Last week we went to Sun Valley for vacation. It was an ideal vacation for us. We had a blast. The kids enjoy just being outside discovering. They also loved checking out the place we were staying in. Here's what breakfast looked like. A big thing happened. Hailey understands a camera now. She even pretend to have one and yells "Sheeeeez." So, now she finally looks AND smiles at the camera. Yes, that's Travis trying to get in the pic.

Kids loved waking up and vegging to cartoons...

While Hailey did her usual, spread my purse all over the room. She is such a busy body!

Although the banisters made me nervous, Hailey loved going on the stairs and playing peek-a-boo with whoever was below.

Wednesday Aaron didn't have to go to work (convention) so we took a great morning hike.

We fought lots of bad guys:

Hailey got used to the backpack.

At the top

I'm glad the kids share in my joy of running down a mountain. Sometimes that is my motivation to hike - knowing that I can run back down :). Although, we did have a couple falls, the kids braved it and were determined to keep running.

Travis - proud he made it all by himself up the dirt hill

We took this same vacation 3 years ago when Travis was Hailey's age. We did a lot of the same things. During the last 5 min. of the hike Hailey fell asleep/knocked out. We got a great laugh since Travis did the exact same thing. I should compare pics.

We biked, hiked, went to the playground, attempted to play tennis. But ABOVE everything WE SWAM! At least 2 or 3 times a day we headed to what seemed like our private pool. It was the perfect tempturature with awesome scenery. Not another soul used it the whole time. Whitney and Travis couldn't get enough of putting their new swimming skills to work. I was amazed. Travis does great with a short swim. Whitney really shocked me. She can swim completly be herself now. When I'd ask if she wanted to try and get a dive stick she'd always remind me "I'm a floater now a sinker mom." And she was right. Her head only went under when she dove in. On the other hand, Travis, if he's swimming, his head is under water.

We honestly had such a great time. It was nice for me to escape from the everyday and just completely focus and play with my kids. They are so much fun. I love seeing their personalities at work.

The ride home seemed forever. Good thing the kids were amazing. They found ways to entertain themselves. This was completely Whitney's doing. They became fancier as the ride went on.

Moab

The first of June me and Aaron bonded with Moab. Aaron had to do some business along the way and I got to tag along and get rewarded with Moab at the end. First of all let me set the record straight. I AM NOT A BIKER. No, it's not that I don't like it. It's because every time me and a bike are together tragedy or humiliation usually occurs. I prefer rollerblades any day of the week. But, being the nice wife that I am, and hearing how much I would "love this." I played along.

What did I think. Well, the first mile into slicrock, I told Aaron he should just shoot me or push me off a cliff - that would be a lot faster, less tormenting, dragged on, death. I'll even admit after a person informed us we were nuts not to have helmets (which I completely agree - I wish I was in football pads as well) because his friend just flipped over his bike and separated his shoulder I was completely frustrated. To the point of misty eyes. I couldn't die in a place that looked like this:

Don't get me wrong. The red rock was pretty and cool. But the view reminded me of where the Indians would send off their elderly members to wander and die. I had kids to take care of!

After a mile the path calmed down significantly. When I didn't fear for my life anymore, it was actually, somewhat fun.

That night we climbed up a huge rock and watched the sun set. I honestly can't remember the last time watching such a pretty sunset while camping. We camped under the stars and enjoyed every moment without kids and relaxing together. Camping is a lot more relaxing without kids. I'm glad to say I survived with only some sprained toes and ego. Thanks again to my mom for watching the kids. You're my hero!

swim lessons

The first two weeks of June swim lessons started. It was the perfect activity at the perfect time. Our routine: eat, run/bike, eat popscicles, get ready, swim. The water might have been a little cold but they didn't care. They were always running (though I told them to walk) to their spot.

Whitney giving a high five
Travis in the blue goggles coming up and wiping the water off.

The last day of swim lessons they showed off their skills. Man, I was shocked. Whitney dove in and swam to the edge of the pool all by herself.

Travis came down the waterslide all by himself.

He's the one shooting out.

No fear.

Swimming to Travis = putting your face under water. If he's swimming he's going under.

freezing on the diving board. I got cold just watching the kids wait.

I think I might miss swim lessons as much as the kids.

It's On!

About five minutes after Whitney's Kindergarten Graduation we headed to Idaho for vacation. It was pretty good weather. The kids loved playing with their cousins as always! Here they are running around a skate park.

We played hard and had fun. It was too cute to see Hailey crash on the way home with her baby.

The next weekend we got one more day with Emily, Luke and Seth. The Murdocks stayed and played - much to my kids happiness! Travis and Brooklyn were the superheros saving the earth.

