Sunday Activities

We had a very nice Sunday. Everyone went to Justin & Tiffany's house for dinner.

All the kiddos sat outside in different areas all over the backyard. These 3 boys have been getting along so nicely. It's been fun spending time with all our "Oregon" cousins.

The "big" kids.

The "smaller" kids.

Before we went to the dinner we spent a few peaceful areas at home after church. The Bishop (Damian) had asked everyone to go home and right a letter. We chose to write to Grandma and Papa. I was surprised at how much they enjoyed this. Maybe we need to write more often.

S spent some time playing all by himself. He has always enjoyed a little personal quiet time. I think it's good for him. He has so much energy all the time, and I think this is a way for hime to relax and unwind. I think I need a little more personal quiet time for myself!

These two cuties played house upstairs for a long time.

Sarah and Ben writing their letter. I love Ben, he is such a sweet, cute little guy!

The kids have really enjoyed making friendship bracelets. they have quite a few made and there is always string all over the house. Everyone seems to be getting along and having a great time. I only wish my sweet hubby was able to come with us. Darn work!

4th of July Celebrations!

On Friday we had our first celebration. We went over to the Ashton's and roasted some hot dogs in their fun new fire pit. The cousins had such a great time together.

After we ate, the girls made super cute hair flowers, and the boys ran around being boys.

Once it was dark, the fireworks show began. They had a big turnout from all their friends and neighbors. There was yummy food and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

T and Josh got to help light some of the fireworks, which they thought was pretty darn cool!

After the "Ashton Stadium of Fire" was over, the kids had some fun with sparklers. J got burnt on the ear, which wasn't too fun. But other than that the night was a huge success!

Some more sparkler fun!

Then, Saturday we drove to Oregon and made it there in time for another fireworks show!
Once again there were lots of people there and there was lots of fun to be had!

Tonight we let the kids do more sparklers, since today is the actual 4th of July!

Oregon!

After 13 hours of traveling, we made it to Oregon!

This week is going to be so much fun, can't wait.

In Full Swing

Like every summer, we've been going to A LOT of baseball games.

T was on the Reds again this year.

J wanted to play this year. She was pretty darn cute. Her team was the Jawbreakers.

S was up and down all season. Towards the end I think he really started to enjoy it. He was on the Indians and they took first in the league so it's off to state at the end of the month!

Eclipse

Saw it, loved it!!

Museum, Movie, and Ice Cream!

We did several activites yesterday. First we met up with Eliza and Rachel (two more cousins) and started our fun at the Bean Museum. Some of the kids had been there, some hadn't, so it was a fun time for everyone!

This is the size of an elephant footprint.

We tried to see how many feet we could fit inside it. I think we had 7!

We always need a group photo!

After the museum, we headed to the dollar theatre. We saw Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief. I thought it was pretty good. There were a few "scarier" parts that some of the kids weren't too sure of. Me and 10 kids and the movies, always a party!

After the movies, we went back to BYU for some ice cream! The ice cream there is super yummy! My cousins' parents live in Provo and Eliza and Rachel have been staying there. They met up with us for the ice cream, which they actually treated everyone to. They are both so nice. It's been fun getting to know them a little better. Then, after all that excitement we headed to the park for a baseball game. What a day!

Grotto Trail and Treats in the Park for FHE

On Monday some of our cute cousins came from Oregon to stay with us for the week. That night we headed up the canyon for FHE with some friends for a hike. The weather was perfect. DH looks a little silly in this picture because he was munching on some sunflower seeds. But, oh well!

M heading up the side of the mountain.

These cute girls have their birthdays only 1 day apart from each other.

T and Josh in the freezing waterfall!

M & M

My crazy guy:)

I thought this picture was so cute of M!

After the hike we drove to a park for some more running around and for some treats!

The boys enjoying some cupcakes!

We are so excited to be able to spend some time with our cousins.

It's going to be a great week!!

From Father's Day

On Father's Day they did this fun activity, which is very similar to the one they did on Mother's Day. I thought the Dads were way funnier than the Moms!

The kids did a pretty good job at guessing who all the dads were.
What a fun Father's Day idea!!

Shadow Mountain and Ward Campout in pictures

On Thursday M headed out for Shadow Mountain.

