soccer time again

We live in such a beautiful place....love these views.  

First Day of School!!

This has definitely been the easiest start to a school year so far.  Both kids adjusted with no problem.  Only smiles and excitement!!   As much as I'm ready for this these two are growing up too fast now!  Where's the pause button?

Travis 1st grade

                                             Whitney 3rd Grade

I LOVE that they have each other at school now.  Ride bikes together to and from school, see each other at recess.  I think it takes a little worry out of both of them.

Last Day of Summer

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What does the end of summer look like?

                        This:

way to start and end our summer at the splash park. 

Our Summer

 Once again we played hard this summer.  I honestly haven't felt to bad sending the kids back to school the last couple of years because we played all summer long and I'm exhausted!  Here's some things that some up our summer, in no particular order :)

#1  Seven Peaks
We didn't start going to seven peaks until we got back from Lake Powell.  Between swim lessons and our lake powell adventure there was no time/point.  But starting July we were regulars!!  It's been an adjustment in September not heading to Seven Peaks every Saturday morning.  I love that my kids love to swim.  

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 Most of the time was spent at the wave pool.  Hailey loved the new find of kids blue tunnel slides.  And once in a while we would all head to the flood slide when dad was there.  Neal came a couple times with us, the Murdocks came a few times, and we went with Jeff and Selly and Grandma and Grandpa a few times as well.  To me, a waterpark makes summer (besides fireworks :))

 #2  Cousins

We met up with almost all the cousins this summer.  We loved having the Murdocks come down and play for a week.  Trafalga and Seven Peaks are always more fun with friends.  My kids love these cousins!  We enjoyed catching a glimpse of the San Fransisco Rasmussen's and the conovers and missed seeing the Schelins!  Every time I get together with family I wish I could see them more!  On the Hoopes' side we got some play in with Idaho and Bear Lake and the Wedding.

#3:  Rodeo and Demolition Derby

 The Rodeo and Demolition derby have become a summer tradition.  Look at this gorgeous view!  Add snowcones and it's close to heaven!

 

            Demolition Derby time!

 We had some fun goofing off while they towed the busted cars.

#4:  Corn nuts

 Last year it was paces tiger blood popcicles and this year, completely random, corn nuts were had everyday, sometimes multiples times.

 #5:  Balloon art

We decided Whitney would be a great clown - so let's get the training in early.  The kids had fun learning new things to make out of balloons.  We perfected swords, hats, flowers, dogs, and guns.

 #6:  Runs followed by Popsicle

Whitney and Travis were troopers to go out and bike many mornings while I ran.  It's amazing what the incentive of a Popsicle can do!

 #7  Friends

There is not a shortage of kids to play with in our neighborhood.  I'm so grateful to have good friends close by for my kids to play with so I don't have to set up playdates everyday!!  Such a blessing!

 #8  Idaho

We went to Idaho a couple times and loved it.  It really is such a nice relaxing place to visit.  My kids really enjoyed the horses more than usual.  Especially Hailey who is practically obsessed with horses.

 This picture is out of place but it explains my feelings at the close of summer perfectly.  I loved the trill and adventure of the ride and smashing.  But it's time to call it quits and move on to some good fall soccer, a quieter home, and football to watch :)

Bear Lake

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We were a little concerned when we found out the entire family was going to be staying in a two bedroom house for four days, but the Hoopes' reunion turned out great.  I wish I had more pics of us swimming, boating, and playing/building the city of zion in the sand, but I was too busy playing too!

Our view was great.  They had lots of room to play games.  So every evening after dinner we would play.  During the day it was all about swimming and the beach.  We did that nonstop for 3 days!  We all wore ourselves out playing.  It was a great way to finish our summer.  Thank heaven that Ashley slept decent so we survived and were able to enjoy ourselves!!

Bethany's Wedding

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The 25th started early.  We started our drive about 4am in hopes the kids would sleep most of the way....and it mostly worked :)

 The kids had fun seeing the event from the outside.  It was a great ceremony, especially special when your dad is able to seal you!  It was fun to hear his insight into the importance of that decision and that moment, and how much we are prepared and let to find our spouse.  I completely agreed!

 After the wedding we had a luncheon and then a reception.  It was a great day.  Busy, fun, and great.

 So after the busy day it felt nice to relax for a couple days in Tetonia.  The kids loved cousins once again.  It was a perfect get away.

24th

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This 24th we were ready to play.  We stuck around to party even though it meant a very early start the next day to make it to Bethany and David's Wedding.  Of course, even though Aaron despises them, we hit up the parade for just a couple dozen minutes.

 Then, while all the suckers watched the parade we had no wait to get on the carnival rides.  This ride was a fun one to watch.  Travis didn't even stand a chance of staying on his side.  Brought back memories of my youth on this ride at Lagoon.

 Hailey even braved a few rides.

We enjoyed an awesome firework display by our neighbors, and then the city fireworks.  Nothing like watching them from your front yard!  We loved playing with neighbors, bbq's, and spending a fun day with family.