I Catchded That Mom!

Last week was so crazy! We had something big almost everyday. On Saturday we went up to an amazing cabin behind Jeremy Ranch. It was beautiful! It was in a private canyon with some stocked fishing ponds. Nate threw some worms on the pole and they caught a fish on almost every cast. It was a catch and release kind of day, which made it even better. Nate says I didn't take any pictures of the big fish though- I figured once we got a fish picture that was enough! I loved being up in the mountains and love that it is so close to home. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place! I wish we spent more time enjoying the mountains and this beautiful state.

A Cousin Get-Together

I finally invited all of my cousins over for a little pool day. I have a lot of cousins that live close by and we always talk about getting together. So- I finally planned a day. My grandparents were in town too- so I had my sisters, mom and dad, G&G, aunt and uncle, and 4 of my cousins and their kids. We had so much fun and need to do it more often!

The 24th at Lagoon!

We finally took the kids up to Lagoon for Pioneer Day. We had so much fun- and so did the kids! We spent the first part of the day at the Laguna Beach going down the slides and swimming with the crowds. After we got all cleaned up, and ready to hit the rides, the kids were already exhausted! I wasn't sure how they were going to do for the next 6 hours in the HOT sun waiting in lines for the little kiddie rides. Luckily- they loved it- almost every minute of it. Natalie was thrilled to be riding on the pink boats, and Nick and Mckay loved flying the airplanes.
Nate took the kids on Puff. It was so funny to watch Natalie's face while she was on it. She tried to act like it was fun, but I could tell she was totally freaked out! Before Mckay got in the little cars, he was a litle scared and said "Mom, I don't know how to drive!" I had to tell him that he really didn't have to drive, but that it was on a track. He was a little nervous as it got started, but quickly figured it out. Nate bribed Nick to go on all of the big rides. He was grabbing onto the fence before getting on every ride, but after wards, he loved it. Hopefully he doesn't have horrible memories and fears of big rides now! We tried to sneak out before the crowds and the fireworks, but as we got into the parking lot, we heard the first big BOOM. We watched the whole firework show from the parking lot! Everytime we tried leaving before the end, Natalie threw a fit telling us "it's not over yet!" The finale was amazing and we were glad we stayed! We are thinking of making this a yearly tradition.

When Uncles Come To Play!

My brother Derek called me up to see if he could come play on the waterslide with the kids the other day. Of course I said 'yes!' What is better than free entertainment? Not much-- I do have to say. Uncle Mckie came over too, and the kids were very excited. Derek and Mckie chased them all over the yard, bounced them on the trampoline, and through them on the waterslide for a couple of hours! It really was great. I was thinking it would be great to hire them out for a birthday party or something. I sat back, and just got to enjoy the show. Thanks guys- come play anytime!

Mckay Learns to RIDE!

Mckay learned to ride his 2-wheeler this weekend! He has been so excited about it every morning since. He has had many crashes each day, but it hasn't stopped him. Not even the big fat lip! The first words out of his mouth each day have been "Can I get dressed? I want to ride my bike!" We were out at 7:00 the first morning, and prolonged it to 8:00 the next morning. Today I made him wait until 9:00 to go out and ride. I have to apologize to my neighbors if we woke up their nice children who sleep past 7:00. Way to go Mckay, we are so proud of you!
Now I don't have to buy a double jobbing stroller to go running! He can ride along next to me with Nick and cry as we go up the big hills!! Am I an abusive mother? I figure if I wear them out first thing in the morning, we will all get naps in and have a better day!

Independence Day at the Lake

We went up to the Lake for a whole week this time around and spent Independence Day up there. We were able to be with my side of the family the first half of the week, and Nate's family the second half. It was great to be able to spend time with both sides. The kids loved every second of the beach- which means so did I! Nothing is better than happy, and entertained kids! The beach is perfect here because it is so shallow for so far and we don't have to be too concerned about the kids getting too far away in deep water. As long as I had plenty of snacks, a warm towel, and 3 shovels, they all stayed pretty happy. Nate took Nick fishing on Saturday instead of playing with us on the beach and they had so much fun. Nick told me later that night that he had the most fun he has ever had with his dad- and the longest. It was so cute! They caught 8 fish- Nick was happy they didn't get 'skunked' this time.Each day on the beach, Nat came up to me and wanted her towel wrapped around her so she could lay on the sand and take a nap. She slept for at least an hour each day. We had a good time playing 'Bean Ball', eating raspberry Sundaes, and playing Signs. We love going to the Lake and can't wait for next time!