San Clemente Vacation

This past week we went to San Clemente, CA with the Watts family for a little camping and beach trip fun. This pic was taken our last day after playing hard in the sun and dirt for 5 days so we all look a bit "swarthy" as Kirt says. It was a great trip and the Watts were so fun to be around and the kids really enjoyed hanging out together. Thank you Watts Family :)This post may be a bit long with pictures, but I enjoyed everything so much it was hard to pick favorites. So enjoy scrolling through them, the photos mainly speak for themselves.

Beach Fun!

Dallin and Elaine loved playing in the surf. The last time we took them to a beach Elaine was a baby and Dallin about 3, so it was a new adventure for them.

Just hanging out with the kids. (I'm using Elaine as a 'cover-up' here).

Daddy digging with the boys. This is basically all Taft did on the beach, dig and dig and it was heaven to him. The water scared him and Brigham would scream if I even got near it holding him.

On our last day at the beach Brig finally was enjoying the sand and stopped screaming if Mom and Dad touched the ocean.

Elaine was a Boogie Boarding maniac. She loved it!

Kirt also enjoyed diving into the surf on the Boogie Boards.

I like this pic b/c it was our last moments at the beach and Lori convinced me and Sara(Stoddards were in town and joined us this day) to make the most of it , leave my warm towel and dive into the cold water one last time for some Boogie Boarding. I'm glad she did, it was a blast!

Legoland Day

We took one day out from the beach to go to Legoland! The kids enjoyed going on many rides and seeing the Lego statues. It was a fun little adventure, but we don't think we'd go back. A bit subpar compared to Disneyland and geared to the younger kids. But we're glad we went, it was fun to see the kids enjoy themselves.

Lego Star Wars--Dallin was loving it!

Thomas the Train--Taft was giddy!

The kids with their Lego Licenses. That was one of the big highlights and must do's for them. They even took a driving test--yikes!

This was typical of most of the rides. A little vehicle to spin around or go up and down in. It was great b/c Elaine was able to go solo on them which she loved. Kirt and I were Taft's riding buddy. There were a couple 'bigger' rides, but the hour long line was not possible with wee ones in tow.

I love this picture as Briggy is the same size as the little Lego men--funny!

Camping

This was our first time camping for more than one night as a family. It was surprisingly enjoyable :) Kirt was excited to use his new dutch ovens and whipped up some tasty vittles. The last night we had the yummiest peach cobbler as Lori suggested it and then we all craved it :) The kids loved getting dirty and sleeping in a tent.

A fun shot of all the kids hanging out. After a day at the beach we'd come back and shower everyone off before dinner. They all look so fresh and clean. They made friends with a boy from the campsite next to ours who hung out in the evening with us. He had an English accent --a little Harry Potter according to Dave. Dallin got his address so they could exchange Pokemon cards.

Tide Pools

After packing up camp and a lite brunch at 'Surfin Donuts' we stopped by the tide pools in Dana Pointe. Unfortunately, the tide was in so we didn't see too much anongst the rocks. It was a fun little last hurrah with the Watts before our long drive home from our fabulous week in San Clemente!

Fire Station Fun!

On tuesday we went with a group of friends to tour the Gilbert Fire Station. After the tour I concluded that Firemen have it pretty good. They work 10 days a month, have a gourment kitchen, a well equipped workout room, big screen T.V's, leather recliners to watch training videos, own bedroom as they are encouraged to nap to be well rested. Sign me up!!!

Hanging out by the fire truck. The kids enjoyed running around the station, although Taft was surprisingly reserved. Just in absolute awe, I guess as he LOVES anything to do with fire trucks.

Here's those recliners I mentioned. The kids quickly filled up the cozy chairs. Even Briggy recognized the quality resting place and was happy to snuggle up with Elaine.

The fireman pole!

This was the highlight, I think. Dallin and Elaine couldn't wait to see it. Fireman Hans demonstrated going down, but due to liability issues this was as much fun as the kids could have on it.

A fun shot of our group learning the ins and outs of the fire truck.

A Happy 4th!

We had a fun and relaxing 4th of July. The kids think it's fun wearing their 'flag' t-shirts together. And yes they say 2007--I'm a bargain shopper. Except, today I went to Old Navy to grab some for next year at 50% off and they'd sold out of T's before the 4th--bummer!

For a little afternoon entertainment I got the kids some waterguns. Dallin is obviously having a blast drenching his sister. Since it was 112 degrees out, she dried fast Ü

We invited the Woodard and Linford families over for BBQ dinner and swimming. We had a great time with them just chatting and hanging out. They're fun company and the kiddos all seemed to get along great. We have been blessed to make some neat friends here in Arizona (that includes those of you not pictured here) Ü

After dinner it was refreshing to take a dip in the pool. Although, after the kids got done splashing or rather attacking Erin and me, we were quite drenched. I think I still have water in my ear.

What kind of summer holiday would it be without ice cream! We polished off the night with some treats and while letting the kids run wild Dad's played air hockey and Mom's visited.

This day was definitely an upgrade from last year when we'd barely moved here and just went out to chinese food on the 4th Ü

Happy Birthday Dallin!

Our Dallin is 8 years old! He has such a fun personality and a big heart. Dallin is really smart, too, which keeps Mom and Dad on their toes Ü He is really a good kid and we are so happy to have him as part of our family. For his birthday celebration he wanted a pool party with Pokemon cupcakes, so here it is. . .

