4th of July

We spent the 4th of July at my mom's house, as per tradition. She always puts on a great party. The kids played lots of games and hung out with their cousins while we barbecued and visited. One of the games was catch and release goldfish, and most of them died, but Mason convinced us that he needed to bring home the two that were living as pets. And we gave in. Just as we were about to start our backyard fireworks, Tim took Mason to Walmart to get them some food. He came home about halfway through. The only fireworks that impressed him were the snakes. In fact, those were everyone's favorites, because...

The day before the fourth we really partied. During the day we went with the McLaughlins and Goodyears to the Coates' to swim. Their pool was nice and warm and everyone loved it. They've been good new neighbors. Then we went home and got ready and headed to Logan to watch fireworks with the Larsens.

Becky and Jeron's house is right across the street from the USU stadium where they do a big show every year. Tim and I went to it one year for one of our first dates and I loved it. Loud music and fireworks are two of my favorite things. The band was playing Beach Boys covers which is totally my kind of jam, but Tim hated it.

When we got to their house they had a big blow up slide rented and still set up in their yard so the kids had something fun to do right away. And they all loved it. We snacked and talked and the kids played and then we started the fireworks. First Jeron's brother in law bought a few big ones that we set off in the drive way and that was super exciting. They did a few other driveway fireworks and sparklers before the show started. Then we all sat on the front lawn to watch the city fireworks. It was a really good show, but it was also really late and we had a long drive ahead of us, so I asked Mason if he wanted to go and he said, "I would rather bleed to death!"

I love Independence Day and this one did not disappoint.

May and June

 My birthday. Fun times outside. Baseball and Softball. 

Ava's Preschool Graduation

 Ava sort of loved preschool. She loved seeing friends and she loves learning. I got a couple of comments from her teacher that she was difficult in class and I'm sorry but if you can't appreciate my sweet Ava's spunky personality, it's your loss. She is so full of energy and life, but she is not naughty. She's wonderful. She did a back handspring for her talent in her graduation ceremony and about gave everyone a heart attack because she jumped so high that she over-turned and nearly landed on her head. But it was adorable.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

For a few years I've been wanting to take the kids to the Bird Refuge to see the swans as they migrate. My friend Nicole Watkins told me they take their family every year and that it's something everyone should see. I love birds, so I've been looking forward to it. The Bird Refuge had a swan part thing a few days ago so I called and asked if they would still be there and the lady said they would.

The day was rainy, so even though we had planned to go with Emily she changed her mind and we went just me and the kids. We got there around the time Nana got off work, so we invited her too, but she got stuck behind a train and we couldn't wait. I let the kids explore inside while we were waiting and they were pretty excited about it. As soon as I told them it was time for the drive, Brielle started whining because she just wanted to go to Nana's and paint some dresser knobs.

She continued her whining for the 12 mile drive out to where the car tour starts. Once we hit the dirt road I let everyone take off their seatbelts and move around so they could get a better view. I told her to try to have a good attitude and it would make everything more fun. About 5 minutes later she told me, "Your right! It is a lot more fun when you try to have fun!" Haha, that kid.

Even though there weren't a lot of birds, mostly pelicans and sea gulls (there were a few swans too far away to see) the kids really liked it. I want to go again next year when we can actually see the swans and maybe bring some binoculars.

Afterward we went to Nana's and let the kids paint while we looked at fabric samples for the nightwear business we're trying to start.

Days like today when I get to watch my sweet little kids learn and chat and have fun are so special. It is killing me lately how fast they're growing up. I am trying so hard to just enjoy each new stage, but I love this one. I never want it to end.

February Fun