To the mountains!!!

This week we enjoyed 4 days of camping for Jason's annual family reunion. We all had a wonderful time and I can't remember the last time I was able to relax for that many days in a row. With no washing machine, no house to clean, no lawn to mow, and the shared meals, it truly was a break for me. The kids played long and hard each day and stayed up late at night. I think they're still trying to recover.

We started each morning with a yummy breakfast together. We ate pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon. (I'll probably have to call my cardiologist to have my cholesterol meds increased.) Then we enjoyed mountain golf, 4 wheeler rides, art projects, playing in the dirt, eating more yummy food, playing in the dirt, fly fishing (with little success), eating more yummy food, playing in more dirt, fighting with the kids to get them to sleep, and a nighttime campfire with marshmallows, conversation, laughs and mosquitos. Here are a few photos...

Here is Jason panning for gold. Lauren thinks she sees something, but unfortunately riches were not found and Jason will be returning to work at the hospital on Monday.

Jason and Landon on the 4 Wheeler. Landon loves motorcycles and 4 wheelers and couldn't wait to ride.

Landon shucking corn with the "big boys." Landon followed them everywhere and was sure he was as big as they were. They were very tolerant and included him every time they could.

Would you believe that Jason put her on kicking and screaming? He said she calmed down as soon as he took off and she returned with a beautiful handful of wildflowers for mommy. (Later Jason informed me that picking wildflowers is illegal. Oops!)

Lauren playing a round of mountain golf. This has become an annual tradition enjoyed by all. It was started by Grandpa Gordon who couldn't give up his almost-daily golf game during family reunion week.

Nathan eating one of the yummy meals that we had. Why does camping always mean eating? Anyway, as you can see, he thoroughly enjoyed his chocolate chip cookie.

Landon and his buddy Jerratt. Jerratt is Jason's cousin Tami's son. Thanks to Jerratt and his brother Justin for taking such an interest in our kids. They kept them entertained for hours and are such awesome kids!

Lauren coloring a picture using Jerratt's paper and pencils. He had her all set up at a table just her size.

This hole in the ground provided hours of fun for all of the kids. Here Lauren and Nathan are playing with Shannon. This picture doesn't accurately depict the immense amount of dirt in their hair and ears, but you get the idea. Thank heavens kids are washable!

This picture perfectly portrays the way we were all feeling by the end of the week...tired. This is Nathan sleeping next to Grandma-Great. I thought it was the cutest picture.

As you can see we had a wonderful time. Thanks to all who came and those who helped put all of this together. And thanks, especially, to Jason's grandma for creating such a wonderful group of family. We are truly blessed and will look forward to more fun and more dirt at next year's excursion.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Lauren, Landon and Nathan

We had a wonderful 4th full of fun, fun, fun!! We started with the parade in the morning. The kids LOVED the candy the most. They also really liked all of the horses and the motorcycles. Lauren HATED the fire trucks. Every time she saw one coming she grabbed onto my neck and nearly strangled me. She did not like the sirens at all. The parade was quite long but the kids sat there the entire time and were totally into it. It was great.

Jason, Lauren and Landon

Melanie and Nathan

Later in the afternoon we took our boat out on the river. We had such a fun time riding around, tubing, splashing our feet in the water and swimming.

Nathan and Jason

Landon

Lauren

But the highlight of the entire day was watching the fireworks on our boat. We were able to get right under them and they were extraordinary. Landon provided non-stop commentary through the whole show ("I like orange/purple/blue/green best.", "That was my favorite.", "That one was sparkly.", etc.) and Lauren and Nathan were in quiet awe. (I think they were getting tired by then.) We are so blessed to live in this wonderful free country. Our family is grateful for all of those who have fought and who continue to fight for our freedom. We hope your day was as nice as ours. We were tired by the end but loved every minute of being together.

Happy Birthday Lucas!

This past weekend we took the kids to Pocatello for their cousin Lucas' 4th birthday party. It was a really fun day with lots of sun, swimming, food and ice cream cake. Yummy!!! The kids had so much fun and were exhausted once we finally got them away from the water and into the van. Thanks to Jody and Lucas for such a fun party!!!

Landon and Nathan

Lauren

Nathan

Riding Bikes

Playing on the Slip and Slide