Family Fun

WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES!

I mentioned in the previous post that we had a lot of family in town and we LOVE it when they come to see Nana and Papa - cause we get to see them too! 

Hanging out at the Creamery on 9th

Celebrating Ethan and Danny's birthdays together.

Ben and Jenny's family went to Aspen Grove for a week so we took advantage of the opportunity to go as guests for a day.  I took the 4 boys and they all LOVED it.  I'm really hoping that we get to go for a full week in the future.  There were fun activities for every age including the adults!  Ben and I climbed the ropes course together.  The little boys did a smaller wall next to it.  This is the exact point where Skyler discovered he LOVES to climb.  He just LOVED this!

This was an adult slip-n-slide, and Ben and I did this!  It was crazy fun.  When Cole saw it as he was finishing with his age group activities - he quickly changed into his swimsuit to do it.  Unfortunately it started to rain right after this - so it didn't last long for the kids.

We had a date-night - Nana, Papa, Shayne & I, Devri & Brian, and Alisa & Jared.  We did mini-croquet which ended up being HILARIOUSLY fun with this bunch.  I love hanging out with my family!

It was Aunt Lorrie's 90th birthday and she was also in Utah.  So, I decided with my parents to throw a family reunion birthday party for Lorrie.  My dad hadn't seen some of these cousins in decades and it was a great success.  One cousin drove up from AZ for the event!   We begged everyone for a group photo and pulled it off.  I enjoyed seeing all of my cousins as well - I know I don't see them often enough.

Just missing Lara.  :-(

A couple days later, I took the boys up to SLC and was able to visit with Aunt Lorrie a little longer before she left for home in Florida.  Although, I should know better that boys just can't figure out why adults like to sit around and JUST TALK.  Here they are - goofing around while I tried to visit.

My Aunt Lorrie is really a grandma to me - except we call her Aunt Lorrie!  I always enjoy seeing her and spending time with her.  I always wish I had taken more time to ask her all the things I've always wanted to know - about growing up and all of her life experiences.  She's full of amazing stories and quick as a whip.  I love her very much!  I hope I can be as healthy and quick as you when I'm 90 Aunt Lorrie!  

Danny's Baptism

Danny chose to be baptized to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I assumed we would have the family that lives close to us here on this day - but it ended up being extra special because both Ben and Alisa's families were in town that weekend.  We were surrounded by family!  This morning was all about Danny and celebrating his decision.  I worry that my kids are doing this because they are just told to - but several times I would talk with Danny and ask him if he WANTED to be baptized, and he always answered YES.  When I asked him why, he said to follow Jesus' example and to have the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I'm grateful he understands these things and it wasn't something he memorized or just did - he really did think about his choice and I'm so proud of him.  He is really growing up and he is such a kind and gentle soul with a lot of determination to be himself!

(PS I later found out that he's avoiding smiles with his teeth showing since he's missing so many teeth!  Being toothless is definitely the sign of being 8 years old and I'm so surprised he worries about pictures!

Here's Danny with his Great-Grandma June N. We're lucky to have her close to us and she always wants to be with us - especially for these special moments.

Park City

After Maggie passed away, we stuck to our plans to go spend a week in Park City - it's like a Stay-Cation.  Shayne is able to still go in to work and we just played and swam and swam and ate all week long!

Westgate has fun activities for the kids - here is the painting contest

Painting figurines

Went to feed some ducks

Shayne and I got a little biking in too - and got lost for a while this time.  That was fun!

The arcade - which somehow still entertained them even without much change in their pockets.

There were naps too...

We love our time in Park City where is cooler, lots of pool time, and cousins came up for a day too!  

Skyler's Best Friend next door

Anzer and Skyler play together all the time - and late if their parents don't make them go home!  The summer nights are my favorite time of the year and I loved seeing these two outside on the trampoline and hear them giggling and playing "doggie" and "house" until the sun was done and gone for the day.  Anzer's family moved at the end of July and we miss them!  I miss his mom!  I miss these two boys going back and forth between our houses.  I miss hearing them play cars and trucks, house, and always asking for a little snack.  Skyler is a very social kid and has kept busy playing with other friends, but there is definitely a hole in our home now.  Gratefully, they are still in the same state - but it's a long drive to get these two together for their playtime.  I hope they will always be friends!