An Independence Day Celebration Marathon

What a crazy weekend we had! It's going to take me at least a week to catch up. Here is a recap full of details only I care about and about 90 pictures, but would you expect any less from me?

We kicked off our weekend with a little BBQ at mom and dad's. Lucy, Hank, and Isabel were great little helpers, and Hank's face in this picture is classic. It makes me laugh every time I see it.

Here is another example of a picture that makes me laugh every time I see it. Randy found his soul-mate...a fellow finger pointer!

It was an extremely relaxing afternoon. My Grandpa Sherm was full of jokes!

Oh Jack, why do I love you so much?

A little mother/son water gun repair

Next stop, more BBQ action at Jeri's house to celebrate Grandma Dot's 88th Birthday.

Hank and Max were giddy with excitement once the fireworks started.

Check out that sunset behind Jenni and Randy

Good thing I had a coat and a blanket to keep me warm. It was freezing!

Best Friends Forever! Wait, is Hank almost as tall as Colby?

They were amazed at the shear awesomeness of our fireworks.

So amazed that Max couldn't waste one spare moment to go inside and pee.

The kids passed out and got some much needed rest because on Sunday we headed here...

I dare say the most beautiful place in Utah...Zions National Park. We followed the hard core Harley riders (a.k.a. mom and dad) all the way there. The kids thought they were pretty tough looking.

The minute we got to our motel, the Desert Pearl, the kids couldn't get into their swimming suits fast enough.

We spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing.

We spent the evening fine dining at an amazing restaurant. Hank chose to sit by his new friend Alexi. He didn't seem to mind sitting away from Randy and I. He didn't let Alexi get too far away the entire weekend. I love when Hank hovers around someone he likes!

And Maxi...hmmm where do I start. He was a bit challenging at a 5 star restaurant to say the least. A two year old and a 3 hour dining experience do not go hand in hand. Luckily he had Monet to hug and kiss. She was very entertained by Max and his antics.

Monday morning we had a hard time convincing the kids to come with us on a hike. Of course they wanted to swim but I made them enjoy the beauty of Zions first.

We decided to do a leisurely little walk along the river instead of a more challenging hike, like the rest of the group.

It turned out to be a very wise choice since Max walked all of 5 feet. The rest of the time he rode on Grandpa Mater's shoulders or mom and dad's.

Ranger Bob is to the right, next to Grandma Joanne, A.J., Maddy, Lane, Maia, Joyce, Hank, mom, Randy and I (dad was the photographer) As you can see we are pretty die-hard hikers!

Preciousness

Mom, you can't say I don't put any pictures of you on my blog!

Joyce and Grandma Joanne

I love how our kids had to be held against their will to take this picture!

After the hike and a killer root beer freeze at Blondies, the kids could hardly wait to resume their spot at the pool.

Nice follow through dad! My parents even got in the pool to play with the kids.

Hank jumped off the side of the pool about 5,000 times at least!

Max preferred to kick it in the hot tub alone. It was a chilly 99 degrees after all!

Wow, how did I manage to capture my kids embracing twice in the same post?


Our last evening was spent eating pizza and frolicking around the grassy area behind our motel. I can't say enough good things about this motel. It was sheer perfection! A perfect place for families. Behind this grassy area was a river you could tube down. I could have easily stayed there another week.

Riley, Randy, Mino, and myself
I didn't even notice my dad posing behind us!

What an amazing family I am a part of. I had a blast talking to everyone and enjoying the beauty around me. Other than a bout of car sickness from Max on the way home, the trip couldn't have been more fun. I can't wait to go back!

This picture is for you Jessie!! See what your missing out on?

Uncle of the Year

And the award goes to......

You guessed it, Randy! Of course I think he is the best dad around, that's a given but his skill go beyond being a father.

Perfect example, Colby and Dyson slept over a few weeks ago and Randy suggested all the boys sleep out on the trampoline. I didn't realize he was actually going to sleep out there with them! That's going above and beyond the call of duty. I even over heard him plotting a toilet papering excursion with the boys. Don't worry, the voice of reason (me), put a quick kibosh to that plan. I think Hank should be at least 15 before he starts vandalizing with his dad!

Lucy and Isabel always know that when Randy is home from work, he will bounce them on the tramp. Isabel is Randy's "girl". I think I might need to watch out for her!
Another prime example happened last night. Sarah and I had our weekly golf lesson and Brett was busy putting their yard in so Randy willingly watched Jack. As we drove away, Randy was pushing Jack in the stroller with one hand and pushing Max's trike with the other, at the same time he was playing tag with Hank. He takes it all in stride, and never acts put out or too busy. It is one of the traits I love the most about him.

Memories from P-Town

Things that came to my mind prior to my trip to Portland

1-5th grade state report
2-site of my dental hygiene board exam August 2002
3-home to Rusty, Collette, and Rick

Things that come to my mind after my trip to Portland

1-The Allison Resort and Spa

We ate lunch at this ultra swanky hotel and enjoyed the best food I've had in a long time.

