Summer Lovin'

 Running from the monsters at Dinosaur National Monument

We most certainly are having a blast this summer and playing hard.  We've spent lots of time at parks and splash pads, the location of a lost tooth, in fact...

We've taken a few hikes, one that got rave reviews from our little people.  They claimed we should hike this one every day:

Another hike that encouraged a lot of tears from one little gal, along with a broken hearted sobfest from that child when I gave Grant the hiker of the day award.  She told me I hurt her feelings so bad. 

 She did, however, become the best adventurer at our latest excursion in the canyon.  We loved being able to beat the scorching heat by escaping to the mountain. 



I feel as though I have been melting this summer, and it is not pleasant for anyone.  The only place I loved the triple digits was in Lake Powell, where we could jump into the water to cool off. 

 Dave's brother is so nice to let us boat with him, take the kids surfing and is so patient teaching one special boater (me!) how to wake surf!

 I may not surf like a pro, but I can tube with the best of 'em!

We have had lots of great community events...a Demolitian Derby, where Brenna repeated over and over and over that the 'cars broken.' 

A float preview for the parade commemorating the Pioneers that settled our lovely valley.

Apparently, Grant believes in reincarnation, because he informed me that he was a Pioneer that walked across the plains.  Unfortunately, he died then, but he has come back to life now.  Excellent.

Of course, we enjoyed our  nation's birthday.  Don't be fooled by the word across this little one's shirt-or her innocent face for that matter.  She is still as spunky as ever. 

At one of our park play dates recently, she stripped completely. As she streaked across the grass with picnic-ers gazing, I wrestled her down trying to get the child clothed.  She is strong.  I was attempting to use all my muscles, but it was hard.  I told her she was not being nice, to which she replied, "Poor mommy!"  She even had a little voice lilt in there, completing her sarcasm.  I don't know how she even knows how to be sarcastic, she has never been around that...ever ;).

It's A Wrap

Grant successfully finished up his first grade year.  He was (is) so sad to see his school year come to an end.  The kid misses school terribly and wishes it never would end.  How many years do I predict this attitude continuing?  Not long, lets just say that.  But, we take it while we can!  He learned a lot in math (his favorite), reading, and spanish.  I may turn out to be the only person in our family that doesn't speak spanish.  Katelee will start her classes in Kindergarten next year and Brenna somehow already knows some phrases.  Okay, it is accidental, but when she wants to do something two more times, she says "2 mas."  That is two more, right?  Baby genius. 

 With school finishing, our soccer seasons wrapped up as well.  Grant had a great experience on his 'Great White Sharks' team.  He loved playing goalie the most.  Katelee completed her first year of soccer and chose soccer again over dance.  Her team, 'the Blue Ninjas,' was coached by her very own dad.  Now, Dave may have never played soccer in his life, but he knew how to work that whistle!!!  He had a fun group of 7 kids and he is so sad it is over (heavy sarcasm here). 

 Here is Coach with Chase, Katelee and Kate, the only three made the final game, so out team shot was not true to the season. 

Now we are trying to enjoy our summer.  Yes, I did say trying.  It takes a little effort.  My goal is to do some activity, however small it may be everyday.  Then, I don't feel as bad when the electronics are running rampant.  We are trying to keep the fighting to minimum and go on a few little get aways.  I want to appreciate the small things.  Brenna was eating breakfast the other day and while savoring her bite of bacon exclaimed, "mmmm bacon- I happy!"  Bacon truly does bring happiness, as do picnics in the park, bowling, splash parks and other summer activities. 

Expectations

Everyone has expectations, even if at times we are unaware of them. At times, those expectations are spot on.  As a mother of girls, I assumed my female children would enjoy girly play and meeting princesses.  This has been confirmed with my little ladies in Disney and our recent adventure to Princess Amerah storytime at the library.  They were in heaven. 

Sometimes things exceed our expectations.  For example, I was fully prepared to be proud and a bit teary when our adorable Katelee graduated from preschool.  Here she is at her program. 



She sang her heart out.  I'm pretty sure she was the only one the audience could hear for many of the songs.  We were all beaming and so excited the graduate didn't forget to talk to the little people that helped her reach this accomplishment!


