Firework Extravaganza!

We headed back over to Fillmore once more last night to watch the big firework show! It was quite pleasant weather since it wasn't so hot. In fact, I wore a light sweater once the fireworks started. It was fun to have most of the grandkids together to play and hang out. They had a blast together! Here is Grandma and Papa Bear with all the little ones!
Back row: Aria, Kaylee, Gma, McCall, and Papa Bear. Front row: Mason, Makenna, Savannah, Austyn, Ian, and Carson.
We had a HUGE group of us. Kelly & Jerid had to run to the store and get batteries so they weren't in the picture, and of course, myself since I was taking the picture.
Kaylee had so much fun playing with this stroller last night. At one point, Carson and Austyn were pushing Kaylee around playing 'mom & dad'. It was so cute!!! It kept all the kids entertained while they waited for the fireworks to start.

It is a rare occasion that all of Nick's siblings get together at the same time in the same place. So we tried to get a picture of them....but sometimes they can be a little silly when they all get together.....

What a fun filled day we had yesterday....we played so hard, that by the time we hit the freeway to head back to Holden, both Carson and Kaylee were asleep. I can only imagine how much more fun holiday's like this will become as the kids get older!

Independance Day

The day we celebrate freedom....is a GREAT DAY! I can't even imagine what life would be like if I didn't live in America. We have so many things to be thankful for and our freedom is a big one. To celebrate the Fourth of July this year we are playing in Holden, which is what we have done for several years now. They have a a great freedom fest in Fillmore on Friday and Saturday. So last night we headed over for the annual children's bike parade. Unfortunately we missed it by 1/2 hour, so we ended up eating some yummy hamburgers and hot dogs instead! Kaylee loved the corn on the cob, which her and our cousin Savanah had a blast sharing!

We also enjoyed some slushies....

I don't think the kids were too disappointed missing the bike parade, since they still got to ride their bikes there! Here is Savannah, Carson and Austyn.....they play so well together!

Of course, what is a celebration with out some bounce houses and other fun activities for the kids. Grandma Karen spoiled the kids with passes to go on EVERY ride and activity at the park. So last night they tackled the slide and the bounce houses. They had a blast!!

We had a lot of fun last night and stayed up way past our bed time playing....but it was worth it!

This morning, we got up early and headed over to Fillmore for the Freedom Mile race, which his held before the parade starts. Nick ran with the kids in the stroller and Makenna, our 11 yr old niece, and I also ran in the race. I kinda like the one mile races more than the 5k's...definitely faster and shorter!! Makenna and I both got a ribbon...I took second place in my division and Makenna took 4th in hers. I was so proud of Nick for being willing to go and do the race with me! I think he enjoyed it...and if not, I know our kids did! Everyone got a kick from the children's music they were listening too on the ipod as they rode in the stroller during the race. They were a big hit! After the race, I ran BACK to the first of the race to pick our van back up....so I definitely got my workout in for the day!

We watched the parade....got lots of candy....and soaked up the HOT HOT sun!! Kaylee loved the otter pops that we got from the floats....it definitely helped her stay cool!

Once we were done watching the parade, it was back to the park to finish playing. They got their faces painted....

Rode on the train....

And got fun balloons.....this is Kaylee's flower! Carson got a green giraffe!

We finally decided to go home and have some lunch...take naps...play in the water with our cousins...and get ready for the big fireworks tonight!! Last night, while we were at the park with my sis-in-law, Kelly, she showed me some stuff on my camera...and I was so grateful. She is an amazing photographer and she was so nice to give me some pointers and advice, so I took some pictures of last night, that I want to work on and photoshop and post later. So I can't wait to see how they turn out! So while we are chillin' at gma's house....I am going to play on my computer. It is definitely a lot of fun seeing Carson and Kaylee play with their cousins and spend time with family. It reminds me of the fun things I did as a kid growing up. I know they are all making great memories!

Carson's Soccer Party

Today after swim lessons, visiting teaching, and lunch we headed to Hogan Park for Carson's soccer team party. I was his coach this year and it was really fun putting together a fun little party for all the little boys. We ate ice cream and cookies, which was interesting since it was so HOT and the ice cream was pretty soft by the time we ate it! So it was a little messy, but fun! All the boys got medals and awards. Carson got the 'Team Titan' award for his great teamwork! Other awards that were handed out included: Goal Gladiator, Killer Kicker, Dynamite Defender, and Awesome Athlete.
I loved being his coach! He is such a super kid and always makes me smile! I love you buddy!

