Happy Fourth of July!

Since the Fourth was on a Monday, we had already come home from our St. George trip because Aaron had to work that day.  The base was having a carnival for the fourth and we thought it would be fun to go. We invited Krystle, Luke and Dan and were ready for a fun night.  Since Aaron was at work, he set up our chairs and shade in a great spot where we would be able to see the fireworks, but it wouldn't be to loud and scare the kids (mostly just Kaylynn). 

There was music, rides for the kids, and lots of food to choose from.  We each brought a cooler full of water and snacks and boy did we need the water.  It was a super hot day, but it felt perfect once the sun finally set.  The kids had a blast playing on the kids structure, riding the rides, and running around.  It was also neat to see where Aaron works since we have never been out to the base since we moved here.   The firework show was amazing and the kids loved it.  Kaylynn didn't mind the fireworks at all and she even fell asleep.  We were able to get off base rather quickly despite the traffic and we could see fireworks go off all over the valley on the ride home.  I know I'm always saying that we are having a blast, but we really did have a lot of fun this summer.  Of course we always have fun with our partners in crime :)!

St. George Trip

Over Fourth of July weekend, we went on our first family trip that wasn't to visit family! We decided it would be fun to go to St. George since it's close and we could easily do a two day trip.  I found  a great deal on this little hotel that came with a free buffet breakfast and it was actually really good!  We drove up in the afternoon so we went to dinner, went swimming and rested up for our day of hiking.  The next day we drove to Zion to spend the day.

Zion was so beautiful and we had so much fun.  We did a morning hike and then had lunch.  We took a tram to another hike and went till these pools and trickling waterfall.  Ashton did an amazing job hiking and Kaylynn thoroughly enjoyed being the queen of Sheba in her chair!  After our two hikes we decided to ride the tram all the way through Zion park.  After we got back to our car, we had to drive through the really long tunnel that goes right through the mountain.  The kids loved the tunnel and couldn't believe how dark it was.

After our exhausting day of hiking and heat, Ashton still had enough energy to go swimming.  We had dinner and happily crawled into bed for a great nights rest.  The last day of our trip we drove through the historic downtown of St. George.  We also stopped by the temple and walked through the visitors center.  It was such a fun trip.  I also drove Aaron by my old house and high school.  I couldn't believe how much St. George has changed in 12 years.  We had a blast and it was a perfect little get away for the weekend.  It's definitely a trip will we have to do again.

 

Swim Lessons

I think Ashton's favorite class of the year (besides school) is swim.  My friend Amber is awesome at teaching swim and Ashton just adores her.  He made such a huge improvement in the two weeks that he worked with her.  Not only is he swimming, but he started learning free style stroke and he learned how to dive.  I was so proud of him.  Its also a huge relief when you know your child can swim.  Pool time is much more relaxing.  Ashton has loved swimming and has been his favorite summer pass time.  I attached a few videos of Ashton swimming.  He does such a good job :)  Way to go Ashton!

Ashton after the first week of lessons in June

Ashton after week two of lessons, end of July