California

We just got back from a trip to California to visit Grammy Trish and Grampy Mike. Uncle Eric flew to Salt Lake to drive with me and the kids to California, because Dave was flying in on a later day. We had so much fun. We went swimming in Grammy and Grampy's pool almost everyday. I can't believe the progress the kids are making in swimming. Mason is swimming with arms and can take a breath and keep going. Ellie is jumping from the side by herself and has the most amazing, natural kick. Cassidy is extremely comfortable in the water and at 2 years old had no problem jumping from the side, putting her face all the way under the water and saying to me "watch me" instead of helping her.

We visited the Little Farm at Tilden Park and fed some animals. We visited with Great Grandma Curtis and Great Grandma and Grandpa Fotheringham. Grampy Mike was going to a baptism, so Mason, Ellie and I went along for the experience. Mason and Ellie had never been to a baptism before, so I thought it would be good for them to see what one is like. Mason will be 8 in just over a year. It was at the Interstake Center in Oakland which is next to the Oakland Temple. We walked around and enjoyed the temple grounds.

While we were there, Mason lost his 5th tooth. He now has a huge gap in front. This one fell out all on its own while Mason was eating a snack.We had a belated birthday party for Aunt Brooke and played the guitar and the piano. Eric took Mason and Ellie on a hike with their new camelbacks that Eric bought for them. We visited the beach, rode in Grampy's truck, did cool science projects with Grampy and Eric and Brooke took Mason and Ellie to see a movie in the theater. They got popcorn and a drink!

We are so happy for the fun times we have on our visits. It's always hard to get back into normal life, but we are looking forward to our next visit.

4th of July

We had a very fun 4th of July. We started out the day by making a few crafts and drawing fireworks with chalk. We had planned to go up to Park City to visit with Grandma Nancy and Papa Steve at their rental cabin. The fireworks had been canceled in Park City because of all the wildfires that have been going on around here. My kids LOVE fireworks, so when I told them that, they were very disappointed. I ultimately decided that we would go up to the cabin for dinner, then we could drive back to our house and watch the fireworks here. 

About 3 hours before we were suppose to leave, we noticed that our van had a flat tire. Dave put the spare on and we were going to take it to a shop, but soon found out that everywhere was closed for the holiday. I told the kids we couldn't drive up to Park City on a spare tire. Again, they were very disappointed. We finally took the van to Wal-mart, which was open, and they were able to fix the flat. However, they couldn't get the spare off because of a stripped lugnut and they didn't have the tool to be able to fix it. So, we had a fixed tire, but we couldn't get it on our car. 

Dave and I couldn't stand the disappointed look on our children's faces, so we came up with a new plan. Dave had to work that day (boo!) so we ended up squeezing into his 4-door sedan with 3 tightly fitting carseats in the back. We drove Dave to work, then went up to the cabin. We had a great time up there and ate a yummy dinner. While we were there, Dave was asking around work for suggestions on places to watch fireworks in Salt Lake. That way I wouldn't have to drive up to our house, then back down to pick Dave up from work. Finally, we decided to go to Tanner Park. It was easy to get to and had a great view of the firework show. After, we picked up Dave and drove back home. We were able to see fireworks on all sides of us as we drove home. It was a crazy day, but the kids definitely had a fun 4th of July. 

 The star headbands we made. Beautiful girls!

 Mason didn't want a headband, so he made a flag.

Eating patriotic cookies

 Ellie enjoying her cookie

 Fireworks with chalk

Waiting for the show

Mason and Cade

Cassidy waiting for the fun

 Grandma and Papa with the grandkids

 Cassidy LOVED the fireworks. She was sitting on Papa's lap and she didn't stop talking the whole time. She was even trying to reach the fireworks, but she wasn't quite close enough. 

 Mason took this picture. Pretty good!

I thought Cassidy was playing a little TOO quietly...

Firework Cookies

We made these last year with Aunt Meggie. 

It was such a cool idea, we did them again!

Toothless Cousins

Mason (6) lost his tooth a couple weeks ago. Connor (3) lost his awhile back because it got knocked out. It's so funny to see them with the same hole in their mouths!