Bear Lake 2012

We just got back from Bear Lake. We had such a fun time, but I don't think we could have picked a wetter weekend. We got there Friday afternoon, and a big thunderstorm plowed through that evening. Again, on Saturday afternoon and evening, the rain managed to find us. We stayed at the KOA in Garden City, so luckily, they had a ton of great activities that kept all of the kids happy and entertained!  Despite the rain, everyone stayed in good spirits, and had blast!! 

 The golf course was right across from our camp, so the kids were able to play there while we watched them from our camp. Early morning risers.... da boys.

 This was Meili's first camping trip. She did really well, and loved walking around all of the tents.

 Of course Jacob was trying to hide from the camera.

 Abby and Mei playing at the playground. All the kids had so much fun there!

 Abby, Mei, Sofia & Bella

 I just had to see if the my girls out-weighed me. Nope.

 Abby and Remi Kimball

 The air pillow was the best! The kids had a blast, and got out so much energy!

 Here is our camp at the beach, and the Summerhays' boat. They put the boat in two different times, but had to pull it out soon after due to the weather. Bummer!!

 Meili loves the beach and water. I think we need to move to California just for her. Ok, for me too I guess.

 Meili, Sofia, and Olivia all had the same swim suit. I wish I would have gotten a picture of all three of them together. They were so cute!

 Here comes the storm!! Hold on everyone!!! Everyone had to grab something to keep things from blowing away.

 Notice the dark clouds across the lake? Ya, that was right over our campground. We thought it would go around the lake and miss us, but no. We got Slammed!!!

 After the big storm, the sky cleared up, and we headed out for burgers and raspberry shakes.

 Mei had fun at the mini-golf course after she got a mini-sized club.

 Here is the gang: Sohms, Kimballs, Summerhays, Becerra's.

 Cute girls climbing at the playground: Abby, Eva, Olivia.

Thanks for a fun, and unforgettable trip everyone! We had a blast!!

Lake Powell 2012

We went to Lake Powell with Tyler's family again this year, and it was so much fun!! His parents have a houseboat, and it is most definitely the way to go! We had such a great time, and and the kids LOVED being there!! (disclaimer: there are A LOT of pictures!)

We found the most perfect place to camp for the week. We blocked off a fabulous cove with a great beach for the kids! It couldn't have been more perfect.

 Thayne and Jordan brought their paddle boards, which we might have to invest in. My kids LOVED them! They all did really good balancing on them. Abby was the best, and she couldn't get enough!

 Jake and Brighton having fun on the beach.

 Riley and Kaden getting ready to cliff jump. It was only about 8 feet, but perfect for all the kids!

 Jacob LOVES going on Grandpa's kid-ski. He is the king of tricks. Here he is doing "no hands"

 Me Surfing. It is seriously so fun!!

 Jake was getting bored waiting for everyone to get back in the boat so he could have a turn on the tube

 Riley learned to wake board this trip. He did SO good! It is fun to see the kids love being behind the boat.

 Ty jumping off the houseboat

 Grandma Becky took all of the kids on a nature walk.

 I think you will be safe in the water Tyler!

 Happy Birthday Grandma!! We celebrated Becky's birthday at Lake Powell.

 Jordan's friend Caleb brought some Chinese lanterns. We lit them and let them off the top of the houseboat. It looked like the scene in Tangled.

 Bathtime!! Abby and Avery so needed to get their hair washed. They chose to go down the slide to wash out all of the shampoo.

 Kaden, Riley, Abby, Garrett, Camri, Avery loving the front of the boat.

 Riley and Garrett

 Grandpa Dallan took all of the girls on a leisurely boat ride

 Me and Abby exploring ont he paddle boards

 Camri and Abby

 We Love Lake Powell!!

I think the best part of the trip was that our good friends, the Beutlers kept Meili for us! They were so generous, and took such great care of her. Thanks you guys!!  Also, thanks Dallan & Becky, and EVERYONE else that was there for a great trip!! We love our family!

Happy 4th of July

We had a great 4th of July!! It was so nice and relaxing! We had a fun, lazy morning, then headed to my parents to for the afternoon. The kids had tons of fun swimming with all of their cousins.  We went to Tyler's Grandma's house for her birthday bbq, then to Jordan High to watch fireworks with friends. 

Not sure why the pictures got inner-mixed. Oh well. We had a great day/night! Happy 4th of July!

Big night at the races!

Tonight we had our Pine Wood Derby! Riley did great, getting 2nd place overall! He was thrilled with his car, so it turned out really fun. 

 Tyler and Greg were doing the fine-tuning right before the race. What great dads!!

 Riley has been working hard on his requirements, and earned his Bear, and Religious knot award, which is part of the Faith in God program from Primary. Way to go bud!

 Jake took his Pine wood derby car that Riley made him for Christmas. He raced it with all the scouts, and he did so good! His car was actually in the top 4, but he gave up his spot so one of the real scouts could compete. He did win the "Banana Boat" race though. The kids tied bananas on top of older cars and raced them down the track. Jake was thrilled to get a real trophy for that!

We have a great Scout Master, and excellent leaders that go above and beyond for these boys! Thanks for making it a great night! Great job to all of the scouts!

Look who's ONE!!

I can hardly believe my little baby girl is already one! This past year has flown by! Meili has been the BEST baby ever, and I can't imagine my life without her! We had Grandma's and Grandpa's over tonight for a little party for her!

Mei loved all of her fun presents! She is not walking yet. However, she did take a couple of steps on her own today! Yahoo! I really am not sure if I am ready for her to be walking yet. She did get a walker to practice with, and a darling little Minnie Mouse car to drive around. She loves her stacker cups, and her other fun toys that light up.

Meili is learning signs to communicate. The ones she is best at are: Water, more, all done, ball, leading music, and Touchdown!. Yes. That is very important!

I love you Meili! You light up the room whenever you are around. You always make everyone smile, and feel good inside with your hugs and kisses. You are such a sweetie, and will always have a special place in my heart!! We love you baby girl!! Happy 1st Birthday!!!

Made from where?

This morning Jake came running in from playing outside. This was our conversation:
Jake: Mom, there is a hornet out there, and he is trying to sting me!
Me: Did you tell him to leave you alone?
Jake: No! He can't understand me
Me: Why not?
Jake: Because he is from China! Everything is made from China, even bees!

All in a day..

Meili is SO full of life lately!! I guess I should say that she is SO INTO EVERYTHING!! She most certainly keeps me on my toes. I can't turn around for even a second without her getting into some sort of trouble.  Tonight the big kids had chocolate-dipped strawberries. Meili got a hold of the chocolate bowl, and went to town. I think she was in baby girl heaven!

 She has been loving the warm weather outside, and helping me in the yard. Needless to say, she eats more dirt than anything else.

I left the fridge open for one second after dinner, and what did she find? The snow-cone juice. The lid was closed, but you would think that she was guzzling it. 

 Where is Meili's favorite place to play? In the appliance cupboard of course! I don't know how many times a day I have to put everything back in its proper place. Will I ever learn?

 Of course she thinks it's funny when I tell her "No, No!"

Even though she keeps me on my toes, I couldn't ask for a sweeter, cuter, funnier little baby girl!!