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

Happy 28th Birthday Aaron

At the end of June we celebrate Aaron's 28th Birthday. We LOVE birthdays because its an excuse to get together and eat cake! (Not that we really need an excuse anyways :)).  I made some of Aaron's favorites, red and white sauce spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.  He also wanted his favorite dessert which is yellow cake with chocolate frosting and vanilla ice cream.  When we first got married, I made yellow cake with chocolate frosting because it was the only thing I knew how to make.  Even though my repertoire has expanded greatly, this is still his favorite and I have made it every year for six years.  And who knew he would be like my mom and eat his cake with milk in bowl too.  I find it funny, but it is really yummy.

It was a fun night with good food, good friends, and great laughs.  Kaylynn and Ashton are entertainment all by themselves.  For our family who missed it, we missed you.  Aaron got some wonderful presents and he loved spending his birthday money.  It was  fun day and know that Aaron had a special and great day.  We love you! 



Melissa's Baby Shower

As most of you know, Melissa is basically nine months pregnant with a little boy.  They waited until Derek's birthday this summer to find out if they were having a boy or a girl.  It seriously felt like forever because I am one of those people who has to find out right away and am not good with waiting.  She didn't plan on having a shower, but Krystle and their friend Angela had other plans.  They threw her a fabulous surprise baby shower.  I am amazed they were actually able to keep it a secret and totally surprised her.  They did a great job, the food was great, and Angela's house looked beautiful.  Mel got lots of great goodies and I am sure the best part was just having a lot of her close friends and family around to celebrate.  I don't get to see Melissa as often as I like, so it was great to see her and be a part of this special day with her.  I can't wait to meet her little guy.  Should be any day now :). 

P.S. There are pictures of cupcakes because I made them.  It was my third time decorating cupcakes so I had to take a pictures.  I thought they turned out super cute! :)  But of course, I am biased.

This is also just a small sampling of pictures from the shower, I just included our side of the family because they are usually on my blog anyway.

Fun Hiking Day

Well since the last time we went hiking, it randomly snowed, we of course had to go back and enjoy the cool weather of the mountains.  This trip was especially fun because Krystle and Luke joined us for the hike.  Boo for Dan because he had to work and so he missed out!  I have to say that I was very impressed that the boys made on up the entire hike all by themselves.  Hiking with Kaylynn at this point was hard because we hadn't bought a real hiking backpack and putting her in the infant carrier made it really hard on your back.  But somehow we made it to the top and there was quit a bit of water flowing over the mountain and a huge block of ice.  We hiked Mary Jane Falls which has  small waterfall at the top during certain times of the year.  It is quit a climb up the mountain, but it makes you feel good that you made it.  We saw a guy that was actually running up and down the mountain trail.  I was dying just walking and carrying Kaylynn.  I couldn't imagine running it!  The boys had so much fun chasing each other around, playing, and throwing rocks.  It was a fun afternoon and can't wait to do it again.

After a long day of hiking, what is the best thing you can do?  Take a nap!  After nap time we decided to have dinner together.  Aaron threw some chicken on the BBQ and I made us some yummy sides.  The boys had so much fun playing together all day.  We got out some of pipe cleaners and the boys kept asking me to make shapes and different things for them.  They came up with all sorts of creative things they wanted me to try.  They were seriously entertained for an hour.  Who knew such a cheap craft item would be so entertaining.  The last picture shows a few of the things we made.  They are so cute!

Fooled yah!  This is actually Aaron and Krystle.  We so look so much a like I had to look at it twice!