Utah

The kids still really miss the Thanksgiving Point museums, so it's where they ask to go when we decide to take a little trip. They put in a new zip line at the Curiosity Museum. Emma absolutely loved it. 

I finally got Jake to give it a try, and he was absolutely terrified getting on, but by the time it stopped, they were both back in line to go again and again.

 Sneaking in a little selfie, so I know I was there too... :)

The kids have a lot more fun in the water works area now that they're a bit older, learning how to direct the water.

 Lucas loved running from one thing to the other, pushing buttons everywhere. REALLY wish they had something like this closer. We spent hours here, and the kids still wanted to stay -- they LOVE it.

We also tried out the Provo Rec center that had been recommended by others. WOW. So much fun -- definitely will be returning. There were 4 big slides, and indoor and outdoor pool with kids jungle area in them, and a rock climbing wall above the water. All of us (except Lucas) had so much fun on the big slides. Jake sure surprised me when he spent the entire time going down the big slides. He couldn't get enough. Brad and I both made it up the rock wall a few times  -- SO FUN!

We, of course, had to stop at IKEA. I was trying to get a picture of Lucas making himself comfortable in his spacious chair, he had his leg up on the armrest and everything (before I pulled out the camera), but what I should have pictured, was Emma in the back seat surrounded by boxes. We called it her obstacle course when she had to climb over and around all the boxes that we managed to fit in there. We love IKEA.

August 8-9, 2016

Batman's Hulk Smash Birthday

This little man's all about the super heroes. He loves his Batman jammies and anything to do with Hulk smashing... and pancakes.

And just like that, my baby turned 2!

I do love making boy cakes. Destructive is so much easier than the pretty ones... Emma and Jake enjoyed making the whopper border, and Luke loved his Hulk smash cake.

The way it looked anyway. He apparently doesn't really like cake, and didn't want anymore after a couple bites, but loved eating the kit-kats. 

Brad got him a toy gun that makes noise and flashes a light. Lucas opened it first, and loved it so much, he couldn't have cared less about the other things. He'd take out the tissue paper, look at it -- all while holding his gun, and then go back to just the gun. Definitely a boy.

Luke's such a fun toddler to have around. I love his little voice, laugh, and all his mischievous shenanigans. He loves to cause problems with computers, but mostly puts on his favorite songs on Brad's computer so he can dance -- he shakes his booty the beats of Megan Trainer and Cake by the Ocean. He loves to play with Emma and Jacob, and steal everyone's spots on the couch.

July 12, 2016

Eagle Island

A perfect summer day to try out Eagle Island with my sister Amber's family. The cousins loved splashing around in the water and building sand castles -- and frequent licorice and cracker breaks.

(Cooper, Jack, Emma, Hannah, Maddi, Jake, Lucas)

Lucas was a little unsure of the sandy water at first, but warmed up quickly, and loved it.

 Emma and Maddi getting a quick picture with their sand sculptures before the boys demolished them. (Notice Lucas and I on the left -- he continually tried to escape the roped in area.)

They all loved the big slide at the end.

 Beautiful girls.

July 23, 2016

Moving On

We had been house-hunting, but in no rush, until we were informed by our landlord that they were selling our rental. It was a stressful couple months having to have our house show-worthy, dealing with dishonest landlord issues, trying to pack, and trying to find a place to live, but we finally found a home that met enough of our requirements to put an offer on -- and we're in. Three kids with the tv hooked up, smell gone (long story) -- we're good to go. I hate moving, but it ended well, and we really like the house. 

And just like that, we're back to this little one's shenanigans. Finding places to be naked, and stabbing (and eating) sandwiches with forks, because he think's they're both hilarious. 

Emma earned another free day to roaring springs, so as soon as we were slightly settled, we took the kids. I took the older kids on a big slide, and they were successfully rattled, and stuck to the kiddie slides, wave pool, and lazy river the rest of the time. As soon as Lucas had enough, we went home, and Jake was begging for more, so he and I headed back for a few hours which he spent almost entirely on this tube going down the slides. He had a blast and is having a hard time waiting out the winter until we can go again. 

Lucas love's Pepper -- my sister Amber's dog. He loved holding the leash so he could "walk" her, and kept asking to walk her for weeks after they left. 

And Brad is excited that we finally have a place to hang up his heavy bag. He's been quite the handy guy to have around -- figuring out all the little things that need attention/fixing. Gotta love a man who u-tubes and has the muscle and skill to get it done. 

July 2016

June

This one likes to be naked. He usually goes through 2-3 outfits a day due to water, so sometimes naked just works better until he's ready to hangout inside for a while. 

Luke's such a goofy, happy kid -- so much fun.

Last day of school, followed by an hour and a half swimming, and then free donuts at Krispy Kreme for National Donut day. It was a GOOD day!

Last day of swimming lessons. Emma's decided she likes trying the low diving board, and becoming a good little fish. Jake's slowly gaining some ground, and I no longer have to bribe him to go  under water. It's progress. They both love swimming lessons.

I have countless photos like these. He's always trying to get his hands on some type of device. He's pretty successful. And sneaky. And fast.

And sometimes we get peaceful moments, 

which is why they survive when I encounter this type of situation. We're packing up to get ready for our move, and as I picked up the sub-woofer, it seemed to be rattling quite a bit. Everything you see here was mischievously placed inside the speaker by Lucas. Well, I found where all the balls went...  

June 2016

Camel's Back

We went on an afternoon family outing to the Camel's Back foot hills. The kids enjoyed climbing around, and following different pathways.

All of us at the top -- it was quite windy, but fun looking out across the city. I'm looking forward to a day when I won't have to carry a toddler up hills... my legs were burning by the end.

The kids enjoyed watching the baby ducklings -- until a dog came and chased them all off. They thought it was pretty funny watching the dog swim and jump around in the water -- and laughed even more when it jumped out and shook water everywhere. 

May 30, 2016

Hansel and Gretel

Emma's spring ballet recital -- Hansel and Gretel. I love how her confidence grows with each recital. She loves performing on stage, and has the biggest smile up there.

She was excited that Grandma Egbert was able to watch her recital!

May 21, 2016