4th of July Festivities

Our first event was Fireworks at Eaglewood Golf Course in North Salt Lake
The kids had fun running around and playing with other kids while we waited for the main event.

They also got a huge thrill out of the fireworks.
It was a lot of work to take them by myself very we still had fun and it was well worth it.

Above photo is evidence of WAY too many sweets while we waited...but hey if you can't pig out on treats at fireworks...when can you?


Layton Liberty Days at Layton City Park with Aunt Noni
with Fireworks at the end.

I wasn't going to spend money on rides but this was the one thing Brighton REALLY REALLY wanted to do so....Noni and I gave in although Lilly didn't quite know what to think of it.

Aunt Gwen was there with her booth and spoiled them by giving them each their own little glowing spinning fan thing that they loved and played with all night.

Thank You Aunt Noni for going with us. I don't think I could have done it without you!

Visit with Cousins from South Carolina

Mike, Brooke, Leila and Andee were able to visit for a couple days at Papa and Grammi's house.
We met up with them for a play date and birthday celebration for Mike and Brooke.

I was so happy that everyone got along so well and had so much fun playing in the pools in Papa and Grammi's backyard.

The kids worked together to decorate Mike and Brooke's birthday cake.

Swimming Lessons

Brighton took two sessions of swimming lessons this summer and he did so well! I am
just so happy that he's not afraid of the water near as much anymore. His teachers were great and he had so much fun.

Lilly and I took a Mom and Tot class too but she didn't actually like swimming until a couple weeksafter lessons ended...then she wanted to try the games we learned...funny girl.
Sorry no pics from our class :(

Visit with Papa Dan and Mae Mae

Dan and Mari did me a great service and flew down from Billings for a weekend just to take the kids away from from for 2 days! I was so grateful and the kids had fun staying with them at the hotel too.


First day was spent just messing around at the hotel and the pool.

The 2nd day the kids really got spoiled when they went to the Hogle Zoo for the day.
The kids had so much fun, and such great quality time with Papa and Mae Mae!

Tuckered out after a long day at the zoo....but so worth it!

Hawaii Vacation 2011

We decided to get our one and possibly only family summer vacation in early before I couldn't fly anymore and baby comes. Our trip this time...O'ahu Island, HI.



Hotel room view in Waikiki..42nd floor..pretty cool views.

North Side of the Island.
Awesome coastal mountain views...Misty rain made it look cool too

Visit to Laie, HI Temple

The kids got a kick out of all the tropical flowers everywhere.
We couldn't stop them from picking them and putting them in mine and Lilly's hair.

Laie Point Penninsula and water arch.
This was referred to me by a guy on the plane. Just a neat spot 10 minutes from
temple that's not too touristy but good picture taking.

Polynesian Culture Center
Great demonstrations of the different Polynesian Islands.

It was supposed to be storming all day but we lucked out.


Canoe Pageant

It only started storming right before our dinner and "HA Breath of Life Show"(sorry no pics of that..they weren't allowed)

The kids seemed to enjoy all the singing and dancing and Leo and I really enjoyed such a neat cultural experience.

Pear Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial

Brighton and Lilly didn't understand it all of course but he enjoyed all the boats and
the ferry ride out to the memorial

By my left arm and the 2 items sticking up over my right shoulder are part of the
USS Arizona and attached to the massive sunken ship below me.

BEACH DAY!

The water was so perfect...It felt like swimming in a huge warm bath(with the exception of the waves, salt, and fish swimming around us)

It was a short trip but we did a lot and had a good time. Our flights to and from and the time difference really threw us off and we were completely exhausted by the time we got home but it was definitely worth it. I think we all needed this time together before baby #3 arrived.