Summer 2009

Our summer is almost over! The boys will soon be back in school. I really thought that we were going to be able to accomplish a lot this summer, and it seems that it just passed right by us this year. We haven't been able to do the things that we usually do to enjoy the summer and I guess it's because those things are now too far away. I miss the little things like being able to head to the mountain for a picnic, the parades, rodeo, demolition derby, family reunions, 4-wheeler rides - pretty much everything we used to do! One of my friends took me to Boulder last week. I had never been there so I was excited to go. We went up into the mountains to a river. There are hiking trails, biking trails, and a playground. My friend says it's one of her favorite places to go, and I learned that about 50% of the people in Colorado love it there too! There were SOOo many people! It was almost impossible to even find parking. We had to wait for people that were loading up to leave and wait for their parking stall. And the traffic to get there...nothing like I'm used to to get to the mountain! But I can see why my friend likes it, and I'm glad she took me there. It is beautiful.

Dusty found tiny pieces of gold flakes and he spent quite some time trying to catch one, which he eventually did!

Hayden picking up the perfect rock...

...to throw down the waterfall.

Dusty walking along the rocks

The water was freezing! I dipped Kyrie's toes in a few times, and I walked around a little bit, but I couldn't seem to get used to the ice cold temperature. The cold didn't stop the kids or the hundreds that were there tubing. It was a fun day! And I was proud to report to Chris that I was able to find my way home without following my friend, or using the GPS! I am starting to feel like I know this area a little better!

SERIOUSLY, HOW CUTE IS SHE? I think that she is absolutely, perfectly adorable. She now says "Mama", and I LOVE it! She usually says it when she's tired or hungry - or when she's had enough of her brothers.

For the Fourth of July Kim and AJ came to help us celebrate. We started the day with a ward breakfast at the park.
We had pancakes, sausage, and fruit - all of Dusty's favorites. It's amazing how much bigger his little stomach gets when his favorite foods are served. He ate a lot of food! I rememeber when he was little he hardly ate anything, he just wanted chocolate milk all day. I would complain about how little he ate. My dad would just tell me not to worry, that he would make up for it some day. This day must have been one of those make up days!

I don't think Hayden even touched his plate, like always if there is other things to do and see, filling his stomach is the last thing on his mind.

Kyrie was just as happy as could be and shared a whole bunch of smiles!

HaPPY ReD WHiTe aND BLue!