The Bad and the Good

Oliver just loved Bapa's magic tricks

 And just when things were really getting fun, Ethan got sick.  Then I puked.  And then Oliver puked.  Then Cooper.  One day after another.  And it went through my parents and almost all the cousins and grown-ups too.  Madeline miraculously didn't get sick.  But just about everyone else did.  The weird thing was that it was a very short bug.  Lasting less than a day.  So we somehow managed to do just about everything we had planned anyway.  Horrible, but it could have been much worse.  And we still had fun despite it all.

 Sunday cousin buddies

 Recovering Cooper

 Being silly

 Fun at Seven Peaks!

 Sam and Todd took the older kids to Getout Games.  It was Ethan's favorite part of the summer.

 Lehi Fun Center (these three girls are so cute!) I think it's funny that we never had a pass of all passes when we lived in Utah, but this year we finally bought one.  It was totally worth it!

 Cooper and Ryder

Oliver LOVED this plane ride!

Lucas and Ethan

Our Trip to Utah!

Well, what can I say?!?!  Our trip to Utah this summer was full of ups and downs but I just absolutely loved it.  Being there just feels so comfortable and familiar.  And being with family and friends was just what I needed.

The drive to Utah was nothing short of a blessing.  A miracle really.  It was our first attempt to make the 15 hour drive in one day.  Raelynn flew up for my birthday just to drive me and the kids down and it was amazing how well it went.  Everyone was happy the whole day!  Everything just worked out really well.  We hardly stopped at all and ended up getting there in 14 hours!  I was stunned.  I was completely surprised.  And completely grateful.  It seriously hadn't even seemed like a long day at all.  Not even hard really.  I can't say with confidence that that will ever happen again, but it sure was lovely.  My favorite part was singing with Raelynn.  And the jelly bean sucking contests. 

 Our first day in Utah, I had the privilege of going to see Laura and Dave be sealed in the temple.  Live sealings are my favorite thing to witness.  I can think of nothing I actually enjoy more.  It was a beautiful evening.  And I enjoyed spending it with my dad who came with me to Brigham City.

 Our girls outing was another highlight.  I went on a shopping spree with my birthday money and had a grand time.  Shopping with these ladies is the best!!!

 Poptart buddies

 FRIENDS!!  These friends couldn't get enough of each other.  Oh man, it hurts to not have such wonderful friends next door anymore.

 Sunday Morning with Mimi

 One adventure while in Utah was our trip to The Fairy Garden.  It's far into the woods in Kamas, Utah.  Quite a drive, but worth it!  It was a strange magical place filled with little fairy houses and painted rocks.  The kids loved it.

 my fairy:

 What his shirt says!

 I realize now that in my pictures you can't actually tell how cool this place was.  I guess you'd have to go and see it for yourself to know.

 Cooper loved painting whatever rocks he wanted too and was very happy with his work.  :)

 The girls made these darling fairy rocks girls.  They are both so creative.  I love seeing them together.

My Birthday

I just might be 34 now.  Hmmm, I think I'm okay with that.  Ask me again next year though!

 And just look at the birthday present I got!!!

 The day was great.  I was loved and spoiled and happy and surrounded by the best people.

 And my hubby gave me money for shopping in Utah.  And he loves me so much.  And look how cute he is.  I'm blessed to have him.

 And my cake was...the most delicious disaster I've ever made!  Three layers of lemon cake, filled with raspberry lime curd and topped with raspberry frosting.  The top started cracking and the whole thing just fell apart.  I think I put too much curd and the layers weren't level, but I am not sorry for the amount of curd because it was the best part!  I held the cake together with wax paper wrapped around it in the fridge and unwrapped it just before eating.  It looked like a mess and was THE MOST AMAZING mess.  I may or may not be in love with the raspberry lime curd I made.  Okay fine, I'll level my cakes next time.  Lol!

Thanks for all the love and birthday wishes.

Cousin Fun

Look who came to visit me?!?!  I was so excited to find out that my brother and his family would make it up to our little part of the world this summer.  Emily's family had a family reunion in Portland and that was enough to make it possible.  It was really short, but we packed in the fun and it really was a blast!

 The kids hit it off in a matter of about 2 seconds.  Playing together in pairs like it was meant to be.  Madeline and Alex did a puppet show, played for hours, did crafts, and had many conversations we weren't invited to!

 Cooper and Ryder got along really well too, even though Ryder is 2 1/2 years older than Cooper.  They played construction, cars, and a various assortment of adventure games with chain saws and such.

 Ethan and Lucas also were like two peas in a pod.  They spent one afternoon doing a series of trick shots throughout the house.

 And Oliver...well, he didn't have a buddy but he didn't seem to mind.  In fact, he was quite pleased to not have any siblings bugging him.  :)

Sunday afternoon, we went to Sehome Hill Arboretum.
Madeline jumping in the tunnel

 Monday we had Lynden Dutch Bakery for breakfast and then headed to Blaine for the morning.

 After a pizza lunch, Oliver took a nap and five us went out berry picking.  It was really really fun.  And the raspberries are AMAZING!!

 I made jam immediately upon getting home.  YUM!!  Then we went to a BBQ where the kids had a blast on this awesome airplane teeter-totter.  The food and company was great.

 Then we went out for ice cream.  I'm not sure if any of us were hungry, but when you only have a couple days, you just pack it in anyway.  And besides, I'm not sure I can say no to fudgy-wudgy!

Next up, we just had to wait until it got dark for Eric's amazing firework display.  I'm so glad he came and did fireworks for me.  Otherwise I would have missed seeing fireworks all together.

 The fireworks were awesome and I had fun snuggling with Cooper and covering his ears.  He just loved them.  He kept doing his really loud thrilled laugh of delight.

 When morning came, we were all sad that it was time to say goodbye.  Two days just wasn't enough!  And yet it was perfect.  I'm still so happy that these kiddos got along so well.  Cousins are the best.

 One big group selfie and then goodbye

Eric, Emily, Lucas, Alex, Ryder...I'm so glad you came.  It sure was fun!

Seattle Day Trip 3

By the third day trip to Seattle, the car trip was getting a little harder for the kids, but we survived.  It was still way better for us than staying in Seattle.  Sleeping at home made all of us happy!

 We spent most of the day at The Pacific Science Center.  These kind of places drive me crazy, but the kids had a blast.  Funny mirrors:

 Waiting for the 3D IMAX.  I'm not sure it was a favorite for Cooper or Oliver, but I thought it was interesting.

 Oliver liked the dinosaur section a lot.

 Papers in the wind tunnel

 Hurricane winds

 Madeline's dreams came true in the butterfly garden when a butterfly landed on her shoulder.  I couldn't take a picture fast enough, but it sure made her happy!

 After the science center, we headed over to the Space Needle.  How can you tour Seattle without going there?!

 It was cool to be at the top.  I liked all the views.  I think it would be amazing at night.

 And here we are.  Daycation Week 2017!  I love these people.  We had a fun time together adventuring!