Bowling with the Family

two nights while Brad's parents were in town last week we went bowling. The first night Julie and I were defeated by the kids team! Yes we will admit we had a bad night, something was off, we think it was the lane that was angled wrong. So we had a re-match the following night, we didn't start off well again so we asked for bumpers, but I guess there is an age limit (12) to have those so we had to do it on our own. Julie and I were able to beat those little munchkins this time. Brad and everyone else did great both nights they didn't have our problem! It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

A group of us went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House last week. It is so neat to go through the temple with your kids so they have a chance to see inside before it is dedicated. We all had a great time through the tour and the kids especially liked the cookies and water after the tour! This temple is West of the Jordan River Temple in the hills West of the I-15. Angel Moroni got struck by lightning a couple of weeks ago because there is nothig big around this temple. We have really enjoyed the opportunity to go through this temple and the Draper temple in such close times to each other.

the backyard garden

The lot behind our house is our neighbors down the street. He has such a beautiful garden growing its been nice to see it blooming this spring. Its a nice view from the backyard. The Iris' finally bloomed, they were everywhere, so pretty. dark purple, light purple and purple and white ones.

The Start of Summer

Hot days, Late nights, friends over to play.....The Summer has begun.

Ava, Addison, Alyssa, Corbin, & Tanner on the Trampoline!

Kids playing play-doh

Alyssa and Addy playing water games

Corbin getting the girls with a water gun. What a boy/brother.

Ava Turns 2

We had a fun Birthday Party for Miss Ava on Sunday with her cousins and aunts and uncles. She enjoyed opening her gifts (light spinner, princess ball, care bear coloring book, bracelets made by her two favorite girls (Alyssa and Addy), a music triangle and M&M's and an old fashion Jack in the Box. Brad practiced with Ava teaching her to blow out her candles. All morning she went around the house blowing on things.
Happy Birthday Ava!!!!

Camping

We went camping with some friends on memorial day weekend. It was a lot of fun, the kids had fun hiking and exploring, fishing, playing in their fort they built out of fire wood, being monkeys in the trees, helped find rocks to build a fire ring, and most of all eating yummy food by the campfire! It did rain most of the weekend, but we still had an enjoyable time.

Meet Tripp

This past weekend Brad informed me what I could give him for fathers day......another dog! He has been looking at other dogs for awhile to get a playmate for Sam. He really likes this look of schnauzers and so he found one. The kids love him and well they are both growing on me, though I still can't believe I have two dogs! Most of all Brad is in heaven with his two dogs and is having a great time with them.

Meet Sam

So I know you all probably thought this was the last thing in the world to see on our blog, but yes we got a dog! We have survived 1 week so far and things are going good. Brad doesn't have problems with his allergies and he has been such a great dog. He is 3 months old and is a mini schnauzer. Sam doesnt' shed hardly at all and is supposed to be a "hypoallergenic" dog. He will only get to be about 15 pounds. He is such a love though, loves to play with kids a lot and is a great snuggler. He is already potty trained and sleeps through the night in his kennel. Alyssa is in heaven and Ava is back and forth loving him one moment and being in competition with the same size around the house. Sam likes to take her shoes and she lets him know that thats not ok in her own little way. Corbin likes to run laps aroung the yard with him for exercize for both of them.

What we have been up to

We got some playground equipment from Brad's sister for a future project. One afternoon I built this "slide" for them to do something one afternoon. It was a little high for Ava, but she did well climbing and sliding like the big kids.

Brad found an ad at the grocery store for a bearded dragon a few weeks ago....and now we have her at our house! Our two beardies died a little over a year ago so it has been fun for the kids to play with another one again. We named her Izzy.

Uncle Brad gave all the boys (Spencer, Cody, Garrett, & Tanner) haircuts the other night. They all sure look real handsome now! You are so good brad.

Oh my cute miss Ava. She does so many cute things during the day I can't keep up. This is one of her moments. She walks into the kitchen with her bag filled up and her hat on ready to go somewhere, anywhere. its actually all Alyssa's stuff but that makes it more fun for her of course.

Slip N. Slide Fun

Its finally warm enough to get the water fun out. Julie gave us this fun water slide for the kids to play with this summer. They had a blast. It took some time to get used to the water and how to slide, but they did it.

A reason to celebrate....

We couldn't find a babysitter for dinner for Brad's Birthday so the kids and I surprised him by bringing home dinner from one of his favorite places PF Changs. The kids had a great time decorating the kitchen and getting ready for him when he got home.

Happy Birthday Bradley

Brad's sister and mom made their special boy and brother two cakes for his birthday. Chocolate Upside Cake and Refrigerator Cake. They couldn't decide which one to make so they made him both. Now that is love! Brad got some fun gifts from the kids (funny teeth, articles of faith magnets, minky blanket) It was nice to celebrate with everyone and his mom.

visitors

Corbin wanted to go to the Zoo a few days ago, but just yesterday we had some visitors come to our back yard. Our neighbors have a big lot in the back with a garden and lots of trees and bushes. perfect for the deer in the neighborhood. They hung out there all afternoon though the evening. Alyssa and I even walked up to the edge of the grass and they just kept eating not worried about us. Coolest thing ever to have animals like this randomly pop up.

Alyssa is saying "what mom, I just want to feed them and pet them. She doesn't get the "wild animal" factor.

Garrett & Cody's B-day

Happy Birthday Cody and Garrett. We celebrated with Garrett while we were up there Friday night. Cody had a campout so we couldn't celebrate with him this time. I made them a "turtle" cake. The kids helped put the m&m's on the legs. Cakes are fun to make into different things.....what should we do for Brad next week?

Garrett blowing out the candles.

Brad got the boys "Gremlins". He figured it was a must have in the house. It was a childhood favorite of his so he passed it on to his nephews.

Creekside Family Fun Run

This past weekend we drove up to Layton and participated in a family fun run for Julie's school. The kids had a blast. Corbin was the only one who ended up running with Brad and I. The girls stayed with Julie to finish up some things for the carnival afterwards. Cobin is an awesome runner and is fast. He jumped in and out of the jogger stroller for breaks during the 3 miles. The carnival was fun too. The kids got to play on the bounce houses and we ate dinner their too. The weather was too cold to stay too long though. Thanks Julie for the invite it was a lot of fun!