru the store. We were quite the site.

Such a fun spontaneous day! I love the days we have the opportunity to spend time with family and make those lasting memories.

Happy Birthday America

 4th of July is so fun in Huntsville. The town has been working hard to turn it back into a a small town community celebration rather than a destination holiday for many in Utah. I hate all the people but it's getting better. This year since we had just been with my family we invited Andy and Ari to spend it with us.

Since we aren't early morning breakfast people our morning usually starts with the parade. We have found a great spot that doesn't require us to be there to early.

Chris and Krissy also joined us for the parade and lunch

The committee did a great job with the parade. Each float had a part of U.S. history and the patriotic music was a great touch.

A year ago to the day Hallie sat in a similar position as we met Tripp for the first time after his extended time in the NICU

When we got back to the house we set up our water party and got lunch going. It was a great set up for the day

Matt cooked the burgers and I think we all ate our weight in snow cones

Maddi joined us after the parade and for the rest of the day. We love when she comes around and it's always nice to have another adult around.

When they needed a break from the water they built forts with their beach towels

That night while we watched the fireworks around the valley we did smores. The kids love smores on our gas fire pit and I love not having to smell like fire.