I just don't get Pokemon, but Dallin loves to collect the cards and play with his friends. So, if it makes him happy so be it; I created this little treat using his Pokemon figures--he loved it!

Dallin had fun with his school, church, and neighborhood friends. They went swimming. . .

. . .ate pizza and cake, opened presents. . .

. . .and swam some more!

Later that day we celebrated again with. . .

Mom and Dad. . .

. . . and siblings!

Dallin ended the day of festivities with taking his new remote control boat out for a spin.

Happy Birthday to you, Big D!

Summer Crafts

I love this picture as I think Taft looks like a little garden gnome :) They created a garden scene with flowers, bees, and ladybugs out of 'fun foam' on a hat. Elaine and Taft have been enjoying doing some crafts together this summer. Elaine is very meticulous and loves to spend time creating, whereas Taft wants me to help him so he can get it done real fast and play with it. Dallin joins in sometimes if it's not too silly or he's not playing wii at the neighbors. It's great having an indoor activity to keep the kids busy and developing their creativity.

Bangs!

I was looking for a change, but not wanting anything too drastic, so I went for some bangs. I don't think I've had bangs since high school. I guess, I envisioned the puffy ones from the 80's, but the stylist convinced me that some that whisp to the side are very in. It's been kind of funny as someone will look noticing something different, but not quite what. So, yes I did get bangs, subtle change which I can handle.

Swingset!

The kids love hanging out in the 'clubhouse' as they call it of their new swingset.

Dad spent a couple Saturdays and some weekdays in between to drill, screw, hammer and piece together a playset for the kids to expend their energy on.

It was well worth all the labor. Just look at these happy kids at play :)

THANKS DADDY!

Kindergarten Graduation

Elaine posed for a picture with Mom on the day of her graduation from Kindergarten. ( I was going to put a shot from the program on, but hesitated putting kids picture's on the internet w/o parental permission). Elaine was excited for her big day. All the kindergarten classes sang some songs and then the teachers read the names of their students. It was a sweet little program. The day before her teacher sent home a DVD with pictures taken throughout the year set to 'very sentimental , make mom teary eyed' music. Elaine enjoyed sharing it with the family. I am a little sad about her growing up and going to school all day next year. But, I'm thinking by the end of summer with everyone home all day, I'll be ready to let go :)

Piano Recital

Dallin had his first piano recital this day. He did a super job! He had practiced hard. He played a solo and then later a duet with his teacher. I am so proud that he sticks with it even when he gets frustrated at learning new key signatures or pieces. Practice can be a tough time somedays, but its rewarding for both of us when he finally 'gets it' and is so happy about it.

Fathers and Sons Campout

Kirt and Dallin enjoyed going camping with the ward Friday night. They got up to the campground friday afternoon and went on a fun hike. They had a good time around the campfire that night acting goofy(like a bunch of guys do when they get together)and enjoying hot chocolate as it was quite chilly.

Dallin found a horned toad which he had to show everyone in the campground. Kirt just thinks this picture is so funny as he asked these guys to act really surprised when Dallin shared his little critter with them, they were obviously happy to oblige.

Mother's Day

Friday morning I got a nice Mother's day gift. As Dallin and Elaine were getting ready for school they are bragging to each other how Mom is going to be in their class today. (I was going to a Mother's Tea at Elaine's at 9:00 and to read a story to the class at Dallin's at 10:00) Then one stated, "Well, I guess its both of our lucky day". I count myself 'lucky' or rather very blessed to have such neat kids. I can't imagine my family without each one of them in it. Yes, that is easy to say right now as they are all quietly tucked in bed :) They've been sweet sharing homemade cards and showering me with hugs and kisses. I know it's sappy, but I love it! Also, Kirt is getting me a bike for a mother's day gift as I've been wanting to go on rides as a family, as well . . .

He made me a key lime pie today-yum! It is a 'raw food' pie, in that the crust is made from crushed up dates, macadamias, walnuts, and coconut. The filling is avocado, limes and honey. To be honest I was a bit nervous to try it, but it was surprisingly delicious. Tastes sweet and limey and good, very rich. It was nice that he took the time and forethought to make something special for me on this special day :)

Girls Weekend

This weekend I went to Flagstaff with some friends for a Women's retreat. Our Relief Society president, Tina has a cabin there and hosted all of us. I rode up with Lori, and Jen and Erin(who joined us on the return trip). It was so nice to get away and be surrounded by pine trees and cooler weather and fun friends. I haven't been without kids by myself overnight in about 8 years. We just laughed and ate and laughed and made little baby hats for humanitarian center and stayed up until 3:00 am, which is probably why we laughed so much as everything is funny when you've had enough sugar and are sleep deprived :) On the way home we went to the outlets in Anthem to shop and have lunch and then to a Boutique for more shopping. Among other things I bought a Family Home Evening board and the lady was asking names to put on the tags for the jobs and I start to give my first name and Kirt's and she asks"wouldn't you rather have it say Mom and Dad?" Oh, yah I hadn't been called Mom in over 24 hours, just Melody , sort of forgot for a second. It was refreshing to return home and Kirt was Super Dad. All was in order and he took the kids to swim lesson and even squeezed in donating blood(no pun intended). He jokingly commented it wasn't hard at all, I don't know why you get frustrated. I'm thinking great I should go away more often. Any takers? :)

Just hanging out!

Traveiling buddies, Jen, Erin, Lori and Me.