She was so excited to go!

She had some friends who were going to. They had a great time. M had a lot of fun stories to share when she got back. It's kind of weird sending your kids off like that, but she really enjoyed herself and I'm glad she got the opportunity to go and learn new things.

While she was at Shadow Mountain, we headed up the canyon for our ward campout on Friday.
There is always a lot of fun to be had there. Randy took a lot of the kids on motorcycle rides!


J had a fun time, even though the bottom of her shoes melted.


T and some of his buddies built this teepee across the stream.

S found a guitar and tried to play.

We have some talented people in our ward, and were lucky enough to hear them sing. Then, one of the men played songs and we all sang around the campfire.

Sophie kept herself entertained with DH! It was super cute.

The Talbots were the smores makers for the second year in a row.

This is S after he "accidentally" fell in the pond. I love this kid, he "accidentally" falls in every year. I've learned to pack him plenty of extra clothes and shoes for this very reason. He just can't help himself. He sees water and thinks FUN!!!

The girls kept themselves entertained doing this and that.

The men manning the dutch ovens!

The boys had fun catching snakes, building bridges and teepees, hiking, swimming, exploring, and all other things boy!

It's always so much fun when we go on these campouts. We look forward to them every year. This year we had a new exciting thing happen. A couple of my friends and I were talking to another friend who is due in 3 weeks. She was telling us how she wasn't quite ready yet. There were still a few things she needed/wanted to do before the baby. Like finish her basement, go on a trip to Bear Lake next weekend, pack her bags, etc. etc. She is super cute and her first baby came 2 weeks early, but she really thought this one wasn't going to. Then maybe 10-15 minutes later she called me over to her car. When I got there she stepped out from behind her door and told me in a paniced voice that she thought her water had just broken. Sure enough, her pants were soaked through with fluid. So, I ran and got her some towels to put in her car (they weren't planning on staying the night, so they had nothing with them). Then she decided that she wanted to change her clothes. We found her some pajamas to change to and then they were off. She had her baby seven hours after her water broke. A little boy, who doesn't have a name yet, weighing

7 lbs. 1 oz. So, ready or not here he is!!

Flour Tag

Last week I got to go to activity days with M, for a mother/daughter picnic. We ate our lunches and then played flour tag. We got nylons that had been filled with flour and had to tag each other with them. We also played a dodgeball-ish version using our "flour bombs". It was pretty fun. The girls all had a great time, and came home covered in flour!!

7 Peaks Passes

Thanks to Grandma and Papa, the kids and I are able to enjoy many summer days at 7 Peaks!

My kids LOVE it there. We went today with some friends and spent hours enjoying the water. Now we are all a little bit sunkissed! We love having this close by, and it's great to have passes. That way we don't feel like we have to spend the entire day there. We can go for a couple of hours and then come home and do the same thing a few days later. We love it!

First Canning of the Year

Yesterday I canned chicken. I know that sounds gross, but really it isn't. Last year I saw some bottled chicken at my friends' house. At first I didn't know what it even was until I asked. When she told me I thought it sounded yucky. As I got thinking about it I wondered why it would be yucky. I buy canned chicken, so why not do it myself. But, I never did. Then, my friend gave me some to try. It was YUMMY! And, it was so convenient. I told her that one day she would have to show me how to do it. Well that one day was Monday. She brought over some chicken and a pressure cooker. So, yesterday I canned away. I got 19 quarts! That's 19 meals!! It will be so easy, just open a jar and I can make enchiladas, sandwiches, salads, and so much more! I think I will be doing this again when the chicken is on sale, it is totally worth it!

Beat The Parents

We got this game for the kids last Christmas and have only played a few times. They beat us every time. I think the questions must be stacked in favor of the kids!

Witch Doctors!

Loved this dance!!

The girls were SO cute!

Walking

Got up this morning and went walking with my friend, M came along too!

It felt really good to get out and get moving. It was quiet and peaceful.

We were able to enjoy the early morning together before the rest of the world wakes up and things start getting busy. Hopefully we can make this a habit.

Talent Show

The girls did one of their competition dances in the school talent show.

They got together a couple of times to work out some parts.

I thought they did a really good job at rearranging things.

They performed really well! Super cute girls!

Atomic Girls!