Take me out to the Ball Game

One of the perks of Tyler's work is being able to do fun outings. We went to the Bee's game on Friday night, and had a ball (ha ha). We were in a suite, and the kids were in heaven w/ all you could eat popcorn, hot dogs, drinks, etc. Before we went to the game, they were asking if they would get to see Bumble again this time. You can imagine their excitement when he came walking right down to see them. 

I love his picture of Abby just hanging out with Bumble. 

early morning

I took the kids to the Sandy City Balloon Festival on Friday morning. I was a little reluctant to wake my sleeping kids at 6:30 a.m., but I knew I would get the 3rd degree later if I hadn't done it.  It went from 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. Luckily, it was just at the park down the street from our house, so I didn't feel like it was such a big ordeal. As you can see the fall-like attire, this was a CHILLY morning. It was really fun to see all of the balloons flying around. They kept going up and down, and there were so many of them.

They thought it was so fun to see the baskets up-close. Riley really wanted to get in, but apparently they were not allowed to let anyone in any of the baskets. I think I caught Abby mid-yawn. 
This was Abby's favorite balloon. She loved the rainbow. 
Riley and a bunch of other kids ran to "help" the man hold the balloon while it was deflating. (He is in the grey jacket closest to the ballon) 
And their favorite part of the morning? Playing on the playground. I have to say that I was thankful for this part. It got their energy out, and prolonged the adventure just a little while longer. 

Fun night out

Tyler and I took the kids over to Safety Days at Draper park on Tuesday night. We had so much fun doing the bounce houses, getting faces painted, going through the ambulance, fire engine and helicopter. Riley and Abby wanted to climb the rock wall more than anything. I was quite impressed w/ how patient they were waiting in such a long line. They both did really well, and Riley actually made it up to the top. 

Jacob loved watching the helicopters zooming all around the park. He thought he was pretty cool to go in a real one. 
Our favorite part of the night- the safety bike course. It was Jakey's favorite because he rode a two-wheeler (with training wheels of course) for the 1st time ever! He was so excited, and did awesome on it! It was my favorite part because he was too little for any of the helmets, so the lady in charge opened up a brand new helmet and gave it to Jacob to use for the course. She then said that he could just have it, along w/ the knee & elbow pads. SCORE!! I could have done w/out all of the little Pokemon guys on it, but hey, it's free, right? 
Riley had fun in the police tank. 
The kids had a ton of fun, and learned a lot about being safe in many different situations. It was good for me to hear everything again too!

My awesome hubby

I usually save my "tributes" until special days: birthdays, anniversary's, graduations, etc. Today isn't really a special day, but just one of those bitter-sweet ones. Tyler has served as the Young Men's president in our ward for over 3 years, and was released today. He served in the YM's for the last 8 yrs. in one calling or another, and has watched these young men grow up- literally. I know I am biased, but I think he did such a great job. Hearing the testimonies of a couple of his young men today in church proved that he has made such a difference in their lives. He has done so many fun things w/ those boys: Camping, boating, biking, teaching his Priests how to ask a girl out (without texting them), and actually dating. We have hosted MANY date nights at our house where the boys came over earlier to make food, decorate, etc... then go home and get their dates. We have had movie parties outside where the boys have come over in the middle of the day to claim their Love Sac's, and carry them outside to the backyard for me. He invited the boys over to study Preach My Gospel before school once a week, followed by their traditional cereal buffet. Sunrise hikes, coming over to tell us where they got their mission calls, rallying around us when we lost our little baby... The Young Men in our ward have truly been a blessing to our family, and especially Tyler. I asked him earlier if he said "good-bye" to them today in Priests quorum. He told me that it isn't goodbye. They will always be a part of his life, and will always be some of his closest friends. I love you Ty, and I am so grateful to have you in my life! 

You're the best!!

After water-skiing interview

I meant to post this after his water-skiing. Oh well. He was so cute!

Tyler's parents got the coolest new water ski for kids. It looks like a mini wave-runner, but it has holds for your feet, and helps kids get a feel for being pulled by the boat. Jacob actually did it behind the boat, and had so much fun! Take a look at how cute he is in this video...

Bear Lake Adventures

We went to Bear Lake over the 24th of July with Tyler's family, and had a ton a fun! The kids LOVE going to the beach, and could spend forever there. Here are a couple of pics of our trip:

Building sand castles, and playing with their cousins

I LOVE this girl! Abby is my little sweetie, and we have so much fun together. She is always making me laugh! She had been planning a trip to Bear lake for months, and her two requests were: "Pink lemonade, and ring ice". What? At first I had no idea what she was talking about. She later informed me that she wanted the round ice that you can wear on your finger like a ring. Oh, ok. Got it.
Two cute boys!