Thursday, January 1, 2015

July 2014...

I absolutely love Bountiful. It doesn't matter what time of year, the scenery is always beautiful and makes me so grateful for where I live.


Miss Lizzie wanted to make a flag cake for the 4th of July. We spent the day in Liberty, Utah enjoying their small town festivities. It was beautiful. The kids got to participate in a "chicken catch," a "fish catch" where they got the chance to catch live trout with their bare hands, and play games and eat lunch. We will definitely be going back next year.
We drove out of Liberty through beautiful Ogden Canyon and went to a movie, then home for the evening and hung out as a family.

Zach went on his first date (!!) and met his friends in Lehi to go bowling. Matt, Sam, Lizzie and I spent the time in Provo with sweet baby Preston.


Random, but my day lilies bloomed before the deer had a chance to eat them!! It had been a couple of years and I had forgotten how pretty they were. It didn't last long...good thing I got a pic!!


Sam...being Sam.


All ready for Scout Day Camp. He was the only one that could go and I was so grateful they didn't cancel. Another boy was able to attend part of the time so that made it a little more fun. They did swimming, shooting, fire making...and anything else scout related!

The boys and their friends after an early morning temple trip to do baptisms. They came back here for breakfast. Love these boys!!


Matt and Zach got to go on a Pioneer Trek to Martins cove for three days. I was so happy they left with smiles and good attitudes. They had a great time and will remember this experience for years to come.


Lizzie had to get a couple of teeth pulled. Poor, swollen girl!!


We attended the Bountiful Handcart Days parade (an annual tradition). The kids love it. Matt & Zach got home from trek, got showered (!) and joined us just in time for the parade to start.


We headed back home and enjoyed a BBQ with our neighbors in the front yard and watched the fireworks. We are so lucky that we have a front row seat in our own front yard!!!


The last week of July we headed to San Diego for a week long family vacation. This is about four hours into the drive. The boys found these AWFUL/SO COOL "Spirit" t-shirts at a gas station. They were in heaven. It was hilarious!!


In the car...San Diego bound!!


 

June 2014...























Crazy June!! Summer is not as much as a break as it used to be!
I surprised Sam & Lizzie with Lagoon passes this year...never say never! To say they were super excited would be an understatement. Lizzie got her cast off just in time to gowith me. She loved EVERY ride there...I didn't! Sam was at camp the first time we went. It will be so nice to have him with us next time!!
Matt and Zach turned 16!!! I can hardly stand it.We had a BBQ party for all of their friends...who all gave them Mtn Dew...
We had to say goodbye to the Bartletts as they moved to Omaha. Sad, sad day.
Matt and Zach have wanted to go to EFY so that's one of the things they got for their Birthday. They went to Utah State & had a fabulous time!!
John and I celebrated 17 years of marital bliss on the 27th and celebrated by painting the upstairs!! At the end of the month we welcomed a new great nephew...Brynn & Trevor's sweet Preston.
Life is good.

May 2014...














May was a busy, busy month!!! 
Sam's baseball team finished up a great season, and he finished up his baseball career. My fingers are still crossed that he'll pick it up again one day!
Sam also received his Arrow of Light just in time for his 11th Birthday! John took one for the team and took Sam & a few of his friends to Get Air to celebrate. 
Miss Lizzie broke her arm practicing gymnastics at home...just in time for her ballet recital! These pics sum her up perfectly...tough with a  side of fluff!!
For Mother's Day John made me one of my most favorite gifts EVER! I love pics of my kids and he captured each personality perfectly.
I was lucky enough to get a bucket of gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Zach was honored with receiving MVP for the High School Lacrosse team...as a Sophomore!!! He worked sooo hard this season and gave it his all and it paid off. I am so proud of him.
And, well, I had a Birthday this month too. When you turn 44 you can share mature, contemplative photos of yourself...

April 2014...











The first week of April we finished up Spring Break by going to Get Air, swimming & puzzle making ;). Sam participated in his last Pinewood Derby...which means it was our last Pinewood Derby, too. Not sad about that at all!
Easter came & went with a yummy dinner and Easter baskets. Why did I not get pics of Matt & Zach???