Sunday, June 30, 2013

South Lake Tahoe


We managed to squeeze in a couple of family trips in our summer. We originally planned a little camping trip with our "besties," the Pierces, to South Lake Tahoe. Unfortunately, the weather didn't know it was summer time and temperatures in the mid 30's at night doesn't work for tent camping for us girls, and some of the boys. So, we walked Sparky over to our neighbors, packed up the Pilot, bikes and all, and headed out of town. Although the drive was long (9 hours) we got to pass by the Salt Lake Salt Flats, through Scott's hometown of Elko, and saw real missiles. South Lake Tahoe was beautiful. We stayed in a little cabin we found through VRBO and had all the amenities of a well stocked home. Watson was a trooper with sleeping and he loved, loved, loved, having someone to play with at all times. Chandler totally had a ball with the Pierce boys. He rode his bike all over the place and did some exploring in the forest near our rental. Scott had a blast, too, of course. He and Bill rode everyday, sometimes twice, and had great bonding time together. I got in as much "Sadie" time as possible. I love this friend. She is one of the kindest people I know. And understanding. And forgiving. Luckily the little M&M incident didn't damper our whole trip together. Hee hee.






Bryson (17) Scott (16) Alec (14) Chandler (13) Zach (10) Lindsey (7) Watson (3)

We did brave the cooler temperatures one day to hang out at the lake. The water was an amazing blue. The sand bar was so big you could walk really, really, far into the lake before you couldn't touch anymore. Watson loved playing in the sand and the bigger boys played touch football too. We enjoyed great family meals together and just a great time all around. We're so grateful for this friendship and the chance we have to spend time with Bill and Sadie and their family. Although our kids are getting bigger, this is a tradition we plan to continue each summer. I look forward to many more family summer trips together!

Friday, June 28, 2013

Let the Summer Fun Begin!

 Summer around the Carr home kicked off pretty great by having Chandler come home June 6th. We tried to pack in as much as we could (while trying to finish Chandler's 6 classes of online virtual schooling.) We discovered THE BEST Hawaiian shave ice, just five minutes from home. That was a favorite spot, especially during the major heat wave in June and July. All the boys did lots and lots of bike riding, both around the neighborhood and with Dad on the trails. (Scott and I did sneak in at least one mountain biking date.) Chandler got to spend quite a bit of time with friends and really expanded his ramp building skills. Watson got to spend lots of time with his friends too, including his "best" friend, Stratton.
 

Thor and Watson--a full day with 2 energy packed boys!
 Watson had his first solo swimming lessons. He did really well being comfortable in the water and following directions. He is so close to being able to float on his back by himself!

Stratton and Watson built their own "fort" at Grandma's.

June was packed with being together and having as much fun as possible each day. It was so great to be together as a family again.

Monday, June 17, 2013

6 Thumbs Up for Our Great Dad!

Father's Day. Scott is the best Dad. He loves his boys so much and really does everything he can to show them. They both love being with him. When Dad's around, everyone is happier. This year I planned a dinner with my sisters and sister in law to honor the Dads in our families. We also asked the kids to prepare a little tribute. Watson and I came up with a song, to the tune of "Follow the Prophet:"
Scott Carr is my dad's name
Riding bikes with me
To get donuts 
And a cold Slurpee
He tells me a dinosaur story
Almost every night
And I usually beat him
When we wrestle and fight.
Daddy is my best friend.
Daddy is my best friend
Daddy is my best friend,
We play Lego Star Wars.
Daddy is my best friend,
Daddy is my best friend,
Daddy is my best friend,
He gives me chores!
Watson did a great job singing it. We practiced for over a week.
Chandler said nice things about Scott, too. 
I just hope he knows how much we appreciate and love him.