I have also learned that mostly, you have to expect the unexpected.  I suppose I expected that after 2 kids, I would have much of this parenting thing down when the third came along...but, then I also was aware that each child is incredibly different.  They are unique in temperment, interests, quirks and growth.  I expected Brenna to be an individual, but I didn't expect her to be HER!  I fully expect to see one of my children on tv...


but, I am concerned it may be on a program similiar to the current "My Strange Addiction"  (for those of you who haven't viewed this, these people have odd addictions-bathing in bleach, eating couch stuffing, eating comet, etc).  Brenna may be spotlighted by those producers.  She eats crayons, dirt, dog food and most recently plastic bowls.  Yes, bowls.  I expected to have to discipline her in her toddlerhood and find her in precarious situations.  I didn't expect to say things like, "Brenna, get your head out of the toliet!"  Tonight, I walked by the bathroom to see this little gem swishing her hair and face in the commode.  Oh my nastiness.  And I didn't expect to turn into a parent that takes pictures of their kids in gross situations, but look, I snapped a post potty water shot, right before she was thrown into the bath....


I am going to try to find that balance with expecting high standards and excellence from my kids while not assuming I know what is coming, because obviously I don't!

Happy Decade to Us!

Yesterday was a pretty big milestone-10 years of marriage!  This year we are all about 'counting' things as our anniversary gift/celebration.  We decided to 'count' our weekend getaway last month as our anniversary trip.  We are also 'counting' some new furniture as our gift.  We are really crossing our fingers and hoping he qualifies for his big President's Club trip this summer because this is what we really want to apply to our anniversary counting list.  So, sell baby sell...Italy would be amazing!

 Of course with each year, you reflect on your accomplishments, think back about how happy we were that day walked out of the temple, excited for our future.  I see these pictures and am impressed with our growth-as individuals, yes,  but mostly as a couple and family.  Obviously the members we have added to our family is our greatest joy.    We were in love for sure 10 years ago, but I think we can add appreciation and strength to our bonding qualities.  We work for our relationship.  I know many people that marriage comes easy for....that is not exactly us! 

 We are two very different people, with often times opposing parenting styles, contrasting opinions and stubborn streaks.  But, when it comes down to it, we are committed and unified.  We've experienced highs and lows, but definitely the good outweighs the bad!  I wanted to give Dave something special to let him know how amazing he is to me.  I made a calendar book with a memory we've shared or quality about him printed on every single day.  At first, the thought of making hundreds of good uplifting days seemed daunting, but as I got going, I realized that I have so much to say.  The good is so easy to find when you are looking for it.  I think that is what makes a strong marriage and that is what I want to focus on as a partner. 

 Tomorrow we get to spend the entire day together-shop, movie, dinner, and our annual tradition of doing sealings in the temple around our anniversary date.  I am so glad we found each other, made the decision to get hitched and that we made promises in the temple that keep us on a path of happiness, if we keep our end of the bargain.  Here's to another decade of memories, family, laughter, and for many decades more!

Visitors

Last month, Dave's parents came to Utah to family history work.  They dedicated an entire month to this project and we were certainly happy about that.  While they didn't stay with us (Dave's aunt lives only 5 min away from us and has basement that becomes a small hotel for visitors!), we got to bask in their presence all month!  We loved it.  Dave and I also got to go away for the weekend with a rewards trip to Colorado that earned at work.  Grandma and Grandpa were here, so they kids got to hang out with them all weekend.  Unfortunately, this one
 
was up all night right before we left with a nasty flu bug.  I was feeling guilt leaving her to Grandma M, but I was reassured she would be fine.  Of course, Brenna was in great hands, I had no doubt.  She kindly shared her bug with Grandma, but Grandma never complains.  She is a hero.  While we were in Colorado, the kids also got a visit from Dave's brother Brian.  Brian took them all over to fun activities-soccer,
the Aquarium, and Airborne.
 Finishing up our month of family visits we got to see Dave's brother, Brent and his family as they drove through Utah on their way to California.  They are moving from Virginia to the West Coast.  We were so happy to spend time with Max and Karly, who are so close to Grant and Katelee's ages.  While these kids have only met once before, you would never have guessed it.  They played like they were BFF's.  I am thinking, California is a much better locale for us to get these cousins acquainted better.  I prepped Grant and Katelee that they were going to see their cousins and they were shocked that they are the same age.  They thought cousins are mostly older people-that's what happens when you are on the tail end of grandkids on both sides!  I ran up a few times to check on the kids playing.

  The girls were dressing up and singing.  They were good...I walk by the boys room while they were great, I have to say it stunk.  Boys smell worse than girls.


 It was proven to me that night!  We were so happy to have family here and think that these visits should happen more often!