Canyon Outing

With the lovely hot weather we've been having, Brandon and I thought it would be nice to leave it all behind and take the family up the canyon for some exploring time. We've lived in our house for five years and this was the first time we've made it to the mountains during the summer. The kids loved it and ran everywhere. Brandon had to really watch Beckam around any water or he would have jumped right in. There were fields and fields of wildflowers. Brandon was a sport and stopped whenever I wanted to take pictures. Brylie didn't want to leave and can't wait to go again.

It was really nice, not too many bugs and a great escape from the heat. Hopefully it stays as nice when we got camping in a few weeks.

24th at Butlerville Days

We have never really done anything special for the 24th, so this year when I found out Cottonwood Heights had a celebration (thanks Viv) we decided to head on over. I was worried the kids would get bored waiting for the fireworks, but there was plenty for them to do. The bounce houses/slides were a hit. Once Beckam went on one he wanted to go on all of them.

They played on the playground, got balloon dogs, talked to police and firemen, practiced cartwheels and somersaults and had dad to play with. Randy and Viv and kids came a little before the fireworks started. It was great hanging out with them and just letting the kids play. I was surprised the kids lasted through the fireworks.

It was a great night and something I look forward to doing every year.

Float Preview

For a fun family night and to gear up for the 24th we decided to head over to the float preview at the South Town Expo Center (that and our stake had a float). Brylie loves anything associated with a parade and couldn't wait to see all of the floats. Both her and Beckam ran around like crazy looking at everything. The floats were nice and the balloon flower and dog helped the night be even more fun. Brylie can't wait to see them again on t.v.

(Brylie liked this one because it had recycling)

(I liked the skateboarding grandma)

(Brylie likes anything pink)

(This was Brandon's favorite. I wonder why?)

Swimming Lessons Take One

Brylie just finished up her first session of swimming lessons and is ready for more. On the first day I wasn't sure we would finish this session because she was so timid and didn't want to try anything. But in the second week she finally put her face in the water (this was a BIG deal) and after going off the diving board she wanted to keep coming to lessons.

And Beckam enjoyed his running around and playing time.

If I could give one suggestion it would be to do diving board day first. Brylie became a water lover after that day and now puts her head completely under water which we couldn't get her to do before. Here's to the next session and whatever it may bring.

Jon Schmidt By Sunset

Friday Brandon and I had a date night and went to the Jon Schmidt concert at Sandy Amphitheater. I love all things piano and couldn't wait for the concert and the time with just Brandon. The concert was great, Jon Schmidt was quite entertaining and funny, and the scenery was wonderful. I especially enjoyed Love Story which he played for the first time for a live audience at this concert. I can't wait to go again next summer.

(This was taken during intermission. I loved watching the sun set.)

Backyard Fun

What do you do when you have no access to a hose in your own backyard? You jump at the chance to play in your friend's, who has a lot of fun water toys and a hose, backyard. Thanks Viv and Britton for inviting us to come play. We had tons of fun!!!

Visitors Welcome

In the spirit of getting the most for our money in these fun economic times, I've decided to dual purpose a recent purchase. I'd like to announce we now have a guest house that is ready for anyone who wants to visit.

It is really quite roomy with two separate rooms, great lighting, and electricity (courtesy of an extension cord). I know that it doesn't have a bathroom, but there is easy access to a half bath close to our back door. I do have to warn you that the sprinklers do come on at midnight and 1 am, but if you don't mind the sound of water pounding down on the walls and roof, then come on over whenever you want! We did a family practice run sleeping in our new tent and had a great time. (We lasted until 1am when the second set of sprinklers was just too much.) The kids were so excited and couldn't wait to get in the tent. Brandon was the master tent setter-upper and the kids "helped" whenever possible.

We topped off the night with popcorn and watching a movie on the laptop.

This was my kind of camping, I got to run into my house whenever I wanted and get whatever we may have needed. To bad we don't control the sprinklers otherwise we'd be camping in the backyard a lot more!!