Our 4th of July CeLeBrAtIoNs..... (next 10 posts)

I can't even express how much fun we had in Utah. I mean, we had SOOOO MUCH FUN in Utah!!! It is our favorite time of year to visit there, and I'll tell you why in three words: PROVO'S FREEDOM FESTIVAL! We love everything about it. It's not just a celebration of Independence but everything that thrives within that miracle. Everyday felt like magic wrapped in family dipped in perfectly sunny skies and air that smelled like butterflies and bumblebees. It was the perfect combination of excitement, and entertainment mixed with doing absolutely NOTHING - just what summer is supposed to be!


This picture says it all...

Home Sweet Home

When we first arrived at my parents home things were a little torn up. We ended up arriving four days earlier than we'd planned, so we got there just in time for the renovations. They were laying some tile in the entry way in preparation of having carpet installed the next day. Uncle Scott let the kids get their hands dirty as he taught them the trade. Here's Avery raking some mud.


Why would anyone let a two year old boy around a big pile of mud INDOORS, I don't know, but Uncle Scott didn't see anything wrong with it... he also only has nine fingers. I'm just sayin' is all.

Stetson is putting in the spacers... Good job, little man.



Let's talk about Uncle Scott. He's pretty much the greatest uncle any kid could have!! He's the only person I've ever met who can make my kids laugh as hard as their Daddy can. It didn't take long for Avery to decide that her vacation plans entailed wherever Uncle Scott was going to be. I posted this picture of him on my very first blog post, and I'm posting it again because I love it. And I love him! He radiates laughter, always wears a smile, even when he's getting schooled by his little sister in volleyball (yeah, EAT IT!) He showed me a great time while we were there, took me under his wing, let me tag along to his outings. He even took me to a movie AND bought popcorn and treats! WHOA!! That's huge. Um, forking out dough for a full priced movie ticket is pretty much unheard of around here, I just can't bring myself to do it! Don't even get me started on the price of the treats! All I have to say is butter free popcorn and frozen Junior Mints.... mmmmmmmmmm.

"Provo, We Have Lift Off."

The Hot Air Balloon launch is well worth the 5:30 wake up call. It's a must see every year! In the foreground is Uncle Russ and cousin Aubrey, Uncle Scott and Avery, and Grandpa.


Avery and her new best friend...


Stet sneakin' in some Mama love.




Don't forget the pancake breakfast!! Here's Avery with her cousin Aubrey chowin' on the goods.

Race for the Parade!!

Little did I know when I left on this vacation that I would be competing in my first race! I decided last minute to sign up for the pre-parade 10K, then realized I'd left my running shoes at home. Oh well, I needed some new ones anyway! It was kind of weird and kind of cool running on the parade route where everyone was sitting out watching. I wish I could tell you that I ran it like a champ. No, no, that first uphill mile I thought I was going to die. And then, what's up with no water station until mile two?!?! Hello, some of us not accustomed to those higher elevations needs a little H2O. A lot of H2O. Is it hot out here?!?


No matter... I finished it. It may have taken me 1:15 to do it, but I finished it. My dad brought my kids to the finish line, along with my nieces seen here. Anne on the left, Megan on the right. Way to go, Mom!!


Grandpa and some of my family enjoying the parade.


Kudos, Austin.


Avery and Stet had so much fun with their frickin' awesome cousins: Austin, Maddison, Olivia, and Avery.

It's a Family Thing...

When our family gets together there's usually good eats, hangin' out, catchin' up, and always lots of stories and laughs... all in all there's great times to be had.


Captain Underpants checks his scope for any swashbucklers.


While cousins Dany and Kjirsten make the peach pies.


Kudos, Lindsay


Everyone loved Grandma's new carpet!!!






Especially this little guy who climbed his first stair on Grandma's staircase.

Come on Baby, Light my Fire!!

A definite highlight of our July 4th is the fireworks show. The first night it was just our little family doing some sparklers and waiting for the Stadium fireworks.


Grandma and Aunt Lori spell their names. Oh, wait, what's that they're writing? "Jaci is sooooo coooool I can't even believe it!" Awww, thanks guys!


My three ***sPaRkLeRs***


The next night we had a lot of family there and a lot of fireworks!!


Those durn Screamin' Petes!!


The Inseperable Averys.


Kudos, Tish.


Uncle Booger Lips (Jeremy) and Jackson getting smoked.


Aunt Lori, Aunt Tish, Gage and Uncle Mike.


"But I'm not sleepy, Mom. I don't want to miss the fireworks!"


Looks like everyone's all tuckered out. Zzzzzzzzzz


Well, almost everyone.

Stewart Falls

Every other week during the summer Aunt Tish and Aunt Scarlet get their kids together for a feildtrip. This time it was to Stewart Falls, up Provo Canyon, and they let us tag along. We have so much fun with these guys, like when we went swimming in a downpour... for two hours. They're adventurous and full of life; we always have a good time.




I wasn't sure how Stetson would do on the three mile hike, but he was a trooper! We didn't have to carry him too often ;o)




It took a little while but a few stumbles, a fat lip, a snake, and a beesting later we made it!!


It was beautiful! All the kids had fun wading their bare feet in the FREEZING cold water.

So, we're driving home from Salt Lake one day
And make a quick stop somewhere along the way
When we open the door and what do we see?
Sweet baby Gage eating his poopy!!

--------------------"Wasn't Me..."---------------------

I love being a mom. Why would anyone trade this?


To pass the time I made this tutu for Avery, and it turned out so cute!!! But she decided she wanted to give it to her friend, Keeley. Awww, what a good heart she has. Okay, so maybe I liked it more than she did. I'll have to make her another! Anyway, we snuck into my childhood BF's house on her birthday to surprise her with balloons and streamers and smiley face cookies.


Which reminds me, next time you're in Provo, make a stop HERE:


You gotta try the smiley face cookies, they're our favorite! I've been getting them from there since I was a wee one.

The Backyard Campout

Avery and Stetson were so excited to have a campout in the backyard! We snuggled and told stories, had some goodies, and then just laid back and watched the stars pass over the tent.


















The night started out with the three of us plus Grandpa, Uncle Scott, and cousin Katie, but when the morning rays broke half of our scouts had gone inside... that's right, Mom, Avery and Stet were the only ones tough enough to rough it!! YOU BUNCH OF SISSIES!!!