Hiking up Grove Creek Canyon

Mike took the scouts on a little hike up and down the canyons in Pleasant Grove. He thought the kids would love to hike up and see the waterfall he saw on the way down from the scout campout. It was the perfect little hike for the kids. Aria was able to walk the entire time and we just carried Laina. It's all uphill to the waterfall, but it wasn't too bad. The kids loved throwing rocks in the river and enjoyed the mist coming off of the waterfall.Mike let Laina dip her toes in the river, but it was pretty cold. A beautiful little spot only about ten minutes away from our house. Who knew? The view on the way back down. A picture that melts my heart. Can I just freeze them right now so they'll never get older? Love these kids of mine.

Hunt Cousin Reunion

While my Mom was here, my Dad's side of the family were having a reunion up in Midway. My immediate cousins wanted to have a reunion with just our families right before. We didn't many of the California half of the family to come up, but we had fun with who turned out. We had the get together at my Aunt and Uncle's house up in Alpine. My cousin Shari, her husband Tom, and their two youngest were there. My cousin Tina came up from Southern California. My cousin Lori and some of her kids were there. My Uncle Russ and Aunt Bonnie came up from Northern California. My sister Tiffany, my brother Brian, his wife Steph, and their son Marcus were all able to come as well. We had a BBQ, made homemade ice cream, at Aunt Bonnie's pies, played water ballon volleyball, and minute to win it games. It was fun to sit around and chat, catch up on each other's lives, and let our kids get to know each other better.

Me and my cousins Tina and Lori.

My Mom and the little girlies.

The water balloon volleyball fun.

Laina taking some steps.

Uncle Russ and Michela working on the ice cream.

The game was so much fun. They lined up a bunch of water bottles in two lines.

They then gave a team of three a pair of nylons and a tennis ball.

The timer started and they had to get the tennis ball down one of the legs of the nylons.

They then had to put them on their head and swing the leg with the tennis ball, trying to knock down the bottles.

The team with the fastest time won. It was hilarious watching people playing this game. I'm glad I had my camera there! I'll have to remember this game for future parties.

Family Pictures

We took family pictures this year with the Stakers and while we were there I tried taking some pictures of the kids. I haven't replaced the pictures I took from three years ago that are on the wall in my kitchen because I love them so much, but I think it's time for Peanut to have a picture on the wall. The pictures were kind of a hit and miss. Some turned out okay, but I think I might have to try again some time. Here's a look at them.

Pool Party

Every year when Megan's family comes to town we try to do a Pool party for the July birthday boys over at Matt and Sara's friends' pool. It is always so much fun. Their pool is amazing. There is a big slide, waterfall, and a cliff that the kids love to jump off of. I looked up at one point in the evening and saw Chase take a flying leap off of the cliff. I was so surprised at his fearless spirit. Then there is Hunter who is the complete opposite. I watched him slowly walk himself out to the edge, peer down, and then finally jump off.Hunter was also such a sweetie with Laina. He took her for a little swim.

Unfortunately Michela missed the party, she was at Girl's camp, and Mike was off hiking with the scouts. I had my arms full with Laina, she wouldn't sit still for a minute.

Thankfully Peggy was there to help me out with the kiddos. She and I alternated between Laina and Aria.

It was fun hanging out with the family. Cutie Pie Bronson.

Mindy was there with her boyfriend Dustin, his kids and Alyssa. Aren't they so cute together!

Logan was too scared to jump off the cliff, so Megan hung him out over the edge and dropped him to Russ down below. Jaida and Jenna were loving it all. Aria was being a social butterfly. She kept wanting to hang out with the big kids. It was a great evening and everyone had the best time. Thanks Matt and Sara!

Born on the Fourth of July

Chase turned 8 this year! We started off the morning with pancakes and presents. He was so happy to get his own scriptures. Every Sunday he asks if he can get some. He also got lots of legos from the family and Grandma Hunt. A boy can never have too many legos!For lunch we went to Mike's Uncle Scott's house. We got to see family and the kids had fun playing with their cousins. Mike, Megan, Mindy, and Dustin all ran the race in the morning so we got to hear about how the race announcer basically told the other racers to tell them to get out of their because they didn't pay to enter the race.

After lunch everyone came to our house for showers, naps, movies, games, and Grilled Pizza for dinner. The kids had fun making their own pizzas.

They were so yummy and they cooked super fast.

After dinner the kids had a water fight and the only way we could get them to stop was bring out the cake. I saw this cake on pinterest and thought it would be the perfect cake for a birthday party.

The kids loved it. Chocolate heaven.

We had a bit of a hard time lighting the candles, it was a bit windy, but we ended up getting them lit just long enough for him to blow them out.

And he is not 35, those were the only candles I had so I just told him to add them together.

Eight Fun Facts about Chase on his 8th Birthday:

1. His favorite Color is Blue.

2. His favorite Video Game is Lego Harry Potter.

3. He will be getting Baptized on August 6th.

4. He is becoming a Serious Sleep Walker. Creepy.

5. He loves Playing any Sport. His favorite is Baseball.

6. He hates to do Chores, especially Dishes.

7. He will be going to a New School for 3rd Grade.

8. He is Still a Major Snuggle Bug.

We ended the evening watching our neighbors light fireworks. They had some big ones that were seriously loud and bright. I was feeding Laina in my room at the back of the house and when they went off they lit up our entire backyard. After putting Laina to bed I went out to join the festivities. It was so much fun watching the kids running around. They were getting their hair spray painted, launching water balloons, eating cookies, and setting off lots of fireworks. I'm so glad to live in this wonderful country. I'm so glad to have such a wonderful family and such awesome friends. I'm so thankful for the freedoms I enjoy every day. God Bless America and Happy Birthday Chase!