Summer A to Z, Roy Pool

Noah on the slide!

 Last year we went to the Roy Aquatic Center a few times and the kids loved it! They were excited to go back this year. We spent the day there with my parents and my sister, Krista, on the 4th of July. It was HOT!, so the cool water felt great! They have a couple slides, a diving board, and a high dive so plenty for everyone. We swam and hung out in the shade eating my mom's yummy baked "fried" chicken and lots of other good food. It was a fun day! Unfortunately, we got rear ended a block away as we were leaving, but no one was hurt so it didn't ruin our day.

My dad loves the slide!

We found a spot with a little shade.

Mike had a nap in the shade tent.

Jenna LOVES going off the high dive.

Rylee showing off on the diving board.

Jenna doing a twist off the high dive!

My dad jumping off the high dive!

Mike is an awesome diver, unfortunately our kids get their diving skills from me.

Jenna was trying to get Mike wet.

My mom even braved the high dive this time.

Krista, Jenna, and Rylee waiting in line for the big slide.

Cole jumping off the high dive!

Summer A to Z Fireworks Fun

Jenna loved the rides!

 North Salt Lake City always celebrates the 4th of July on July 3rd. They have music, food, games, and rides at the golf course followed by a big fireworks show at 10. It is a huge event and always so crowded. Last year was the first year we actually went to the golf course to watch the fireworks. This year was the first year we visited the booths and enjoyed some of the rides while we waited for the fireworks.

I could not believe how many people were there.

!

Rylee and her friend Kyle waiting for the fireworks to start.

Jenna enjoying her cotton candy!

The fireworks are always awesome!

Cole and Noah  enjoying the fireworks!

Ears Pierced

 Jenna has been wanting her ears pierced for so long. Rylee was 9 when we let her get hers done, so we made Jenna wait til she was 9 as well.







One of her cute friend's moms has a salon in California. She volunteered to do Jenna's ears for her as a gift. The big day finally came! Jenna was a little nervous, thanks to her big sister telling her horror stories.
Her friend held her hand so Jenna could squeeze it if she
needed while I took pictures. She didn't want to watch.

Jenna didn't even cry. She loves them!

Summer A to Z, ZOO

We decided to do the ABC's of summer this year. The idea is to visit somewhere or do something that begins with each letter of the alphabet. I don't know if we will actually finish, but we started at the end of the alphabet when we visited the Zoo. They have a brand new exhibit that was amazing!

They have a couple huge water "tanks" that you can view from down below and up above. Here the kids are checking out the gigantic sea lion and the cute harbor seals from down below.

Jenna and Ava (our cute friend) loved watching the harbor seals swim.

It has been a few years since our zoo had polar bears so it was fun to watch this big guy.

My boys!

They have 3 adorable grizzly bear cubs. 

This is a view from up above the exhibit.

Cole, Noah, Jenna, and Ava.

They have river otters! They are so much fun to watch.

Always love the elephants!

My "gorillas".

This tiger was enjoying his pool. He kept swimming by right next to the glass. He was huge!

Cute girls!

End of another school year

The end of each school year is always so busy. We had the boys' band concert (forgot to take pics again), Rylee's choir concert, Rylee's 9th grade awards night, Jenna's spirit week, yearbook day, etc.

Here is a picture of Rylee with her cute friend, Mandy. They have been friends since they were babies and we moved into the ward. They are both beautiful girls inside and out.

Jenna wanted to wear Rylee's old cheer uniform for her team spirit day. She looks up to Rylee and wants to be just like her. I keep reminding Rylee that she always has eyes watching what she does.

I love this kid, almost as much as my own. Brayden and Rylee have been friends since 7th grade band. They treat each other like brother and sister. They tell each other everything and are there for each other through thick and thin. I know that he will protect her and stick up for her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA!!!

I cannot believe my baby is 9! Jenna was so excited for this birthday, she had been counting down the days for months. We tried to make it special for her. First, we checked her out of school to go to lunch at Salt City Burger (her choice). She had a burger, onion rings, and a chocolate shake. She was in heaven!

She wanted cupcakes instead of a cake this year. I tried to copy an idea I saw, it didn't quite work out how I wanted, but with the twisty candles it was ok. Jenna liked it, so that's what matters.

For months before she was counting down days, then that day she was counting down the hours and minutes until 5:30 p.m. which is the time she was born. She stood by the microwave for almost 10 minutes waiting for the clock to change.

Here she is opening her gift from Aunt Cheryl in California. She is talking to her at the same time.

The rest of her gifts she opened later when family came over for dessert.

Here she is (being a weirdo as usual) blowing out her candles.

Mother's Day Weekend

We were lucky enough to spend part of Mother's Day weekend with my mom and part with Mike's mom. On Saturday we had a picnic with my family. We enjoyed sunshine, yummy sandwiches and salads, and some kickball. (I forgot to take any pics) Later that afternoon were able to see our sweet great niece, Charley, be blessed. Then on Sunday we went to Mike's moms for dinner. Mike and his brother in law, Mike, barbequed for us. On Monday Jenna and I went to the Zoo with Grandma Carol and Jacque and her girls (Maggie and Charley).

Charley is so sweet.

Jenna, Maggie, and Jacque on the zoo train.

Jenna and Maggie loved playing at the playground at the zoo.