We got bored this afternoon and decided to try some hiking. It was hot, but I came prepared! The boys got tired pretty quick, but Liv and I had a good time. The end of the hike had this pretty pond. Too bad it said no swimming or I am sure we would have jumped in.
Here is a cute picture my sister Brooke took of my mom and dad on a hike down in Southern Utah over the 4th of July weekend. Aren't they cute!!!
This morning was Ethan's Kindergarten Graduation Program. He was so cute! He stood up there singing and dancing. I was so proud of him~Love you Ethan!!
and a little post-graduation celebration at the waterpark...
We started out at the 4th of July Parade.
Here was the highlight of the parade....the motorcycles.
They just made my boys so HAPPY!!
Anxiously awaiting the fireworks
and a little fire blowing from our friend ( a skill he proudly learned on his mission)
We just couldn't wait until tomorrow.
After our trip to the firework store we just had to do a few tonight....
We just got back from a quick Utah trip and unfortunately it wasn't just for fun. Shawn's grandpa Reese passed away last week, as well as a good friend from high school. So we spent the weekend at viewings and funerals. It was so fun to catch up with old friends and family. Shawn was able to be with almost all of his brothers who he hasn't seen for a long time. Grandpa's funeral was beautiful and a great tribute to his life and example. He suffered from Alzheimer's Dementia and wasn't doing well. He will be missed, but we are so grateful for the time we were able to spend with him on this earth.
We stayed with Shawn's mom and dad, along with the rest of the family visiting from out of town. We haven't seen Brett and Jessi or Chad for such a long time. They even kept me up talking way past midnight and I am paying for it now. It was a full house, but it was a blast. Shawn's mom and dad, as usual, made sure to have enough candy to support my habit :). The kids had so much fun with all the cousins and aunt's and uncles. Ethan was so cute and got up Sunday morning and made Father's Day cards for Grandpa, Shawn, and his brothers. We were spoiled with another great trip to Utah with lots of family and fun.
My brother bought this cute little motorcycle and my boys just couldn't get enough of it (even Shawn).
Saturday night was the University's graduation program for the Pediatric Residents. We still have one more year until Shawn's graduation, but they have a nice dinner and ceremony for all the residents so we went. We had a good time and it was so nice to have my mom in town to watch the kids. The highlight of the night was when we found out Shawn was chosen as the resident of the year for his class. He received a nice plaque and it was so fun to see him being rewarded for all his hard work. So proud out you babe!!
My mom has been in town and I just got back from dropping her off at the airport. Wow, I am tired! We did lots of fun things and I think the kids got very spoiled. She paid Ethan $1.00 for every book he read and he was so excited, she bought Liv new minnie mouse undies which she took to every store and restaurant, and she helped manage Cole during church (which is HARD). I am so spoiled to have such great parents, and a wonderful mom who always takes me for pedicures and loves me when I am a brat. Thanks mom..we love you!
I hadn't gotten around to taking Cole's 4 year pictures, but with my mom's help we were able to get a few quick ones. This first pose was all his idea....
Today is Cole's birthday-he is FOUR! According to Cole he is now officially a big boy. He woke up real early before anyone was awake, went downstairs and saw all the nice birthday presents waiting for him, opened all of them by himself, and then came to wake Shawn and I up. I felt so bad I missed him opening his present, but he didn't seem to care. Cole is such an adorable little stinker. I am not sure how we are going to survive him, but I sure am going to try. Happy Birthday Coley!! Cole got a new bike, some Lego's, Magnetix, and new games for his Leapster. Thanks Grandma's and Grandpa's for your gifts-he loved them. We had cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and enjoyed an exciting dinner at Chuckee Cheese.
Today is the last day of swimming lessons. Ethan worked really hard and did a great job. He was in the advanced class, which was a little over his head, but he loves the water and did good. Cole did good also and by the end he wasn't so scared. Still wasn't loving it, but he tried really hard. Here is Cole...
I love this picture of Cole's diving skills.
and here is Ethan,
Here is Ethan getting into trouble so he had to sit out of the pool for a minute. He is such a stinker.
and here is Ethan's jumping skills.
We don't want to forget about Liv.
