Bees Game

Knowing we weren't going to see fireworks for the 24th we decided to go to the Bee's game on the 23rd since they were showing fireworks after the game and we have been wanting to go to a game anyway. I'm pretty sure we chose the hottest day of the year. When we got in our car at 11:00 the temperature was still 98 degrees. It was hot but a lot of fun. Especially since the Powells came with us. Nathan and Emma got t-shirts and had so much fun together. Natalie enjoyed the fireworks. She missed them on the 4th because she was already in bed. She seemed to like them though. All in all a great way to spend the 23rd. Thanks Powells!

A Family Affair

We have wanted to go up to Afton for some time now. But have not been able to because my parents have literally come down to SLC every weekend for the last couple months. This particular Saturday they came down for my cousins reception. But before we went to that we all went out to eat and since we were only missing half of our cousins, we decided we'd better get a picture. Little Austyn is in this picture at one week old. My brother and sister-in law have the other five cousins in Virginia. We miss you Paul and Sarah. Natalie and Isabelle are only two and a half weeks apart. Such cute little girls.
Jacqueline was making her dad a but nervous holding Natalie the way she did. But Natalie loved the attention.
We had the tastiest cupcakes and such a lovely ice cream bar with fresh berries. So good. It was hot but not unbearable. They had american flags on all the neighbors lawns on the way to the reception. Brandon had to report for duty that morning. Our prayers are with you Brandon, be safe.
Such a beautiful couple. I don't think anyone would be able to guess you pulled it all together in 3 weeks!
This is my beautiful sister Christy.
And Emily holding Natalie, carefully placing the cupcake wrapper on her head for a crown. Natalie was unusually tolerant of being held by everyone this night. It was a great break for me. Natalie really is a happy baby but she likes having mom hold her.

Demolition Derby

We were a bit worried about the derby selling out so we went over to the county building to buy our tickets the day before. Afterwards we stopped at the park and Nathan got to play. Natalie got in the swing and really liked it, after a minute anyway.
While waiting to get in to the derby, we found ourselves in line with our friends the Gilberts. This snow cone was courtesy of the Gilberts. And Nathan loved every bit of it!

This is pretty much the look on Nathan's face for most of the derby. And yet he absolutely loves the demolition derby. For weeks following the event every sign we saw he asked if it was for another demolition derby.

Ryan smuggled us in some pizza.

Natalie was such a good sport. She made it until 10:00 or so. We missed the final heat but I fell like I was there with Nathan's narration. We are so lucky to live in such a great city. We are seriously a block from this park. We get to drive our golf car over here for so many fun activities.

Riverton Town Days

We got back from Powell with a couple hours to spare before the rodeo. Nathan looks forward to the rodeo all year long. It was going both Friday and Saturday but we had our neighborhood picnic Saturday so we had to make it back Friday night to go. This is one of the parachuters that did make it after the rain.
This picture says a lot. Shortly after the rodeo began it started to pour. I grabbed Natalie and took her home. Ryan and Nathan stuck it out, they put on ponchos and toughed it out. Natalie and I waited half an hour and the rain stopped we returned. Here is Natalie still dry and Ryan not yet taking off his poncho. The rodeo was a blast as usual.
Saturday morning Kaleb and Kylie came to visit. We kept them over night to give Mike and Breezy a break. Mike just got back from Boot camp and Breezy is due in a couple weeks so we figured they could use some alone time. Nathan, Kaleb and Kylie played so well all weekend and we were so glad they came to stay for a couple days.
Wednesday was dollar days at the carnival. Nathan was more daring than he has been in years past going with Ellie on all the rides. Well, those we'd let them go on any way.
Wednesday night you can get 2 tickets for $1. And each ride is one ticket. The days that follow tickets are $1.50 and each ride costs between 2-5 tickets or you can get a whole day pass for $25. Well, we don't have the desire to spend a whole day so Wednesday night is the time for us.

