Summer O Fun

We don't have any big vacations planned this summer, but we have been enjoying a serious stay-cation since about May, maybe April. Instead of spending a lot of money on one week of going somewhere exotic, we've been spending a little money to explore treasures within reach. And so far, it's been the perfect non-stop adventure. With a little work in between, of course.

We went camping at Lava Point in June with the Boones and the Bradys! Check out this view...


Mmmmmm, dutch oven chili and chocolate cobbler. I may or may not have added a little too much cream soda. It may or may not have been hot chocolate pudding. You can tell from the gleam in my eye here that I was about to go crazy with it. I just love cream soda.


Happy little camper nugget. Pretty much all of the kids were constantly in motion, collecting bugs and caterpillars. All of their little chairs around the campfire were adorable.


Good friends, good times!


Also on that trip we ended by picking fresh cherries in Hurricane. Deee-lish!



The 4th of July this year was a blast! Bryson's sister Hillary and her husband Spencer just moved to Washington and we got have a BBQ with their family and the Quarnbergs. We were so excited to celebrate with Jim who just got home from Iraq! All the kids had fun running through the water and watching fireworks.

The kids started a face painting business on us! Hillary had brought paints and was painting little flags and stars on all our kids' faces and before we knew it, other kids were gathering and Ella was collecting fistfuls of dollar bills from kids who had pre-paid. Oh geez, that girl.


Festive little kiddos waiting for fireworks...


Last weekend, we headed to Bryce Canyon for the half marathon and a little weekend getaway. I was so excited to find out that the Hoyts were going to be in Orderville that weekend so we could get our party on!
Love love love Bryce Canyon. Seriously, it looks like the scenery is ripped from the pages of National Geographic.



The half marathon was a turning point for getting back in shape. I got 1:56:04 and was so happy to be getting back to normal again! It was the perfect race conditions too. I got a good night's sleep, didn't have to make any pit stops, had gorgeous weather--nothing to hold me back! St. George, I'm ready for you.

I think.


Nana, snuggle bug is 6 months old. Here's a picture for ya! Sorry, we never remember to take photos of her.


This pic of Avery just made us laugh. She's such a silly little sassafrass.


Bryson diverted the creek on Mossy Cave hike. We'll have to see what ecological changes he caused next time we're in the area...hmmm...


And we finally went to Sand Hollow! What a treat! I can't believe we'd never been. Thanks Hoyt family!


The girls had a blast catching fish...or watching Tim catch fish...


Row, row, row your boat, Hayden.


Ahhhhhhhh, relaxing!



The countdown to 3 years old finally came! Avery turned 3 on Monday and got breakfast in bed and a gazillion versions of happy birthday sung to her throughout the day. Then we threw a fun little water shindig with friends!



S'mores cupcakes are my new obsession. Apparently, they are the perfect treat for weddings, baptisms, and birthdays! These melted like no other in the hot sunshine, but I guess it's OK since they are S'MORES after all!


Spoiled much?!?!?


Avery got two new tutus for her birthday, lucky girl! Well funny enough, Ella can fit in Avery's 3T/4T size just fine. So they both wore a new tutu to church today! Good thing Avery is so good at sharing :) I hope Ella is just as good, I really like her new blue necklace!


Here's to keeping up with blogging so I don't have to mega post again. Phew, I think I need a nap!