Patriotic Paradise!

Firework fun!

All boys love fire!

At first he hated the sparklers...then we couldn't get him  to stop!

A patriotic family

Cute Kids!!

We had a really fun Fourth of July this year.  The day started out with swim lessons for the kids.  Later in the afternoon we went over to my friend, and former mission companion, Sara's house for a big BBQ, homemade ice cream and games.  The kids shot water guns, jumped on the trampoline and played games.  Later in the evening we lit and watched fireworks.  The kids had a lot of fun with sparklers and glo sticks.  At first Colton was deathly afraid of the fireworks and then we finally talked him into holding a sparkler and he was hooked!  He kept pretending it was a Harry Potter wand and yelling "Recta Sempra!"  A fun time was definately had by all.

Family hike and escape from the heat!

The whole family...don't ask why I posed like that!

The waterfall at Cathedral Rock

Red Headed Hiker

Taking a break along the trail

This kid didn't slow down once!

So pretty and so much cooler than the valley!

Over the Fourth of July weekend we went up to the Mt Charleston Area to escape the 111 degree heat.  We had a picnic and went on a hike up to Cathedral Rock.  Colton ran the whole way up, Parker was a trooper and Megan needed some coaxing, but we all made it up.  Mom and I were the steady plodders, but hey, I have a good excuse!!  It was definately worth the hike, though.  There was gorgeous waterfall with icy cold water at the top, and even a little snow!  We all came home for a little rest, a BBQ and went to a patriotic concert.  All in all a wonderful day!!

Summer Fun!

Filling up the swimming pool

Slip 'n slide...on your feet?

Parker comes in for a crash landing

Colton and his cute friend

We are having a lot of fun this summer:  playing in the water, picnics, hikes, drive-in movies, concerts, plays,  homemade ice cream, BBQs, and much, much more!  I'm so glad I haven't had to hear the dreaded words "I'm Bored" very much this summer!!

When kids make you proud....PART 2...Megan's Dance Recital

This past weekend was Megan's dance recital.  The class worked really hard to learn a dance to "Return to Sender" by Elvis.  Our little girl was lucky to be front and center for most of the song and we couldn't be prouder of how well she did and how much she has grown as a dancer.

Some other exciting things that happened this weekend:  Colton simultaneously spiced up the ward ice cream and almost gave himself a consussion by slipping on wet concrete and banging his head.  Luckily the trip to the Quick Care only took an hour and we were back before the end of the party.  We also went to an exciting hockey game in which Parker played very well and Brian and I went to a very fun game night.  I also had to give a talk in sacrament meeting on music, sing in the choir and teach sharing time.  WHEW!  So glad we made it!!

When kids make you proud....Part 1...SCHOOL AWARDS

Singing all four verses of The Star Spangled Banner

A cute girl with her class

Parker getting his awards

Fourth Grade Class

We were very proud of our kids this school year.  They worked very hard and won some amazing awards.  Megan got a certificate for Straight A's and Honor Roll and a special award for doing well in math.  We are also proud of how well she is reading.  Parker won the Governor's Award for attendance (he only missed one day all school year and that was for a family vacation), an award for straight A's all year, honor roll and the principal's award for scholastic achievement.  Go kids...wait to take after your mom!!  Just kidding, their Dad is smart too!

Memorial Day Fun

Dad and Colton feed the miniature horses

Cute girl on the hay

Is he having fun or what?

Just hanging out

Picnic lunch at Floyd Lamb Park

STRIKE!

What great form!

Bowling is so much fun!!

We had a lot of fun over the Memorial Day weekend.  We were also lucky enough to have visitors, my Mom and Aunty Janet visit us and spend some time with us.  On Saturday we headed over to the Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary.  They had a lot of fun birds, goats, llamas, minature horses, fish and turtles.  The kids (and Aunt Janet) had a lot of fun getting the parrots and cockatiels to talk and feeding the animals.  We then headed over to the gorgeous, and shady, Floyd Lamb Park for a yummy picnic lunch.  Grandma played a rousing game of red light, green light with the kids while a few of us had a small nap on the blanket.  We also went on a walk around the pond.  That night we had a yummy BBQ and watched a movie.  Sunday was church and relaxation!  Monday we went bowling with our friends the Kelloggs and to see the animals at exotic pets.  It was a weekend filled with family fun!!!!

Disneyland!

Inside Finding Nemo

Mr Toad's Wild Ride!

Flic's Flying Adventures

It's a Small World

The Whole Family

At the beginning of May we were lucky enough to tag along with Brian and his guitar students as they performed at a music festival in Disneyland.  We are grateful that Colton is so tall because we were able to ride on all the rides together this year.  The weather was cool, the lines were short and we had a wonderful time!   It was also nice to have Grandma Bird along for the adventure.  Colton's favorite was the train...which we rode over and over.  Megan liked Grizzly Bear Rapids in California Adventure and Parker liked Autopia and Soaring Over California.  I enjoyed everything, except my circular tour of Anaheim looking for our hotel.