I also wanted to post a picture of my newest find: A road bike! For quite a long time I have been telling Nick I want to do a triathlon. I saw a poster at the rec center the other day for the Bountiful Triathlon, so I went online and read more about it. It is a 3 mile run, 10 mile bike, and 350 yard swim. I got so excited since that is something that sounded challenging yet obtainable. It is 6 weeks away, which would give me some time to train and find a bike, since I didn't have a road bike. I thought maybe I could borrow one, but that wasn't as easy as I thought, and to rent one is expensive and to just go buy a new one is not even possible. So...ksl classifieds is were I turned. And for hardly anything, I found this PURPLE ladies road bike. It works great and has new tires. It is an older style bike, but it is in great condition, and I loved the color! :) Nick and I borrowed a bike trailer for the kids and went for a ride, and boy it was a blast! I really think we are going to like riding bikes as a family. Especially since Carson is now SUPER fantastic on his bike with no training wheels. I am mostly excited to change up my exercise routine and keep it fresh so I don't get bored and can keep motivated to stay in shape. I am going to go swim laps tonight, which should be fun since it has been awhile since I have swam. Wish me luck!!

Our busy week...

Yes, we had a VERY busy week! On Monday, Carson started swimming lessons at the rec center in Bountiful. He is in Level 2, since he took lessons last year. He dived right into the lessons with tons of excitement this year. Last year it took him a few days to get the concept of swimming lessons, but this year he was much different. There are 4 kids in his group and his teacher is Jessica. She is SUPER nice and does a great job! The only thing that makes lessons hard is that they are at 9 AM. So we have to be out of the house by 8:40 to get there in plenty of time. So I woke up at 7 AM every morning so I could work out, do some real estate work, and get the kids out of bed in time to get ready to go. I know to most people, 7 AM isn't that early, but it is still early for us! But I might try and continue getting up before the kids get up, just so I can get more work done, so I don't have to do it while they are awake! On Friday, Nick had the day off, so we both went to Carson's swim lessons, which made it possible for me to REMEMBER to take the camera to take some pictures of Carson swimming. Here are just a few from that day:

On Monday evening, we headed off to Lagoon for a few hours for FHE. We love having our season passes. It makes it easy to go for just a few hours and then leave and not feel like we are wasting our money.

Tuesday, after swim lessons and lunch, the kids and I headed up to Ogden to go to a baby shower for Aunt Nana. It was fun to see the cute things she got and to spend time with them. On Wednesday, things had dried up long enough for us to finally plant the bushes and plants in our new beds in the front yard. Nick has done a great job! Now we just need to wait for them to grow a bit bigger and fill up the bush beds!

Carson, like normal, was the biggest helper with our bushes. He loved to water them after they were planted...and sometimes BEFORE they were planted! :)

I think Carson just likes any excuse to play with the water, and Kaylee is the same way. They would both spend hours outside playing in the water and bikes if I let them!

Thursday we went to Lagoon again since Nick got home from work early that day. The highlight of the week though was probably the Father & Son's campout that our ward had on Friday night. Nick and Carson got all packed up and were both excited to head to the Monte Cristo campground for a night of good old camping...tent and all!! Our good friends Ike and Luke rode up with Nick and Carson to the campout. I think both of the little boys were super excited to go! This is them getting all packed up before they left.

I gave Nick a camera to take with him and asked him to at least take a few pictures, but in case he didn't I made them take this picture before they all left.

I was impressed that he actually took some pictures. It was fun to see what was on the camera. He only had the camera out for a bit, but it was better than nothing. They got up to the camp by 8, and got the tent set up and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. They used fudge graham cookies to make their smore's, which is pretty clever! This morning, after breakfast, they launch water rockets. Carson had a blast with it! He was super quick to refill the bottles once they had been launched, and from what Nick said, Carson launched more rockets than anyone else up there!

