I Love to See the Temple--Ogden Open House

 When we found out when the open house was scheduled we knew we wanted to go. I was hoping we could go with my family since we had such a great time going to the Brigham temple open house previously. But shortly after they announced the dates Kimber and Ez moved to Vegas so I was thrilled when Nic said they would love to go with us! I got on as soon as tickets were available but the website was so swamped it wasn't working correctly I thought I could just wait a few hours but when I logged on a few hours later all of the weekends and evening tickets were gone so we picked a time about lunch and Matt was able to take his "lunch break" to meet us for the open house. We even arrived early enough to get some pictures before heading inside. Here is our little group all ready to go inside the temple. Hallie and Rigs were so excited to get to go inside since we have been talking about the temple a lot and watching as they have built it over the last couple of years.

 This is seriously the cutest picture of Nic and the kids. We were sad Kyle couldn't join us but he had to work. Rigs was so funny just as we went to walk in he said, This isn't Jesus's house its Moroni's....see him on top?"

 And my eternal family....love them

The temple was beautiful and one of the most modern looking I have seen. There was a lot of dark wood, silver, and creams. The grounds will be something I think that will draw people in they did a great job. The kids did pretty well at listening and staying close. We decided to make it a game and see how many pictures of Jesus we could find in the temple. Although I don't think we kept exact track it kept the kids focused and watching. Now this little one below was great while we were on the move but as soon as we stopped she wanted out and on the move by herself.

 After we got out of the temple the kids couldn't get to the fountain fast enough we let them put there hands in which seemed to suffice although Rigs asked if he could swim in the pool.

Afterwards Nic and the kids came over for lunch while Matt went back to work. After we ate Nic and I visited while the kids played in the backyard. Then Nic headed home so everyone could nap in their own beds. It was a great way to spend our day. I love the temple, what it stands for, and the meaning behind it all. I hope our girls will one day have the desire to go to the temple for themselves. Im so grateful for my forever family

East Canyon Camping/Boating Weekend

 After Matt's BBQ Friday we headed up to East Canyon Resort to do some camping and boating with the Turner's. They have a membership and we finally found a weekend we could both go. We got there about 5pm, found a spot, and got out camp site set up. It was more difficult that I had imagined to find a spot most of them were smashed behind the trailer spots with no fire pit or even space to put up our camp chairs. When we finally found a spot it was a small space total dirt big enough for both of our tents with a picnic table and a fire pit one down fall is that we were only about 5 foot from tents on both sides of us. It worked for the one night we were there but I would prefer to try somewhere else next time. Once we got camp set up  the kids couldn't wait to go play at the play ground. They ran, swung, and slide. 

Then we decided to head to the pool to both warm up and cool down. The kids were disappointed they couldn't get in the hot tub but had a great time swimming in the kid and regular pool.

Then we showered and headed back to cook our dinner. We had pre made tinfoil dinners so we got a fire going, changed into pjs, and cooked dinner then we ate by head lamp and fire light.

After we ate dinner we cooked some smores and pop some popcorn. 

Then we called it a night. It was nice sleeping. I love when it can be hot during the day and cool sleeping at night and that was just how it was. Gracie woke up once to go potty but otherwise it was a pretty quiet night. The next morning we all slept til about 8-8:30 before rolling out of bed to make breakfast. The boys did most of the cooking while Steph and I started breaking down camp so we could head for the lake.

We had eggs, sausage, bacon, and hash browns. It was a great way to start the morning.

Then off to the lake. When we got there we had to wait in line to put the boat in the water but luckily it went pretty quickly. I have really struggled to keep my anxiety in check while boating I worry about everything I am working on it and hopefully I will get more used to it and get over it. Hallie quickly made herself at home relaxing and enjoying the day.

We went to find a spot to call home for the day. We set up the sun shade and unload the cooler. While we did that the kids played in the water.

Then we went to pick up Uncle Chris who had also come to join us for the day. The girls took no time to find a spot with him. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a great uncle like him.

And the silly face

 Just as Matt got in to wakeboard it started to rain first just a handful of drops then to pour. But no lightening so we continued to boat. It was slightly crazy. It only rained for 5-10 minutes before it passed and the sun was back out.

 While Matt wakeboarded I drove so the girls cuddled with Chris it didn't take long and Gracie was out. They were both so tired from our adventure.

 By that point we were all ready for naps and decided to call it a day. We loaded up the boat and headed for home. On the way home Matt and I drove around a little looking for lots to build on in or near Morgan. Hopefully one day we will find one we feel is right but mean while its slightly frustrating. Once we got home I unloaded the boat while Matt ran to grab dinner. We ate our Cafe Rio and finished unpacking and doing laundry. It was an fun but exhausting weekend. Having the boat is one of the best things ever we have so much fun.

Sure Steel BBQ

Friday was a fun day for us after the girls and I got the boat packed and ready to go we headed to South Weber for our 1st Sure Steel BBQ. This is something they do often so that everyone has a chance to interact and get to know each other. We started with lunch it was really good. We had chicken, steak, hot dogs, beans, rolls, cakes, creamies, and drinks. 

