Summer 2012

We just returned from a from a fun summer in Utah.  We flew out on June 12th.  Our family all met us at a park up in Salt Lake where we had lunch and then sent the boys with their cousins while Chase and I flew to California for a few days.  Chase had a work trip so I took advantage of the opportunity to    tag along and enjoyed some quiet time to sleep, shop, and relax by the pool. It was a lot of fun to be with him since it is not very often that we get to get away by ourselves.

After a few glorious days, Chase flew to Settle and I headed back to Utah to be with the boys and family.  Wish He could have come with me but I guess that is what happens when you have a real job:)
The boys had so much fun. They truly had the time of their lives with family and especially their cousins.

Best Buddies!  It is so fun that they have each other!  There was never a dull moment and they could not get enough of each other.  They sure miss them and love looking at all the pictures of the fun they over the summer.

And here is Jayden and Liza Bell!  Cutest duo ever!  I think this was my favorite part.  I loved watching these two play together.  Besides the few times when Jayden was a stinker about his toys...or when he started swinging the bat at Eliza's head, they were so cute together and got along great!  So fun to have a girl in the mix of all these crazy boys.

Here is Grandma's GRAND carnival on the 4TH OF JULY!

Fun in the Canyon with the Palmer's

The boys favorite place this summer was Liberty Land.

Boys first swimming lessons

Let the games begin!  Celebrating the night of the Opening Ceremonies.

Fishing with Grandpa

Last but surely not least, family Volleyball.  Favorite summer activity.

And then... came the day we had to fly home.  Saying goodbye and passing time away with a 3 hour layover in Denver.  Rough day.  Luckily Grandma had bought them "camping toys" which they love and can play with for hours.

This is Jackson taking a nice close up shot of me and Chase.  Second flight, almost home.

Just feeling happy!

Chase finished his last baseball game with a bang!  I am so proud of him and can't wait to write it all down because he just makes me happy!  He absolutely loved playing t-ball this year which kind of took me by surprise.  I thought for sure we would be fighting him every practice and every game to get out and play but it was the complete opposite.  He was dressed and ready to go hours before his games with his bat bag on his shoulder.  His first time up to bat I wondered what was going to happen.  He got up looking like a sweet, tall, and skinny little white boy and that is how he hit the ball.  But, he made contact and although he got out before he made it to first base we were so proud.  He continued to get better every practice and every game and always with a big smile on his face.  Today was their first game doing coach pitch!  Yes, I know...and guess what...Chase hit the ball both times.  The funny part is that I had this crazy experience as a Mom for the first time that I am sure my parents felt so many times.  Chase got up to bat and I was so excited for him.  I just wanted him to be able to hit the ball so bad.  I sat there looking at him and instantly said in my heart "Heavenly Father help him hit the ball" and then it took me back to all my years of t-ball, swim meets, track meets,  piano recitals, and basketball games and how much my parents cheered me on.  I remember my Mom telling me that when she was sitting up in the stands at one of my track meets she sat there and cried as I ran the 1600 meter race just because she was proud of me.  It is so fun to be able to see your kids learn and perform things. It fills you with so much joy to see them succeed.  And when I say succeed I do not mean anything other than a little contact with the ball to be able to see them run to first base with a big smile because they are so proud of themselves and they know you are too!  I love it!!!  Such a simple but rewarding experience as a parent!  Chase we are so proud of you for getting out there, doing your best, and having fun.

Two Teeth Down

Chase lost his second baby tooth today!  Last night he came in our bedroom to tell us that he couldn't sleep because his tooth was going to fall out.  Then he told us that  he needed to lay in our bed and read books because it would make his tooth feel better.  We quickly realized where he was going with that one and sent him back to bed.

  When his first tooth fell out he had to lay down to Dr. Dad and have him pull it out so he was super excited when this one fell out all by itself.  He came running in to show me and then ran back out to show Jackson and Jayden.  Big deal in a young mans life!  Needless to say he was excited to go to bed tonight!

Monet at the Botanical Garden

The current exhibit at the Botanical Garden features Monet's Garden and it was simply beautiful!

"This stunning tribute to French Impressionist Claude Monet showcases a seasonally changing interpretation of the garden that inspired his art. In addition, two rarely seen paintings by the artist--one of which has never been shown in the United States--will be on exhibition, and films, concerts, poetry readings, and hands-on art for kids will provide rich insight into the life and work of this renowned master."

It was the perfect outing for a rather cloudy day and the boys had a glorious time.  We will definitely be making more frequent trips to the Garden now that we mastered a much easier way to get there.  

These are a few of our favorite things...

New York and SCOOTER RIDES!  Lately we have been enjoying long scooter rides!  Truly the boys most favorite thing in life!   Jackson thinks he is Lightening McQueen!  I am always surprised how much control they have as they are weaving the streets and cruising down hills.  There are moments when I hold my breath but time after time they prove to me that they are professionals.  

We finally got Jayden a helmet and he is learning to brake using his foot!  He can practically head out on his own now!  He loves trying to keep up with Chase and Jackson and does a pretty good job!

I wish you could see him in everyday life cause this little dude is a maniac.  He is incredibly coordinated and is a brick!  Solid brick!  He is now jumping off our couch and sticks his landings.  Just look at him.  I don't know if it has something to do with the fact that he is the third child of all boys but holy moly!  He is a character and an amazing 2 year old scooterer!

Go Jayden, he is feeling it! 

This picture says a lot.  Each one of my boys has a very distinct personality and they are all very different!  Can't live with 'em and truly cannot live without them! 

Just another day!

GUESS WHAT...