Cousins Come To Visit

We were so excited when Joel, Kathy, Riley, and Zoe came to Utah to play. We were even happier they decided to come when it was warm so we could go do lots of fun things outside! We were able to show them around town a bit, and even made it up to Midway for the day to get some fishing in with the kids. The highlight of that part was watching Kathy learn how to fish! She had never done it before and decided to go across the lake by herself where the fishing was good. It's a good thing she met up with a couple of young boys so they could show her the ropes. They even caught a fish and helped her hook it onto her pole so she could bring it over and try to convince us all that she caught it by herself! It was pretty funny!
We made it to the zoo where the kids were able to see lots of fun animals and run all over. Here are some pictures of the four of them enjoying the day together!
Trenton wants so badly to have another baby in this family. He wants even more badly for that baby to be a little girl. He was so cute as he doted over Zoe for the weekend. Trying everything he could to make her laugh when she was not happy. He was always asking for me to take his picture with her too!

The kids all begged to go on the carousel. It was pretty funny when Riley got on, he insisted on sitting in the chair and not an animal that might move on him!

Of course we had to have some ice cream. I decided within the first couple of hours of being around Zoe that the way to her heart is thru her stomach! This little thing can eat!!!!

And then there is my little monkey. You can almost always find him climbing or jumping off anything that might give a mother a heart attack!

The day at the zoo was perfect. It was actually a cool day, and we were leaving just as it decided to give us a little rain!

When we were not out exploring the things of Utah, the kids had a great time being able to go out back and have fun together. Times like this makes us really miss the family and friends that we left behind in Cali. We hope that even with the distance these guys will be able to form and maintain a close relationship!

Fun in Midway

We are so lucky that Grandma and Grandpa Lambourne have a beautiful home in Midway that they so openly share with us all. We love to go up, especially in the summer, and just relax. We love to get some fishing in, swimming, scooters, and most importantly family time! We headed up for the weekend and did all of the above. This year Braxton got to try his hand at fishing and loved it! He actually fished the entire time we did and was sad to go. Trenton tried his hand at casting for the first time this year. I can't say it was a complete success, as he usually just managed to create a knot for us to untangle. So, for now, we will continue to cast out and hand him the pole. I am proud to say that I currently hold the record of not only the most fish caught, but the largest one caught as well! I just love watching my boys experience new things and enjoy doing things that are not an every day occurrence!

Trenton usually loves to help Josh gut the fish, and prepare it to eat. He had actually fallen asleep on the floor and I woke him up when it was time to prepare the fish. He only made it as far as the big chair before he passed out again! He is always so on the go, that when he passes out it is hard to wake him up! Braxton on the other hand was right in the middle of the blood and guts. He watched, but did not partake in the nastiness of the event!

My Little Garden

When we moved into this house I was so excited for the little garden that was in the back corner of the yard. For the past two years I have planted a mixture of tomatoes, zucchini, peas, strawberries, pumpkins, watermelon...who knows what else. For the past two years, my garden has been very un-successful. During my blog reading I have come to learn about gardening in straw bales. The advantage of this, you can place them wherever you would like! I have decided that the reason my little pre made garden didn't work was because it was too shady for most of the day. So....I decided to give it one more shot, buy some straw bales and place them in the sunniest part of the yard. I swore to myself that if this did not work, then I was DONE! So, I decided to start small, I have heard that zucchini's grow like crazy, most people have so much they have to give them away. I have never had this dilemma. So, I decided that if they were that easy, then I would try these in my straw as well as some tomatoes. The results...AMAZING! The zucchini plants have overgrown their straw bale and are actually so big I am afraid they will uproot themselves. The tomatoes...I have not figured out yet. There are lots of green ones, but they are not getting red. Once they finally do get red, the bottoms have black circles all around them. Maybe they are getting too much water???? They are right in the middle of the lawn, so they get watered every time the sprinklers come on. In any case, I am so delighted with the results this summer. We even have plans to make planter boxes and a rock garden in that exact spot for next year! Two bonuses...lots of yummy food, and less grass to mow!

Round 'em up Cowboy!

The City of Draper puts on a Draper Days weekend every year, and with it comes a rodeo! We were able to go this year with my entire family as well as the Woods, Weirs and Rogers! We had such a good time. It was great weather to be outside and enjoy each other's company. I can't say I completely enjoyed all the things I saw, I kind of felt bad for the baby calves that were being pulled down to their feet by their neck, but everyone around me assures me were OK. The decision is still out on that one!
Trenton was able to take part in the cash cow. He got in a large group of kids and chased a baby calf around that had dollar bills suck to it. Trenton had a good time, but was bummed he didn't get any money. We made up for that since he went out there and tried! Our favorite event were the bucking bulls. I don't know who thought it would be fun to get on a bull and try to stay on...but it was fun watching it!

Cute Chandler and Whittney live in Texas and have the garb to prove it! They looked so cute dressed the part. Watch out Ute ladies....I've got a hottie cowboy cousin that is on his way this next semester!

The little pirate in the crowd of kids is my Trenton. He had gone to a pirate party that morning and didn't want to change. It was easy to spot him in the crowd!

Happy Birthday Lincoln

We love our Jewkes...the entire family! It is all just a great fit! Cute little Lincoln turned 3 and had the coolest pirate party! I decided after being there for 5 minutes that I needed to hire Erin to throw all my kids parties, run them and just handle the entire thing! The kids all came dressed as pirates and once they got there they realized that Captain Hook had been there and stolen some loot! They followed the treasure map to find different items like their pirate swords, a shovel and dirt to use as they dug for treasures, and golden debloons! They had to pop the balloons to get their golden debloons and cross the plank with the crocodile to get the the swords. They really had such a great time! Daddy had a good time helping the boys get ready for their special party!

Dave and Erin even got in on the dress up! So awesome!

The cute birthday boy and his darling sister Carmie Q!

Cute little Owen and Scary Beck ready to play!