Last Little Family Trip for a Bit

Summer seems to be going way too fast! It's been great to have Chandler home but it seems like there has been one event or another that makes family time difficult. Throw in me being really uncomfortably pregnant and then family trips seem impossible. We did manage to squeeze in one adventure before my due date. As much as we love camping it seems like it hardly happens. We decided to rent a tent trailer and spend a couple of days in Lava Hot Springs. So we got the Pilot outfitted to haul the trailer, packed up the kids and the dog and headed out. For the most part we had a good time. The community pool was close to our campground and big enough to spend the day at. Scott and Chandler did the little river run multiple times while Watson and I spent time in "downtown" Lava. I decided any kind of trip being eight and a half months pregnant may not be the best idea, but it was great to spend time together in a new place.

We camped to "escape" our technology ties....it didn't work.

The boys loved the tent trailer. There may be one in our future.

Chandler practiced forgotten Scout skills.

Handsome Scott.

A little campfire snuggling.

1st Cousins Camp

One of our family's favorite traditions during the summer is to stay a few days in Bear Lake. This year, though, our tradition had to be altered. Maybe it's because of late planning, or the fact that I'm due with a baby in six weeks and feel absolutely huge and uncomfortable... Who knows? But, we managed to still spend some good cousin time together, thanks to Aunt Challey and her good ideas. We had two days of "Cousins Camp." The first day centered on Utah County and fun things there. Our first stop with the Smiths was Krispy Kreme where the kids watched the yummy production and then got to eat donuts. We then met up with Amy and her girls to tour BYU's Museum of Art. There are some really great exhibits right now. After a great pizza lunch we headed up Provo Canyon to check out Bridal Veil Falls. It was really hot outside so the water felt heavenly. Of course the kids loved walking around barefoot and splashing in the clear stream. We ended the day with dinner and t-shirt decorating at Grandma Nettie's house. We even splurged on some BYU Creamery goodness for dessert.

The second day of "Cousins Camp" included a trip to Lagoon. Thankfully, I was relieved of being a part of this and spent most of my time with my feet elevated at home in hopes of getting my swelling to lessen. Challey brought Watson with her kids and met up with Channa at the park. Scott was able to spend part of the day with Watson and did all things Lagoon.

By the end of the night all the kids were exhausted but happy for the time together. It was a great adventure for everyone.

Greatest Father Ever!

Scott is one of the hardest working Dads I know. He loves his children and wants what's best for them always. Chandler was home this year for Father's Day and got to share in celebrating Scott. Watson cannot get enough of Scott, no matter the time of day or night. Sometimes Watson can be found sleeping next to him in our room, on a pile of blankets. Scott is the definition of fun and tries to make that happen every day. Currently he is working to build an awesome clubhouse for the boys (and eventually our baby girl) to enjoy. He has visions of late night outdoor movies, video games and explorer play happening all summer long in it. He is building it carefully with the plan for it to last through all of our kids childhood. I love him. He is amazing in so many ways. I'm grateful he loves his family so much. We are very lucky to have him.

This is the year Chandler is significantly taller.

Sometimes Watson doesn't want to share Dad.

A Sweet Shower

My good friends, Shelli and Megan, were super sweet to think of me and baby Daisy. They wanted to celebrate this miracle for us by hosting a little shower. They invited friends from our Parry Farms neighborhood and I felt so much love as person after person showed up. We were given many basic necessities, like diapers and wipes, and many fun things too. Lots of girlie clothes and blankets and a few toys. Megan made everyone homemade crepes and Shelli had the best cupcakes. It was so fun to talk with everyone and just feel lots of love. I'm very grateful for so many friends around me.

Watson's Adventure

My sweet neighbor, Lisa, volunteered to take Watson to the Hogle Zoo with her three boys. I offered to come but she insisted I put up my puffy, eight month pregnant feet and take a day off. I am so grateful for her service and willingness to be kind to me and Watson. Watson had a great time and was thoroughly worn out when he got home. He always has a good time with his buddy, Cache.

The End of Preschool

 Watson not only survived but thrived in his second year of preschool. He was excited and anxious to continue learning his letters and starting to read. He loved being with his friends at school every day and tried really hard to be nice to everyone. His favorite thing to do was play on the monkey bars at recess. He was persistent at getting strong enough to make it across and back many times. I loved picking him up from school and hearing about his determination and adventures. He started a little detective club and was the leader, Agent W. His creativity is fantastic and is super determined to make things work out. His gift for completing a great school year was to go to Build a Bear. We spent an hour there and he was over the moon about his new stuffed animal.

In keeping with tradition starting with Chandler, and because I can't get rid of all of my elementary school teacher personality, Watson is working on a summer workbook. He was very enthusiastic the first day, and it is waning but we will succeed! He's a smart boy, I need to keep him engaged.