Nick also said they got a pretty good spot for their tent. If you look close you can see Carson's little chair outside the door! So Cute! Carson slept pretty good last night, once he climbed into the sleeping bag with Nick!
They got home today right after lunch time. Kaylee and I met them up at the Yospe's as they were unpacking, and when Carson saw us walking up the street, he ran all the way down and gave me a BIG hug! (I think he might of missed me a bit!) So where was I last night?? Well, since a few of us gals in the ward didn't have husbands we got together for dinner, worked on some photoshop, and just hung out and ate yummy grapes and 7 layer dip! We all had our little babies with us, but put them all to bed early, but by midnight I left to go to bed, but I guess the other girls stayed up until 3 AM! I guess they were having too much fun! Thanks again Jana and Ashley for the fun! It was so nice though this morning....after getting up so early all week, I slept in until almost 9, since Kaylee didn't wake up until then. It felt SO good!!! Speaking of Kaylee....I just have to share this cute picture of her. She is finally getting hair thick enough, that I was able to get this bow clipped in her hair. As long as she doesn't pull it out herself, it stays put pretty well! Soon she may have enough hair for a pony tail!

Tonight, we dropped our kids off with Matt & Nat, and went to dinner for a date night. It was fun but I ate WAY too much food. Darn that Texas Roadhouse for having such yummy food! Well, that was our week! Busy, but very FUN!!! I am glad tomorrow is Sunday, the day of rest!

Happy Father's Day!

We have already had such a fun father's day today! Carson and Kaylee gave Nick the necklace we made and the pictures they colored. He really liked them. We made him wear his necklace to church this morning and I think he thought that was pretty funny, but he did. He wore it the whole time. Halfway through sacrament meeting Carson asked for a piece of candy, so Nick gave him one. I am surprised it stayed in tact through out the rest of the meetings. The primary sang in sacrament meeting, and Carson was such a cutie up on the stand. He didn't sing, but he stood there and smiled. It was still really fun to watch! I took a picture of Nick and the kids before we left for church this morning. Aren't they all adorable?!?!
Here is a close up of what we put on his necklace. We traced Carson's hand on one side and Kaylee's hand on the other. Carson was a big helper putting the letters on the paper. They are the rub on's that I use for scrapbooking, and Carson thought it was so fun to use the popsicle sticks to rub them on. He did a great job!

When we got home from church, Caron said he wanted a cold hot dog for lunch, so that is what he had. But before he ate it, he got really silly and instead of using his straw for his capri sun, he used it with his hot dog!! It made me laugh so I had to take some pictures! He always does things that make me smile!

I want to wish all the dads a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Especially to my dad, who has been such a wonderful man and great example to me and my siblings. I love you SO much!! And of course to Nicholas for being a great day to our children and for all that he does for our family! Thank you SOOOO much!!!

Pet rocks, plants, and reunion!!

Wow...it has been a crazy week! I have a few things I wanted to post about tonight. First, while I was gone to Reno with my FANTASTIC sisters last week....my wonderful parents watched our kids for us! My mom is very creative and did a few projects with the grand kids. One of them was making pet rocks!! Clever don't you think? They are Carson's new pets....and have made a new home on his dresser in his room. I just had to share pictures of his creations!!!

Second....the progress being made in our front yard. Nick took Thursday off so he could take my parents to the airport at 5 AM...(since that is sleeping in for him) and then we spent the rest of the day getting top soil to fill in our bush beds and figuring out where to put the plants. I also really wanted to get a weeping pussy willow tree. I have seen a few in our neighborhood and really liked how they looked, so we also decided to add one of them to the front yard. So by Friday we had all the dirt spread out, and Nick and Ryan planted the new tree. Carson had a blast helping with the hole digging, and before we got the tree set into place Carson and his friends Brendon and Jaden had found a new hang out.....

Boys are so silly!!! So I will try and post pictures once we get everything planted, but this is how we have things set up so far. It has just been so rainy and it is way to muddy to be planting bushes. So maybe this week it will dry out enough for us to finish it.

Third....My 10 YEAR CLASS REUNION!! Holy Cow!! Ten years??!! Really!! I don't feel old enough to be out of HS for 10 years! We left Friday afternoon to head up to Logan. Matt and Nana were nice enough to watch our kids for us while we attended the reunion. That was twice this last week, since we had gone out to dinner with some friends on Wednesday in Ogden, so they also watched them then. So THANK YOU!! You are so wonderful to always be willing to help with our kids! We got up to Logan by 6, in time for social hour before dinner started. It was fun to walk in and recognize so many people! For some reason I thought people would look totally different...but most still looked the same!! Dinner was great and the company even better. I was surprised on some people who did come....and was surprised that some people DIDN'T come. It was still such a fun night, it was so great to see what everyone was up to and meet their spouses. I was also very surprised on how many people married other people from our class. I didn't realize there were so many couples....17 I think is how many there are. I took my camera to take pictures and was so busy talking, so Nick took the camera. Eventually he took it out to take a picture...and I got three....of just me and my friend Suzette. And the best one is blurry....so I am a bit sad I didn't make that more of a priority to take pictures...but I was just having so much fun talking and reminiscing that I just forgot. So this is A picture of last night's fun!!

