What a Cute Family We Have...

If do say so myself! My brother Matt and his family have been here visiting from Virginia, so we took the opportunity to get pics done while everyone was here! It has been almost 4 years since our last group photo!

We had so much fun hanging out, especially the kids! I will write more about that soon, but for now - check these out!

My favorite Owenism ever

I was lying by Owen the other night, telling stories and saying prayers. We both said, "Goodnight, love you" about 5 times each, and finally it was quiet. I thought Owen was asleep when he said, "Mom, I love you as much as a rollercoaster!" I laughed out loud 'cause it was so dang cute and so out of the blue! I asked, "Who taught you to say that?" "Nobody, mom. I learned it all by myself."

The Zoo and Body Painting

Here are some pictures of our once-a-year trip to the zoo!

Owen was super excited to get his face painted like a dinosaur!

Owen and Matthew climbing on the lion

This picture tells it all. From the MOMENT we walked into the gates of the zoo, he had his hands on this map and was our little "guide." He had it out the entire time - telling me where all the animals were and wanting to exactly where we were at all times (he gets that from his dad)! He announced to everyone (even the older kids) all the details...

And then we move on to a very messy but fun day!

I gave Anna an entire Red Vine in the car... when we got home, this is what I pulled out of the car! What you can't see is that she got it all over her carseat as well as her new shoes... oh well! She was happy!

Owen and Macie at the start of their body painting experience!

I made some chocolate pudding and let them paint their little hearts out! It was awesome. At one point, the dog was licking Owen's leg, but I don't even think he noticed between licking his fingers and painting his belly!

The body painting with pudding is a must-try if you haven't ever done it. Perfect for those days you are already outside playing in the water! I was on Studio 5 again last week, and this is one of the ideas we showed to help "Celebrate Summer." I still don't love being in front of the cameras, but it really is a fun experience and I am surprised at how many times they have asked us (Pioneer Party) back! Here is the link if you want to check it out...

Horse Riding

T went completely out of his way the other day to arrange for a babysitter all day for the kids and took me on a horse back ride. I haven't gone forever, so it was with anxiety and excitement that we took off on our little adventure. It was absolutely beautiful, and such a good break from the kids and fun to hang out with my hubby.

Thanks honey, for a great day!

4th of July in Pictures

We got up bright and early for the annual Fireman's breakfast. Every year since I can remember, I have gone to this...and now it's fun to still be a part of it with my own kids.

Anna and Stailey on the back of the rig

Jammie and I grew up together (for those of you who don't know)... and now we have girls just 6 weeks apart! It is fun to see the similarities and also all the many differences!

Our 4th of July family picture! T had to work, so it was good to see him for a part of the days festivities.

Enjoying the yummy food...

Then we took off and went to Yuba with my dad to meet Sarah and Benj. We got there and their boat had just threw a rod (they think), so the boating option was gone, but we still had fun playing in the water.

Anna LOVED standing on the back of the boat and dancing with the water splashing up on her.

Owen is an up and coming boat bum.

Just being silly

I just love this girl!

And my Mt. Dew drinking boy!

We built sand castles...

Took a "ittle rest"

Laughed...

Ate watermelon...

Posed for yet MORE pictures

And then went home for some neighborhood fun

Sprinklers underneath the trampoline - my favorite when I was little! Owen had a blast!

Owen and his best friend, Matthew. (Owen has bore his testimony 2 times this last year, and both times has told everyone he is thankful for Matthew!)

And finished up watching fireworks and eating popsicles.

It was such a FUN FUN day! I can't wait until next year!

A Week of Fun!

Round-Up Week is something I get all excited about every year! I always remember the good ol days being on a ward float, getting all dolled up to go to the rodeo and meet new guys, sitting with my family and the party gals at the store to watch the parade, the dirt dance after the rodeo... I could go on and on! Now many of these things I don't participate in anymore, but I still get all tingly inside when the American flags are lined up all the way down mainstreet. We had a lot of fun this year...

Anna, Owen and I went to the stock parade all by ourselves... dad was working, marnee home sick - both kids loved all the horses. Anna especially is into horses right now!

Owen and I at the rodeo. We had tickets on Friday night - T was deathly ill, so Papa went with us and was such a trooper! It POURED on us! We were all sopping wet, but totally had fun!

Owen and Anna before the Saturday parade

... Anna adores Marnee

(my dad teases that Anna thinks Marnee is me 'cause we look so much alike)

Great Grandma Gloria - I was so glad she was there with us!

Cute kids!

This picture totally explains Owen and his cousin Macie. She has attitude - and is not afraid to show it. Owen loves to tease her and rolls his eyes when he wants to ignore her!

But yet they are the best of friends and have so much fun together!

After the parade, we ventured to the Family Fun Day at the park...

This swing thing cracked me up! It was a funny set up from the beginning - all sorts of mis-matched swings and a big ol' kid running it. He was so chill that he wouldn't even see kids jumping over the rope to get first picks of the swings. So Owen was first in line and got the last pick of swings. Whatever! I looked over half way thru the ride and he was hanging on for dear life! He had slipped under the "seatbelt" (what there was of it) and was almost dragging along the ground. His hands had the death grip. I watched to see if the guy would notice and stop, but he didn't, so I casually asked how much longer the ride would last. One minute. Hmmmm, a little too long for Owen to hang on! Once the guy saw Owen, I found out that he could move pretty fast! He had it stopped in about 5 seconds. Too funny!

We made the rounds at the park and did just about everything! The kids had a ton of fun and we were all ready to go home for a big nap!

Fun in the Sun... Finally!

After many days of rain, we finally got to enjoy the sun a little!

I really wish I would have pulled off that sticker on the bucket!!