July Fun

July is usually our busiest month of the summer.  This year was no exception.  Between summer programs in Utah, trips to CA and school starting, we just never seemed to have a break.  I love staying busy so July is always fun for me. 

Visiting Uncle Dave in St. George:

We like to break up our trips to Utah by stopping on the way up and visiting Chad's brother Dave in St. George.  Their kids are the same ages as most of our kids and so it is always a lot of fun.  This time we decided to go on a hike before finishing our drive to Sandy.  Dave took us to a place called slot canyon.  It was incredibly beautiful.  The hike wasn't bad and my kids all liked it because they got to hike through the river. 

 The river was cold, so it helped us all stay cool in the hot summer sun. 

 I didn't realize how much of our hike was going to be in the water.  My kids didn't realize it either so everyone started out trying not to get too wet.  

 Even Carlee enjoyed putting her toes in the water.  She was the least wet of us all by the end of the hike.  I guess you stay a lot dryer when mom or dad carries you everywhere.

Retreat for Girls:

 This is the second year Rebecca has attended a program called Retreat for Girls at Utah State University.  The program itself is awesome.  The girls stay with a counselor in groups of 10-12 and they listen to speakers, participate in service projects and do crafts.  This year Rebecca went up with 3 of her friends from AZ.  Unfortunately 2 of them were moving shortly after the program ended, but it was a great way for them to spend time together before the moves.  

 I used to go to a summer program with my best friend Paige Johnston when I was Rebecca's age.  When Rebecca showed up at registration my friend Paige was there with her daughter Payton.  Payton ended up in Rebecca's group.  We couldn't believe the coincidence. 

Cute kids at the end of a great week.  

Dad starts his new job training in CA and has a birthday:

 After a fun week in Utah, Chad had to start training for his new job in CA on his birthday.  Needless to say, when you are near my mom you get spoiled.  I kept saying things like, "I can make his cake."  But she already had everything planned and prepared.  His gift from me was an IOU, but he definitely scored with gifts from my family.  The week ended up being a lot of fun with Chad having a little bit of time off to go to the beach and us spending a few more days at Disney.  Thank goodness for season passes. 

Back to School at GEA

 The way our vacation worked out, we arrived back home and started school the following Wednesday.  Not much time to get ready, but the kids were excited.  Joey was placed in Mrs. Puckett's class.  She is Rebecca's good friend's mom.  I love Rachelle and was so happy Joey ended up in her class. 

 Jake and his cousin Blaine were both placed in Mrs. Cruse's class.  She is tough, but good.  I think 3rd grade is a turning point in Elementary Ed and having a good teacher who prepares you for the upper grades is important.  So far things have worked out.  We look forward to another great year at GEA. 

May/ June Re-cap

I am behind on my posts, but in the past few months we have had a few birthdays, summer trips, a new house that has been built and that we've moved into, the start of a new school year, and fun activities that I have failed to document.  The main reason that I have failed to blog anything is because well. . . "Life has been crazy busy!"  We will see how many pictures I can download and then I will briefly fill in the gaps.

End of the year stuff:

 Jake and his guitar teacher are playing at the talent show

 Sara on drums

  Rebecca is playing her trumpet here and then keyboard in Jazz band later. 

Joey was promoted to 1st grade. 

They don't call it a graduation, but they sing some songs to the parents and the kids are awarded a promotion certificate.  Then we eat treats that all the parents brought in.  The entire thing took about 20 minutes.  My kind of ceremony.  

 Sara's Birthday:

 Sara wanted cupcakes for her birthday, so we went to the local cupcake store and bought a few of her favorites.  I have to admit, I really wasn't sad about buying her treat. 

Sara wanted a Nintendo DSi for her birthday.  We told her that if she used all of her allowance, the money we were planning to spend on her presents and the money grandma wanted to spend, then she would have enough.  She was super excited.  After we opened gifts, we went to the gaslight theater with some of her friends.  If you ever come to Tucson it is definitely worth visiting.

Disneyland Trip with the Robinsons and the Billings:

I am really sad that I didn't think to take pictures while on this trip to Disney.  We decided to caravan to CA with my sister and some good friends of ours (the Billings).  While in CA we celebrated my dad's 60th Birthday and went to Disneyland.  We had a lot of fun walking through the park with friends.  My friend Amy had planned their trip so well that even in the early summer months they didn't wait more then 30 minutes to go on a ride.  She is definitely the fast pass queen.  We are already planning to do it again next year.  Disney is so much more fun with friends.

Josh's Birthday:

We ended up in the hospital with Carlee on what would have been Josh's 2nd Birthday, so when we got out we spent some time remembering him.

We made a cake and let the kids blow out the candles.  

We went to visit Josh's graveside and sang "I am a child of God."  I can't wait to one day hold him in my arms again and sing to him.  Knowing he will always be our baby helps us get through tough days when we just wish he was here with us.  

I love you!

Jake:  Mom, I love you.

Mom:  I love you even more.

Jake:  I know. 

Joey:  Mom, I love you as much as you love me

Mom:  No, I think I love you even more. 

Joey:  No, I love you just as much as you love me. 

Jake:  No you don't Joey.  Mom always loves you more.  It's like she get's 60 extra points. 

(Don't you love the way gaming analogies help to explain the love triangle between Mother and her two sons.  )