Utah Trip

Last week was a busy one. Cody went with the scouts from our church on a 50 mile hike. They left early Monday morning. So, the kids and I were on our own all week. We spent some time at Grandmas, went to the Library and tried to find other things to do to keep ourselves busy. It was hard with him away. He was out of reach too. We're not used to not being able to talk to him. It also happened to be the weekend for my family reunion in Utah. We go to Moab every year to see my Dad's family. We decided to go without him. My brother LaRen and his wife Brittney rode with us. They were a big help with my kids. LaRen drove the entire way so I could sit in the back and take care of the kids. They actually did really good on the drive. I hooked Emrie up with her very own dvd player that she could see from her seat, it seemed to help alot. It was a fun trip. We got to catch up with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. The weather was lovely. Here are bunches of pictures of our adventures.

sister in law Britney, sister Kenra and myself

We went up to a "ranch" where my dad grew up, they call it Brown's Hole (no clue why) we explored and played and got bitten by millions of gnats!!

we found this cool old tree, this is Kenra and her cute family

the kids tempting fate at the pond. miracle that nobody fell in. it was dirty and COLD

the walk to the pond. this is how you do it with no daddy around. Liams shirt is filled with rocks to throw in the water

LaRen and Brittney

Family Reunion

Our family reunion this year was lots of fun. We missed Cody not being with us, but had a good time anyway. The weather was nice, not too hot. We got a few sprinkles, but nothing serious. My kids had a great time playing with cousins they never see. My dad is almost the youngest of ten children, so all of my aunts and uncles are getting older. It's great to catch up and visit and see everyones kids playing together. My little Emrie had quite a following by the end of the day. She already loves the attention.

She was a happy girl all day. I didn't know I was in the picture...

One of her naps in the park, she was worn out!!

cotton candy was a big hit, Liam apparantly takes it very seriously

one of my favorite cousins Dwight playing with Emrie. She had just woken up from a nap and was glad to have someone hold her

This is my dad, and this is what happens when you give my dad a child. Any child (including my baby) This is my nephew Clint, and yes, he did drink the ENTIRE Mt. Dew. The kid is hyper anyway, so you can imagine.....

kids had fun with games, Liam mastered the sack race

I can't even remember what the melt down was about, but I love the sad face

tiny little water snake they found in the little creek, I was surprised he touched it

Sweet Emrie all tuckered out, took a snooze on a blanket in the park. It was a perfect day for a nap outside.

Fun trip, but we are glad to all be home safe as a family again. Daddy was very excited to see his little ones when we got back. Emrie started really crawling while we were gone, they definately grow up too fast!

No Internet STINKS!!

So, long time no post right? Well, my sweet husband is too CHEAP to pay for internet. For the past year or so, we have been using our neighbors wireless signal. They were aware of this, so we felt better about stealing it. Well, they must have gotten sick of it. Because it is now password protected. So, I've been reduced to stealing moments of online time at other peoples houses. NO FUN!! We have been enjoying summer. Avery loves sleeping in. We've had a few sleepovers and other fun things. Cody and I had to speak in church on sunday. NIGHTMARE!! I really do not enjoy that, but really glad it's over. Cody is on a 50 mile hike with the scouts. SO, he'll be gone all week. The kids and I are off to Utah for a family reunion later this week, so I will post update and pictures soon. Hopefully, at my own house, with my own internet signal!!