I was thrilled that Matthew and Brian wanted to play roller hockey. This is an activity I played all the time growing up that I DEARLY MISS! It is so addicting and fun to me.

We pulled out the chocolate fountain for a true party atmosphere. Travis' chocolate beard in this picture doesn't do justice to the end result.

Hailey loves to dig and fill buckets, so the sand box is now back in commission. We'll see how long that lasts!

Last week the kids started swim lessons. We walked in at 10:00 in the morning. I smelled the chlorine in the air, felt the sun on my skin, took a deep breath and said, "Now it's summer." I think I've loved swimming lessons for that reason as much as the kids.

Whit in the pink goggles.

What does this girl do while Trav and Whit swim?

Dig through and pull everything out of mom's purse of course. It never gets old until it's ALL destroyed.

Travis in the blue goggles.

We've gone to a magic show:

Orem SummerFest for rides:

Hailey liked waving on the rides.

And last Saturday Hailey attended her first Demolition Derby. It thrilled me to see her clap and get excited when the cars crash. Whitney was there for the social. Travis was enthralled. It was a blast to enjoy good company (thanks Bethany, Jared and Lindsay!) and a nice summer night celebrating red necks!

So with morning runs with Whitney biking beside me, swim lessons, and playing with friends all day, I guess you could say Summer is on!

summer goals

I set goals for our kids this summer. Yesterday I explained our goals. Today we started them. One goal for Whitney was to read the handful of beginner books her Grandma gave her. Today she already read one - yes, these are the same books that a while ago I tried to get her to read and after trying she said to "give them back to Grandma." At this rate she'll accomplish our reading goal next week. I thought it would be a summer long goal.

One of Travis' goals was to learn to ride his bike without training wheels. After all, one more year and he'll need to be able to ride his bike to school like the others. So we tested it out this morning. I prepared for a struggle. I gave him a pep talk. I tried not to get frustrated. And this is what happened:

Apparently I need to set higher goals for my children.

The Many Faces of Kindergarten

Today Whitney had her final assessment. Teacher said "she's ready for first grade!" Whitney was quite thrilled to hear that. It has been a fun year. I'm sure I'll say this each year, but it went fast. I loved hearing all her stories and songs. I'll miss eating lunch with her each day next year. So, now that's her first year of school is over, here are just a few of the many pictures of kindergarten.

first day soccer

crazy hair day

loosing her front teeth

halloween party

Christmas elf party

100 days of kindergarten

the leprachaun

birthday celebration

graduation day.

I had to stop from being to sentimental at graduation - on stage I could see my 3 year old girl up there on stage - only now she's 6 yrs. old.

come and play sun

We have absolutly loved our sunny days, if only they would happen more often! The kids have had plenty of sun and enjoyed every moment outside playing with friends. Travis and Gracie have had fun fighting bad guys and playing soccer and basketball. I love that they have to dress the part. Gracie is Travis' BFF next door. I love this girl. Travis has been sporting a new BYU outfit. How could I pass this up at good 'ole Walmart. Now he wants a Jimmer jersey :)

Doesn't Hailey looked thrilled.

Hailey has turned 20 shades darker these last couple weeks. Her hair is lightening in the sun - just like her siblings did as toddlers. She is so entertaining to watch and listen to. She dances, tells stories, makes dog noises, and has a 2 second attention span. It would take a miracle to get a picture of her actually LOOKING at the camera. Trust me I've tried!

Checking out the flowers

Kid shot - okay, so I should rephrase. It would take a miracle to catch Hailey both SMILING AND LOOKING at the camera. They don't happen simultaneously.

Loving this stage.

The last couple weeks I've been reading a book. The book is great. I would recommend it. Ploblem is, I think it's triggering a third-life crisis (I hope I'm not considered mid-life yet)! It's about accomplishing your life mission. I have so many things on my list. But for starters now I am VERY itchy to go back to school for a masters. Anyone know a good college that has online classes for a masters? I've got some ideas. I'm pretty sure Aaron is just hoping this idea will blow by. But I've had a slight itch to do this since graduation from BYU - now it's stronger. Another thing to do on my list write/publish the handful of books in my head. So, I'm not even close to patient, but I'll give myself a ten year deadline to get a masters, publish at least 2 of the 5 books, and get all my kids here while keeping my body somewhat together. Despite all these ambitions, when I step back and look at my life my family is what really matters. Nothing I can accomplish will be more important. I'll just keep repeating that in my head when thoughts of school and books spin in my mind at 11 pm. tonight.