I was happy they had name tags...since I am so bad with names!!! Nick and I stayed until the last group of us left, which was about 10:30. We made it back to Ogden around 11:30 and stayed the night at Matt & Nana's. The kids slept so good during the night, and we got up and headed back up to Brigham City around 9:30 the next morning to go swimming. The second part of our class reunion was a family swim party at the BC pool. It is a great pool for kids and has a fun water slide. It is outdoors, so I was a little concerned when I saw all the dark clouds in the sky. But we figured we would head up there anyway and see if anyone else was going to brave the weather. When we showed up there were some families there, and the weather was okay...it wasn't raining, just overcast. So we decided to go ahead and swim too. It was SOOOO fun! We had the pool all to ourselves!!! There was about 10-12 families there. The weather cooperated for the 1 1/2 hours we swam. The sun even came out a few times while we were swimming and as we were leaving it finally started to sprinkle. We met up with two of my HS friends Julie Ackerman and Desi Larsen and their kids and ate at Pizza Hut for lunch. It was just a fantastic day and Reunion! I wish I had more pictures, but I will have the memory! The next class reunion will be our 20 year. So it will be even more fun and interesting to see what happens for everyone during the next 10 years. It was a long weekend though and we were all quite worn out by the time we got home. Kaylee and Carson were watching Shrek on the DVD and Kaylee fell asleep in the funniest position, so I had to take a picture!

We tried putting the kids down for a nap when we got home....but the only one who ended up sleeping was me!! I was SO tired that I was feeling a bit sick, so Nick was nice enough to watch the kids while I took a nap. He is so wonderful that way! He even got dinner started, spaghetti, made a menu for next week, and then went to the store to get groceries. What a guy!! While he was gone to the store, I had the kids color pictures for him for father's day tomorrow, and we made him a cool necklace out of candy and saran wrap for him to wear tomorrow....I will post pictures of that tomorrow!

After dinner I swept the floor and Kaylee insisted she have the broom when I was done. So I gave her the broom and for about 5 minutes she played with it, and then Carson wanted it, but of course she wasn't going to give it to him, so Nick went and got another broom out of the garage and gave it to Carson so he could also sweep. So here were my two adorable children BOTH sweeping the floor...I was such a proud mommy....so I had to take pictures! (Note...Carson had his shirt off, because he didn't want to get spaghetti on it while he ate dinner).

I just love my little family. I sometimes get overwhelmed being a mom, but then we have fun days and moments like this that make me realize how lucky and fortunate I am to have them in my life!!! And I am so grateful for Nick and all that he does being a father and husband. I am happy to celebrate father's day for him tomorrow!!

Camera shy??? Not us!!

My little Kaylee is just a little ham!! And she loves the camera!!! I can ask her to smile and she gives me the biggest cheese! Today I grabbed the camera out to take some pictures of the kids and I asked her to pose and this is what I got....
And you can't forget about Carson. He loves to be silly for the camera.

We had a great day today! We went to park day this morning and after Nick got home we spent most of the evening planning our flower beds. We went to the nursery last night and picked up a bunch of plants and bushes, but now we are trying to figure out exactly how to put it all together. It was perfect weather this evening as we finished up yard work and just played in the dirt!! After giving the kids a bath, I started to fold towels, and of course Carson jumped right in to help me. I had taught him awhile back how to fold washcloths, but didn't realize he was actually paying attention until he picked out ALL the washcloths to fold himself. So I sat and watched him to see what he was going to do....and just like it was nothing, he proceeded to fold the washcloths perfectly! So I hurried and grabbed the camera! I just thought it was the cutest thing. I was so proud of him! He really is getting to be the biggest helper! We also cleaned the bathrooms this morning, and he loves to scrub the toilet...and I let him!! I just hope that trend continues as he gets older! Here are some pictures of his washcloth folding skills.