Summer Happenings

We've had lots of water fun. We've been to the splash pad a few times. It's so fun to watch the kids have a ball. One time Clark got caught underneath the large bucket and got dumped on pretty good! It scared him but Susie loves it! We also do sprinklers and water guns in the back yard with friends often. One day we went to Pineview and had a blast playing in the lake! 

We like to do crafts on Make it Monday. Here we are working on a paint-by-numbers project. The kids have also had a lot of fun making shapes with the iron-together beads. Not sure what they are called, we got them at Ikea :) 

Clark had a half birthday and we sang to him and made cookies. 2 1/2 time flies! He is getting so big and talking so much. I love this age! He acts like a tough guy and loves to fight and wrestle and play with the big kids. He can hold his own. He loves all things orange. I can't believe he will be a big brother soon. 

For our 10 year anniversary Paul took 2 days off of work. The first day we had a family celebration. The kids wanted to go to the outdoor pool, it's their favorite. The two big kids rode the water slide with Paul about 50 times each. We also went out for lunch and went bowling. It was a fun family day. We bought a little fire pit to roast marshmallows in the backyard for a fun family birthday present. 

The next day Paul and I got to go out the two of us. We went to the the temple and did sealing work, out to dinner, and then saw the new Mission Impossible. 

We went to This is the Place Heritage Park with some friends this week. I forgot how cool that place is! It's the best! They have lots of pioneer activities for kids to do, a train to ride, animals to pet, a park, a splash pad, a huge tepee and a ton more. We didn't get to half of it but we had a great time! 

I got my braces off! The orthodontist told me it would take 2 years but I ended up only needing them for 1 1/2 hurray! So worth the money! It's great to have them off! 

Braden Turns 5!

Braden has been so excited for his birthday. I think he's talked about it almost everyday since his 4th birthday. We were excited to celebrate and have some fun. We started the day with streamers and pancakes and 1 present to open. Then later on Braden and I got to go on a fun lunch date, just the two of us. I asked him some birthday interview questions. 

That evening we had a BBQ with friends in our ward. Braden got to pick who we invited and he loves Paxton. We had hot dogs and hamburgers and watermelon and cake and more. They played in the sprinkler and had a water balloon fight. It was so fun! He had a great day. 

Braden at 5 loves to build legos. Its probably his favorite thing to do. He got more legos for his birthday (the small ones) and he hasn't stopped playing with them since. He likes to color and ride his bike. He favorite show is Wild Kratts. He loves pickles and popcorn and cucumbers with ranch. He loves to have his back scratched. We love him so much! 

And then there's this kid. He cracks me up! 

Happy Birthday America!

One of the best holidays of the year! We love the 4th of July! We went in with some friends and bought a bunch of fireworks we could do in the street. They were AWESOME! We played with them the day before the 4th. It was the best time! 

We had to wake the kids up to make it to the parade the next morning. We love small town parades. We got way too much salt water taffy. It's delicious but I'm pretty sure we have more candy than we got on Halloween. 

Paul loves the tradition of making home made root beer for the 4th. His mom made it every year growing up. He did a great job with it this year, it was delicious! And I don't even like root beer! We had a BBQ with friends and brought some festive treats. The kids played in the water and Braden had about 67 refills of root beer. Don't worry it only has 5 lbs of sugar in it. Oh well, Happy Birthday America! 

SUMMER FUN!

I've said it a million times, summer is the best time of the year. We love the freedom of no school, the fun summer activities, playing in the water, barbecuing, visiting family, and enjoying the warm weather. 

We have a fun summer schedule. We read each day, do a workbook page, and are working on states and bones this summer. We do chores and academics in the morning.. 

 Then we have some fun. Sometimes I remember a picture and sometimes I don't. I think we had a similar schedule last year..

Make it Mondays

Take a Trip Tuesdays 

Water Wednesday

Thoughtful Thursday

and Fun Friday

Susanna and Braden had two weeks of swim lessons and did a great job. Susie especially, learned some great new skills. After years of lessons she is finally able to swim on her own! We took the kids to the outdoor pool yesterday and it is so fun to watch her swim all by herself. Braden was in a class with a few of his friends from church so that was fun for him. 

 The kids and I took a trip to Cedar City to spend the week with Grandma Suzy. We had a great time. We look forward to the Canyon Park every summer. The kids had a blast and Clark was big enough this year that I didn't have to hold onto him the whole time. 

We made 4th of July shirts, played with planes, popped popcorn, played games, and had lots of treats. We also went to the little reservoir and played in the water. 

We got home in time for the tail end of Syracuse Days. Just down our street they have games and a carnival and fun programs all week. We let the kids pick one ride each and went to the Princess Show that my friend Camille was in. 

We had a fun BBQ with friends. Come to find out, Clark loves ribs!