Natalie was a good sport even after so many late nights this week.
We've been wanting to teach Nathan to ride his bike without training wheels and finally this week we (mostly Ryan) took an evening and worked with him. He did really well but we haven't done much since.
In preparation of our annual Fourth of July BBQ Nathan and Ryan's guys got our flower beds looking good. Nathan loves to work with the guys. He hears the mowers start or their truck pull in and he is there.
The gang waiting for the Riverton parade to begin.
Nathan's favorite float.
Nathan was so impressed with all the military presence there.
Nathan waiting for the movie in the park to begin. Ryan and Alli went and got pizza and we saved our seats.
Natalie waiting patiently for the movie to start. She actually made it through 2/3 of the movie. It didn't even start until 9:30 PM.
Nathan riding a pony over at the park. Ryan and Nathan even got to see the ATV rodeo for awhile.
Nathan and Natalie in a Hummer over at the park. We had a delicious pancake breakfast served by the mayor.
Ryan and Natalie enjoying a Texas twister at the park. Ryan loves those things.
Nathan enjoying his snow cone at the park.
Natalie having a ball at our BBQ. She is so content just to play with a bottle of water. What a great baby!
Here's a friendly game of corn hole in the backyard on the 4th. Followed by a wonderful display of fireworks in the front yard. What a great week! We live in the greatest location.

Lake Powell

We started out riding in Ryan's truck. He got new tires and his oil changed and a chip put in all in anticipation of this trip. Well, we made it 10 miles out of Sipio and his truck just died. No power. Luckily his mom has AAA. We called and a tow trick came put Ryan's truck on the flat bed and hooked up the boot to the hitch. Ryan and his dad rode with the tow truck and the rest of us (Nathan, Natalie, Alli, Terri and I) piled in the BMW to continue on our way. They towed the boat to Sipio and the truck to Provo where some really nice friends met Ryan with the Suburban so they could continue to Page the same night. Poor Alli got stuck in the back with two car seats. I don't know if you've ever been in the backseat of a BMW but it's not all that big. Anyway, we made it to Kanab and were all in need of something to eat. The only thing open to Nathan's delight was Mc Donalds. Natalie had a rough time falling asleep and so we were trying to keep her sleeping. We went through the drive through and Terri starts ordering (in a whisper) "We'll have two happy meals." "What?" (A little louder but still whispering) "We'll have two happy meals" Anyway it went on like this until our order was complete. We ended up ordering two happy meals with drinks, 3 waters, two sundaes, two parfaes, and a 6 piece chicken nugget. When we got to the window the guy was a bit put out by how many drinks he had to get. He started giving them to us and we were looking for places to put all these things. I handed Nathan his drink and he has the nerve to ask Alli if she can scoot over. He wanted to open his cup holder. And the thing of it is, Alli does! So I get my camera and take this picture and in the mean time knock the center console shut which was holding one sundae and a parfae. I grab a wipe and clean it up. Then Terri goes to do something and knocks the other sundae and parfae over. She turns to the guy at the window and in her nicest quietest voice asks for more napkins. I am dying with laughter at this point and we move forward to clean up the mess and realize we have one too many waters and so we throw away one of them hoping the guy at the window isn't watching but not able to control our laughter and at the same time trying to be as quiet as we could so Natalie would keep sleeping. Well, she did and we made it safely to Page. Ryan and Steve followed and arrived three hours later.
Shortly after the McDonald's fiasco. Alli is so good to him.
We discovered Nathan was allergic to wheat about three years ago and since then he has had a wheat-free diet. Well, about a month ago we decided to give it a try because the dr had told us kids usually grow out of it by the time they are six. He didn't have any reaction so we tried again a week later. Soon we were trying half a sandwich every four days then every other day then every day and finally on this trip we lifted all restrictions. This is not such a great picture but, Nathan is enjoying some wheat desserts, cookies and twinkies were the big hits. I had to explain to him we don't always eat these things in fact very rarely do I buy those kind of things so enjoy it while we are on vacation.
Nathan trying to balance on his crab. I'm helping the best I can.
Natalie only went in the water twice. This was the first time. She seemed to like it even though it was a bit cool.
Ryan did lots of the driving.
Just a cool shot of the rock.
We stopped so most could go explore the rocks. This is some of them coming back.
Nathan being taken care of while coming down the rock. He has the best aunts!
Natalie free from her life jacket for a brief moment. Obviously happy about that.
Natalie and Alli after our pizza at The Point restaurant at Antelope Point.
Nathan got everyone to strike a crazy pose.
Nathan finally smiled so Alli could get a picture with him for her room.
This picture doesn't need much explaining.
Natalie helping dad drive the boat. It was a great trip. We had perfect weather. Natalie did really good for her first time on a boat having to wear a life jacket the whole time. And Nathan really enjoyed Lake Powell this year. He has always liked it and been really good on the boat but this year he loved it. He is so much more comfortable and has no fear about jumping in on his own. He had plenty of people there to "take care" of him which was so nice for me. We love Lake Powell. And we were able to pick Ryan's truck up in Provo all fixed on the way home.