So, now that it's almost Christmas, I think I'll post about Summer. :) The picture above pretty much sums it up. Our family LOVES summer! We are so spoiled to get Brian home with us in the summers. We spend lots of time outside, playing in the yard, gardening, riding bikes and going on walks and playing at parks. I'm missing summer quite a bit as I look out at the foot and a half of snow on my front lawn. Snow is beautiful, but if I could choose between the two, I'd take hot, summer sun over the cold snow.
Here are a few highlights from this year:
Trip to the splash pads in St. George. The kids LOVE the splash pads with grandmas!
My family had a vacation together in Las Vegas this year. I didn't know Las Vegas could be so enjoyable with a family. :) It's never really been my favorite place in the world, but I had a really fun time! Jacob and Kate ate a mound of spaghetti the first night. They were in heaven over that, but not nearly as in heaven as they were in the pool. Well, Jacob loved the pool. It took Kate some time to warm up to it. :)
Some of us saw the "bodies" exhibit, which I thought was fascinating, but definitely a one-time show for me. I will say, however, that it gave me a little more insight into how incredible our creator is (very little, because there is so much more to understand). Our bodies are a work of art, and the greatest science project ever. There are so many intricate details. I'm grateful for my body. :)
My favorite part of the trip was the Aquarium at Mandalay Bay with the kiddos. We had so much fun! And, I got to pet a sting ray!! I loved the rays, the jellyfish and the sharks. I could stay in a place like that for hours and never, ever get bored.
We played a little mini-golf that day as well. Kate had fun with daddy! :)
Our trip was over my birthday weekend, so when we got home I got to eat my traditional Strawberry Shortcake (or rather, angel food cake with strawberries). MMM! It was yummy!
Brian's family had a reunion in Albuquerque. I don't know why, but we didn't manage to get pictures while we were there...or maybe we did and they are lost? Anyway, we had so much fun with the Crosby gang. Our favorite parts were the Crosby Olympics and the trip to the biopark and aquarium. We also went on a neat hike to Tent Rocks, which Brian and I really enjoyed. We decided that if we ever have to leave Utah, we would go to Albuquerque. :) Number one, we have awesome family there. Number two, it's dream weather. Number three, we could stay at the biopark FOREVER. ;-) Brian was in love with all the gardens. I could have stayed in the butterfly garden forever! I guess I'm a big kid, because butterflies still hold the same magic for me that they did as a child. They are beautiful and delicate and graceful. I have always loved butterfies...Anyway, while we were there, Brian's sister, Tammy, took some family pictures for us. She did a really great job. Thank you, Tammy!!
This is from a FHE lesson about Captain Moroni. Jacob really got into it! :)
Our best friends and neighbors, the Porters, moved this summer. We miss them tons, but have been fortunate to have some good friends move in. Our dear Melanie had a birthday, and of course we had to celebrate. Oh, how we love Melanie! She is like an aunt to our kids. Kate has loved her from day one, and Kate is not an easy heart to capture. Every time Melanie comes over, Kate runs right to her and snuggles. Jacob and Melanie are also good buddies. We love Mel!
We found an awesome little spot to have tin foil dinners and go camping by Liberty, UT. It is really pretty and not too crowded. We spent a couple weekends up there over the summer!
Kate's first s'more. Good stuff!
These two enjoyed lots of ice cream cones and popsicles this summer! :) They are good buddies, for the most part.
What's summer without a road trip or two to St. George to see the grandparents?! We're so lucky to be close enough to visit often! :)
The 4th of July was SO much fun!!! Oh, man! I forgot how magical those little flowers and tanks are for children. Our firework show only cost about $12, but we got plenty of "oos!" and "ahs" from the kiddos. They were so much fun to watch! Even more fun than watching the city fire work show, which was really good! :)
What is the 4th of July without ice cream, right?
Jacob's boat from the Crosby reunion. He had fun finding different ways to float it around the house this summer.
Jacob drew his first family portrait this summer. It was totally awesome! Note the spider and the leaf. :)
Our big bunny, radar, died this summer. :( Later in the summer, we found this cute little guy, Jellybean. He went through many names, Bacon, Licorice, Sharky. But, I think Jellybean was the final decision.
We always enjoy a good snuggle before bedtime. :)
I had the opportunity to dance at "Sugarspace," a theater in SLC with some of my friends/collegues. The dance was titled, "All Things" and was a dance of celebration and gratitude for the beauties of nature.
Isn't she cute?
We had lots of fun in the kiddie pool? Do you like Jacob's boat? He's always coming up with something. He's very creative. :)
More cuteness...
yet, more cuteness...Kate LOVES to play the piano.
Our friends that moved into the Porter's home have a little girl Jacob's age. They are best buddies. They made lots of mud castles and messes in the "garden" this summer.
Mommy's little helper
We had a really wonderful summer! I feel blessed to be the mother of these two cuties. They are energetic, creative, feisty, exciting, artistic, bouncy, happy, and always keep me on my toes. They are pretty much adorable! :)
