Pioneer Day

The Fire Department in a neighboring city to where my mom lives celebrated Pioneer Day in a new fashion this year. A few of the fire trucks met at a local park and let their foam and water drench the local riff -raff. Needless to say there were a lot of kids and a lot of fun!

We then headed to the canyon for a BBQ at grandma and grandpas cabin. I forgot how much I miss the outdoors.

Trees, grass and mountains have never looked so good after a long, hot summer in the desert!

my cute sis and her cute baby,


our family(with Cooper and Grandpa Mel)

The night ended with my uncle Bruces annual firework display. He tries to outdo himself every year and all of the neighborhood kids come out to watch.This year it was complete with background music from the Jackson 5. Thank heavens for the Pioneers that allows us one more day of pyrotechnics!

Utah Trip

The kids and I were able to spend about four weeks in Utah this summer. Matt joined us after his trip to the Dominican Republic and finals. It was great to be able to spend time with our extended family and not feel so rushed with things. We had plenty of time to do all we wanted to do. The kids seem to love the simple and easy things the best. Riding in the buggy with McKay and Grandpa Mel,
mowing the lawn with the riding lawn mover, playing with the baby foxes,
visiting Maggie,
and spraying the weeds
and playing around at Grandpa Brent's barn.
I always try to plan elaborate outings, and then I realize that the kids just want to be kids who can run the neighborhood with out a care. I realized that my kids need a backyard in the worst way!

Let Freedom Ring!

What is more American than:

Fireworks,

Funnel Cakes,

Ice Cream,

And

Family Fun?

Nothing!

Happy 4th of July

The Golden Nuggett a.k.a. The Golden Donut

Two years ago we spent a weekend at the Golden Nugget. Ever since then the kids have been asking when we were going to go back. So we decided to go for the Fourth of July Weekend. Matt's mom decided to come down and was able to go with us. I think that we about did her in with all of the sun and the intense heat that she is not used to!
The Golden Nugget has a fantastic pool with a shark tank in the middle of it. There is a three story water slide that goes right through the aquarium as well. We swam,

laid out,
and swam some more.

We feasted at a traditional Las Vegas Buffet,

walked Freemont Street,

relaxed,

and had a great time together!