 After we filled our bellies they brought out the pinata held by a fork lift! The construction guy and this guy was built tough. 

The girls each got 2 turns they started the line with the smallest and went to the biggest. The kids hit him with the giant wrench on Gracie's hands.

  They made it 2 times through the line before some of the adults took the wrench to him and spread candy everywhere. I was glad to see that all the kids shared and all the kids got plenty of candy.

 And of coarse we can't forget the bounce houses there were 2 of them and the girls got plenty of use out of both of them. They had a ball!!

They also gave away some awesome prizes but we didn't win anything this time...hopefully better luck next time. It was nice to get to meet a bunch of Matt's coworkers...hopefully I can remember most of them and their families. I think initially the thought of it being like a family seemed kinda clique but after now attending it seems very real. There is a genuine family vibe like friends just getting together for a fun afternoon. On the way home Matt said, "Babes I think we are in a really good place." I hope and think he is right.

A Special Visit from Kim, Ez, and Luke

We were thrilled when we found out Kim, Ez and Luke were headed our way for a visit the girls talked about it for over a week....next time I will tell them the day of. It was Kim's 10 year high school reunion and it was a good excuse to come visit. They got here on Saturday shortly after lunch. We had a good time catching up while the kids slept, they got settled, and Kimber got ready for her reunion. I stayed with the kids while Kimber went to the reunion and Matt and Ez went to run some errands. After KImber got home we grabbed some KFC and had a picnic dinner while the kids played. Later that evening we turned on a movie and Gracie quickly found her cuddle buddy. It brings such a smile to my face to see the girls with my sisters. 

Now the other 2 made them "beds" on the floor 

Sunday we got up and off to church in good time. After church we came home, put the kids down for naps, and the adults enjoyed our quiet time while eating lunch and visiting. Then we turned on a movie and more than one of us got a nap while the kids slept. Later that evening Kim and Ez headed to dinner at Ezra's aunts house and we spent the remainder of the evening just relaxing. Monday morning I woke up to find Hallie and Grace cuddled watching a show...I sure love them and how much they love and take care of each other. 

 Then we got ready and headed to get Nic and the kids before continuing on to Salt Lake to meet up with Kim. We got to City Creek and the kids were so excited to play in the splash pad they wasted no time getting wet. Kim, Nic, and I enjoyed sitting on the side and taking the sites in. I don't know many things better than the laughter and joy of a child. And when these 5 are together there is plenty of that to go around.

For quite a while they were the only ones on the splash pad and it was so nice. They played games, chased each other, and just laughed and played.

 Once it got a little more crowded we got everyone changed and went to do a little shopping. At Ruum they gave each of the kids suckers and balloons they were pretty content and let us shop in peace for the most part. Here we are with our treasures!

 Then it was off to the food court to fill our bellies and play at the play land. The girls decided they wanted Chinese and ate quite a bit before heading for the play place

 Just as we were getting started playing Gracie yells,"Mommy take my picture" and I was happy to oblige.

 There became a competition to see who could find the tallest place to stand. This was Hallie's highest spot

 As we collected our stuff we decided to get a group picture. While I stood ready with the camera this is what happens behind the scenes to get everyone ready. I just love the realness of this picture. Gracie kept asking Nic what we were doing

 But we ended up with pretty great results. 

 I have to mention Nic's kids and their "homeliness"(Nic's words not mine). Nic forgot swim suits and changes of clothes for the kids. Nic bought Riggs some new clothes and He and Kinley are both wearing them since they were dry and clean. Good thing we love them homeliness and all. On the way to the car we stopped at the Disney Store to buy a few more things. It was such a fun day perfect mix of kid and mommy entertainment. I miss Kim and Ez and of coarse Luke. I took for granted that they were only an hour away but now we try to take advantage of any time we have with them and today was a total success can't wait to do it again.

Happy Pioneer Day

 Over the Brower Reunion Chris had asked if Matt and I would be willing to take him and his roommate boating before summer was over and we were happy to oblige. We thought Pioneer day would be perfect until we found out that Matt was supposed to work. After working a few things out Matt was able to work until about 2 then he came home and we loaded up to go. Chris, his roommate(Mike), Brit, and Preston joined us. The weather was great and the lake although a little choppy was still nice. Since it was so hot we had to pretty quickly have a swim break. 

 With our tubes both out of commission it was kinda nice that it wasn't even an option and we just skied, wake boarded, and knee boarded. The later it got the nicer that water was. Here is Brit trying wake boarding. 

 After each person trying something the kids wanted to swim and why not swimming is a lot of fun!

 I love this man of mine

 The water was even good enough that I decided to ski....Im pretty picky about my water.

Chris got really brave and was determined to figure out slalom skiing. He got it after dropping one ski and went quite a ways. I really like helping people learn something new they get so excited and its fun knowing you had some part in that. We serious skiied until we barely had enough light to load the boat. The last run of the day Matt knee boarded and we found the perfect water for some whips....a perfect end to a great day. This was one of my favorite days on the lake this season. There were so many great things about this night. 

We dance, sang, swam, skied, laughed, wake boarded, and knee boarded. Here's to more days on the lake just like this one!!!