Staycation - Part Two

-Salt Lake City Cemetary-

Waiting to discuss all the rules of a scavenger hunt. But then plans changed...so we all walked around together!

Krista showing us her grumpy face because she didn't get her way with the scavenger hunt. I must admit it did sound fun to run all around a cemetary. But something about lots of kids hinders that a bit!

No bathroom in sight! She really had to go, so I decided to put on a diaper! Funny huh.

"Staycation 2009" - Part One

Staycation...a word or not a word? Well, according to the dictionary it is a word...def: A staycation (or stay-cation, or stacation,or staykation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in the financial crisis of 2007–2009 in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high.
Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals. Some staycationers also like to follow a set of rules, such as setting a start and end date, planning ahead, and avoiding routine, with the goal of creating the feel of a traditional vacation.

-PART ONE-
Let me explain...My family had planned a camping trip up to some place called "Main Canyon" (NO TOILETS- ugh!) well we thought we had out thought everyone to have Riley go up early and set up a tent to save our spot before the 24th of July. We were wrong. People had thought that idea up way before us, because all the spots were taken. So after VERY disappointed husbands, and I must admit not so disappointed wives (well minus Krista) we were OKAY with staying home on something Todd called a, "Staycation." So after one trip and activities were canceled, it didn't take longer than just a few minutes for us to think of things to do here at home.

On the morning of the 24th we watched the parade in the morning all lazy like in our pajamas. Then we packed a lunch and off we all went. Our first stop was at Liberty Park to enjoy all the people left over from the parade and Tracy Avery. It was free, so why not go see a site when it's free, right? Besides the HOT HOT weather and not really any birds, it was enjoyable.

The kids lining up to see how big they are compared to the birds.

A half family picture taken courtesy of Conner...We were watching the bird show...well the two bird show, I think that's all they brought out. Oh, the really funny thing about this bird show was they very subtly (NOT) discouraged any child from every wanting a bird. It was hilarious!

Grandma Lou enjoying the heat with the grand kids...Yes, Jacob is wearing the monkey again! He just runs way to fast!

Staycation...

Looking at birds...

Chubby Everett!

Chubby Caleb...trying to catch up with his cousin.

You just have love Little Ms. Kennady!

Making Pies

So last week my sister had a ward missionary party called, "Pie in the Park." So one lazy afternoon we decided that we should make a pie. Well, as we started looking at recipes SO many looked delicious. Well after about 5 hours of making pies, and five pies later we finally finished. The sad part was when 7pm rolled around not one pie was even cool enough to have taken. So pretty much we spent a WILD pie making afternoon for really nothing...other than enjoying 5 pies all weekend long.

This is a Toll House Cookie Pie...Yummy...if you leave the nuts out! (Sorry mom, I know you disagree!!)

The favorite of all...Lemon Meringue...Oh, my delicious!! The other two pies were a chocolate cream pie and a coconut cream pie in a graham cracker crust...let's just say they were so good. Thanks Krista for the spontaneous afternoon...we kept saying, "When I woke up this morning I had no idea I'd spend 5 hours baking pies!" These are the days that make life wonderful living by family and living spontaneously!

What kind of faces do your kids make?

So, have you ever kept your eyes open to watch your kids pray? Well, I must admit that I have before and this time I couldn't resist taking pictures of these little boy faces. This was the same night while we were watching the twins. What great moments we have of these cousins! The "boys" had no idea I was taking pictures during the prayer!

Jacob, Sawyer and Logan

Really, I was hiding the camera they had no idea I was taking pictures. They are so funny!

Here is a little video for your pure entertainment! Seriously, it was SO funny to watch them pray. I'm just impressed they can keep there little bodies kneeling! Now, Jared did know that I was recording...hence the silly things he was having the boys say! So cute...ENJOY!

Here's to a Happy baby!

What a happy little guy we have! Let's just say that this happy little guy is making his 2 month-sleep deprived mommy happy. I have sent him up to his room and he is sleeping like a champ. Let's just say I am no longer seeing the 2AM and the 4AM hours any more! What a dream come true. We love you our little Caleb.

Triple Trouble!

Bring on co-op once again! Jared and I were able to watch the twins on Saturday night while Ange & Grady got a date! Let's just say that THREE two year old boys needed a bath after a very dirty night!

They thought they were SO funny screaming at each other!

Logan, Sawyer and Jacob.

Who new Herriman had a vacation desitnation?

Welcome to the Herriman reservoir...Let's just say that sand and water are a kids best friend!

Olivia & Kierra

Alayna

Jacob

Just if you need a smile today!

(I actually caught him on camera- I just LOVE when they start smiling!!)

(7 weeks old)
(2 years old)

(4 years old)

I hope these bring a smile to you too!

Gone Camping!

First Camping trip to the Spruces, Big Cottonwood Canyon

I think I must have been crazy to go on a camping trip with a 6 week old little guy. But then again I think it was completely worth it! Because the first night was FREEZING cold this little snuggle bug got to sleep with me in my sleeping bag. Funny, I know. But then I did it again the next night because I was worried he would stay warm.

The BOYS doing what they do best, getting wet, muddy and throwing rocks!

The gang who hiked Donut Falls...Conner and Todd did too, but they hiked to the top and were behind us!

This is how Jake hiked the mountain!

The cute girly cousins. I was totally impressed because Alayna actually hiked the whole by her self. This is not her usual self. She prefers to be carried, but she was having so much fun with her cute cousins! As I look at these beautiful girls I am thankful Alayna has them in her life because she may not get a little sister close in age to her but she does have the two best girl cousins ever!

Jake LOVING the roasting "smarsh-mellow" thing!

Hanging by the fire...This was the first night when I dared to come with out my hubby. Yes, I came with my mom for extra hand help. I love this picture because you can see my three kids, Jake on my lap, the Alayna and Caleb in his carseat! That's funny!

Donut Falls - The grumpy face from Jake is because he was not wanting to smile one more time. Not to mention he fell and he cut his lip! Poor kid.

Thanks to the entire family who helped this new mom of three, keep making memories for my little kids. Alayna LOVED her time camping. She was so sad to come home!

It's a BOY!

Krista and Riley had both sides of the family over for their "finding out" party!

We couldn't have been more excited for them when they opened the envelope and Riley annoucned, "It's a boy!" YEAH, bring on our 8th baby BOY to the family! We LOVE boys!

Riverton Parade...Friday, July 3rd.

Here are a few family pictures of us sitting back and enjoying the parade...

The kids LOVE the parade for the candy. Alayna totally got it this year, you have to chase after it if you want it. Jake on the other hand, would rather sit back and relax. He didn't really see a need to go after it? I think he only picked up one piece of candy. It was FUN as usual. My entire family LOVES the parade. It's a multi-family gathering. My sisters in-laws come, some of their in-laws come, aunts, uncles, grand parents, etc. We take up an ENTIRE corner. We lucked out with great shade and tons of yummy pizza. I love this tradition.

Bridal Veil Falls

After the balloon festival we hike up...well, lets say a small brief nature walk up to the falls. It was really pretty. Alayna couldn't resist getting her feet wet again just like last year!

Hot Air Balloon Festival

This is so cool!
Waiting for the balloons to get filled up!

Having a fun EARLY morning once again at the Provo Hot Air Balloon Festival. Thanks to the Murphy's who introduced this GREAT early morning tradition on July 3rd. I really have enjoyed this tradition. It might be early, but it's wonderful and the kids love it.

The boys...

The girls...