TYLER'S 1ST HAIRCUT

It finally has happened, Tyler is finally growing some hair (especially in the back)! So, last night I got out the scissors and cut off his cute little baby mullet:

ANNUAL CAMPING TRIP

McKenna is now 6 and Harrison 4 years old...I guess it's time we adopt the whole "camping in the summer" activity...both Kenna and Harrison had been asking to go, so we researched and tried to find the easiest camping experience we could (the kids wouldn't go for my tent in the backyard camping trip). We decided to go to Downata Hot Springs and rented a teepee - which was great! It had 4 cots inside and an electrical outlet for light...which beat the heck out of pitching a tent, sleeping on the ground, and then all the clean up as well:

Tyler volunteered to be in charge of the fire:

Had a great sunset to watch (through the haze of mosquitos!!!)

Even thought to buy smores stuff for the fire that night (the camp even supplied us with campfire!)

Next morning, got up for breakfast...

bacon and eggs cooked over the campfire, with hot cakes cooking on a grill?!?...naah, that's not how I camp - how about some donuts and juice:

Did some swimming at the pool before we drove home. The pool and water slides were great - they were probably 90 degrees, so it was like having a water slide in your bathtub!!

We had a fun time, and, if pursuaded enough, would go again next summer!! However, here is a list of pros and cons for anyone ready to book their next camping vacation:

PROS:

-not too far of a drive

-not busy at all!!

-water was great temperature, the first night we swam until dark with no complaints

-didn't have to take any camping "stuff" (like lantern, TENT, blow up mattress)

-had bathroom facilities

-wasn't in the woods (I'm very afraid of bears!!)

CONS:

-mosquitos were EVERYWHERE!!

-although the donuts weren't the healthiest of breakfast choices, it was a good thing I had them because there was NO place to eat, no stores near by, and Downata didn't open til noon!

-Did I mention, Downata doesn't open until noon...our kids were up and ready by 8:00am and we were packed ready to go by 9:30...so, we turned on an ipod movie in the car for the kids while we caught up on sleep!

GRANDPA'S 90TH

On July 13th my grandpa Pence turned 90 years old!! For his birthday, my mother put together a great little reception for him! It was cute to see how many people came over to wish my grandpa a Happy Birthday - he had a big smile on his face the whole time! I'm sure my gramps is very grateful to mom for putting it all together!

Grandpa, way back when...

My grandparents were married for 56 years before grandma passed away - they shared the same birthday...July 13th.

Grandpa(right), with his brother, Lorin, and sister, Thora in 2003

This was at Adam and my wedding...the photographer was having a hard time getting grandpa to smile, so he said, "Marion, I need a smile...come on, just think of your wedding night!" and my grandpa, replied, "I am!" and we all busted up laughing!!

My mom had a nice buffet for the guests to enjoy...I know this is going to be random, but as I was looking through the pictures, I saw this one of my brother, Aaron and instantly had the thought come to mind of him saying, "Are you telling me you want MORE BBQ!!" and I just started to laugh!! You can see it right?!? So, I had to share this picture (no offense Bud)

My grandpa was a bigtime fisherman back in the day, so my mom thought of a great saying for the cake!

Grandpa was also in the Forest Service and had a great time visiting with old forest service friends!

Grandpa and his brother, Lorin

our family...

...and as we were all cleaining up after it was over, the stage curtain opened up, and the great grandkids all belted out "Happy Birthday" to grandpa...it was great!

4th OF JULY FUN

Another year, another 4th of July... although we always do the same things, we still have just as much fun as the last year (kind of like the show "Survivor" - after 18 seasons of the same situation etc, I still love it)! We wake up early on the 4th to catch our Ward 4th of July breakfast. Next, we hurry on over to the parade to sit with my parents and siblings. I really enjoyed this years parade because we actually saw FLOATS and not just big trucks with a banner on the side advertising the local chiropractor or law firm! Take a look:

Saw the old alma mater' s float and had to yell out, "GO KNIGHTS!" hard to imagine I was ever that young...

Others reasons I love the parade -

time with grandpa

anxiously waiting for the next candy-throwing float (notice the PINK tie-dye shirts....grrrr!)

more time with grandpa and grandma

Next we are off to: Adam head to the annual volleyball tournament at the Petty's - Adam and his best friend, Josh, started this tradition more the a decade ago and it's still going strong!! Jennie and the kids head over for the BBQ at grandma/grandpa Beans house for swimming and food!!

We met up later in the afternoon to go to Adam's parents for an evening BBQ (after reading through this blog, I can see why I weigh what I do...I am a social eater?!?) The kids had a great time getting rides from grandpa on his newest contraption!

And lastly, we race down to the river for fireworks....and they are GREAT fireworks!!

Whew...

STEPH THE CHEF

This is my sister's (Stephanie) boyfriend, Brandon, on his birthday. And that cake in front of him is his birthday cake....that my sister MADE and DECORATED for him!! Are you all as amazed and impressed as I am?!? That cake puts my cake pops to SHAME!

She even put the John Deere logo and a customized license plate ?!? Brandon is one lucky guy!!