Randy won't stop talking about his gourmet pinot burger. It was AMAZING!

2-Wine Country

I had no idea how many vineyards Oregon has. Rusty loved educating us on the types of soil in these regions. I'm pretty stoked I have another beautiful landscape photo for my yoga room.

Breath taking views

Randy wanted to fight a guy here...not pictured. I calmed him down but Rusty totally had his back....cute brothers!

3- Fantastic Food

We ate some of the best food I've ever had on this trip. Every meal was a delicious dining experience, combined with excellent company made it true perfection.

4-Yoga

I love trying out yoga studios in different cities. I made Collette come with me and she endured a pretty challenging power yoga class, taught in a 95 degree room!
\

Hopefully I didn't turn her off to the whole yoga thing!

5- Brotherly Love

These three are complete entertainment. They can even make a world cup soccer game interesting!

6-KARAOKE

"I believe in miracles...where you from, you sexy thing!"
Hilarious

Wait a minute...who is that , I'm not sure how this sweet girl ended up with a mic in her hand!

Imagine the crowd's face when they heard Rage against the Machine belted by this unidentified girl. She was really into it! "Now TESTIFY!"

Good thing the freaky DJ was in love at first sight!
(she is pictured on the right)

Rick and Randy channeled their inner Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

7- Oregon Coast/Twilight Set

Maybe I was the only one pretending to be Bella! It was hard not to imagine being a vampire while in these spectacular surroundings.

P-Town Crew

Rusty trying to perfect Randy's infamous finger point.

Chelsea, Rick and I

Rusty and Rick most definitely give me an idea of what life would be like with brothers!

As you can see Randy and I had a fantastic time in Portland, thanks to our incredible hosts. They really showed us the best parts of the city. I didn't wash a dish, mop a floor, put in a load of laundry, make a meal, or drive a car for nearly 5 days and it was heaven, yet I was ready to get home to my babies!

Vacations are always hard to come home from, but when you have adorable children like this to greet you, it's much easier! I can't thank Rusty, Collette, and Rick enough for the great times this weekend. Come visit us real soon. I also must thank everyone who helped out with our kids while we were gone. I didn't worry for a second, as I knew they were in very capable hands. I could do a whole other post on what my kids did while we were gone. They had a mini vacation as well!
Next up...4th of July celebrations in Zion's!

Rain or Shine

In true Utah fashion, we have had snow, rain, and a random day of 90 degrees all in the month of June. That hasn't stopped us from enjoying our summer thus far.

Example A

Splash Park

I'm not saying it was ideal to run through ice cold water in low 70 degree weather but the kids didn't seem to mind. We decided to call it a day once their lips turned purple.

Mino kept saying "Mom, I'm cold freezing!"

Example B

Cruisin' in the "Burb"
My kids can't get enough of Sarah's newly acquired vehicle. It is our method of transportation this summer, seeing as we can all ride together and jam out to mix CD's from 10 years ago.

No ride would be complete without a stop to the frozen yogurt joint.

Example C

BBQ at the Griffin's
We may have been shivering outside but the weather wasn't going to stop us from grilling a delicious burger and listening to classic hits on the deck. Max also insisted we jam out to "Imma Be".

(I just found this picture on my camera)

On a totally unrelated note...
Hank was supposed to be part of a demo for his Tae Kwon Do studio for the Saratoga Splash Days but it was canceled due to rain. On our way home he kept saying "Stop being scared, stop being scared". I asked him why he was saying that and this was his reply, " My performance got canceled but I'm still nervous so I'm telling myself I can stop being scared now". Classic Hank right there. I love it!

Good Morning

The boys didn't want to face the day this morning. Instead they lounged in Hank's bed. I could hear them giggling and Hank said "Max lets just love each other". Great idea!

It reminds me of a picture I took not long ago. The sheets are the same, the bed is the same but somehow my babies are growing at an alarming rate. STOP, or at least slow down a bit...sheesh!

Boys Gone Wild...St. George Edition

Randy and I took the kids on a spontaneous trip to St. George last weekend and despite only being there one day...we wasted no time partying it up! Here's a recap of the boy's fun filled weekend.

Lovin' the hotel beds and sleeping in

Chillin' in the hot tub, even though it was 90 degrees outside

Finding some hot babe to hang with pool side

All the pina colada's and shirley temples you can drink

Max had one too many

Drag races

Max was some stiff competition

Arcade action

Mini Golf

Bumper boats...squirting innocent women and children (Max wasn't into it)

Cannon Ball

Hour upon hours of swimming

Pool volleyball with a cute little girl

Winning his volleyball match even though he was the only one keeping score

Lots of laughter (who wouldn't laugh at that crazy lady)

Passing out in the car

My little family totally rules! This is what it's all about...quality time with the family. It doesn't get any better than that.