Playing in Clarkston on Saturday

We went out to Clarkston to help Andy's grandparents with some yard work. Then we stayed for dinner at Boyd and Jann's house. The kids had fun playing. Maddie was being so goofy-here are some pictures of her dancing and showing us tricks.

My Newest Purchase

There is this really neat store close to my house and I found this big vase there awhile back. I wanted it to put up on my high ledge, but at the time it was priced at $65 and I didn't want to spend that much. Well, I went to that store yesterday and they were having a big sale. My vase was on sale plus I got to use an extra 20% coupon and I had a gift card from my friend so I ended up paying only $7. I was excited! Now I just need to find some cool twig berry things to go in it.

Bowling Night

Well, first I'd like to thank Chanc for taking the time to come by today. It was so fun to see her and talk with her. And it was nice to get to know her husband, Randy a little bit better.

Later in the evening we took the kids bowling. Maddie had a blast, and Garen didn't care to much for the Cosmo bowling and the loud noises.

Maddie cheering her dad on.

Maddie used the ball guide and the bumpers and was able to end with a 116. I took the picture of the scores before the end, but you can still tell I won. Andy ended with a 121 and I got a 152. I have to show that I won because it is a rare occasion-I just had a lucky night (ending my last bowl with a spare and then a strike) It was really a fun family night!

Wind Caves

This morning Andy's mom came over to watch the kids so Andy and I could hike up the Mountain to the wind caves. It was a great morning for a hike. The sky was overcast and not to hot. The hike up is about 900 feet and about 1.3 miles to get to the caves. It was a nice little workout. The caves were really neat and the view was beautiful. We kind of had to hustle our way down so Andy could make it to work on time. But, it's always nice to get away with Andy to some place beautiful, even if it is only for a couple hours.

Great-Great-Grandma Pug

We got to go visit Andy's Great Grandma Pug in her new place today. She now only lives about five minutes from us. We are so lucky to have living history so close by. We love hearing her stories and songs. And it's fun to have Maddie and Garen be a part of a living five generation link.

Bear Lake

Monday night we headed up to Bear Lake. We stayed with Andy's grandparents and had a great time. Tuesday morning we rode the four wheeler and Maddie helped Grandpa Roger pick raspberries. At lunch time our friends came up and we had a picnic and then went to the beach.

Our Family And building sand blobs with Garen and Danny


Maddie and her best friend Jacob
The kids had so much fun at the beach! It was a perfect day, not to hot not to cold. We did get some rain as we were leaving. The kids played tag, Frisbee and build sand castles. Happy Pioneer Day!

Busy Sunday

Today Andy and I got to talk in our new ward. We had the topic of the Plan of Salvation. Although it is always nerve racking to talk, I was glad for the opportunity. I'm not very good at speaking in sacrament meeting and it's something I want to do better at; and you can't get better if you don't practice. Maddie also got the opportunity to introduce herself to everyone-she did a good job.

Then for Sunday School we got to start our new calling as the 11 and 12 year old Sunday School teachers. We had five kids and they were excellent. These young kids really are the chosen ones. Their answers were full of knowledge and truth. They all listened the whole time, as well as participated. I'm really excited to work with these kids. Plus I get to talk about the new Harry Potter book with them because they are all reading it too. (I know I'm a dork)

Abby's Birthday Party

Garen loved playing in the slip and slide.

Abby and Maddie chatting and acting like little teens.

Me and the kids went to Syracuse this morning for My sister's girl's birthday party. The kids got to play in the water all day, and I got to hang out with Sara.

A Day Off

Andy had the day off on Friday, so Maddie and I got to spend the day together. First we went and got our hair trimmed together, then did a little shopping. Later we went to the movie theater to see Shrek the Third. Maddie loved it laughed throughout the movie. After the movie she was dancing to the music and before I knew it all the other kids in the theater were up in front dancing with her-it was cute!

Later in the evening we all went fishing. I didn't get any good pictures of them actually fishing because my camera battery died shortly after we got there. But Maddie had a good time with her new pink fishing pole and Garen just kept trying to run and jump in the water. After fishing we headed back to Hyde Park (the town next to Smithfield) for the fireworks. It was an early pioneer celebration. They had a DJ and dancing and rides. Me and Maddie got to do some dancing (she's pretty good) and the Fireworks were pretty cool. Garen was tired and poopy so he cried through most of the fireworks. We got home about 11:30 but it was a great day together.

Swimming Lessons

Every morning at 9:00 we go to swimming lessons. Maddie is in Level 2 and is doing better each day. She loves her teacher and loves playing the water games. While Maddie is with her class, me and Garen do the mommy and me water babies class. Garen also loves it! He sticks his own face in the water and blows bubbles. He can also go under the water and pick up a toy off of the pool bottom. Garen's favorite part, like Maddie, is the games and songs we do.

Garen really does love the water, but it doesn't look like it in the picture because Maddie was holding him down and making him mad-he prefers to swim/walk in the water alone.

5th Anniversary

Andy and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary on July 12th. We were blessed to have Andy's parents so close and willing to stay at our house with the kids while we went to Salt Lake. We got there Thursday afternoon and went to dinner at the Rodizio Grill. For those of you who don't know, it's a restaurant where they continually bring skewers of grilled fish, steak, chicken, pineapple, and pretty much anything else. After dinner we did some shopping at the Gateway mall and then we got to go to the new Harry Potter movie (I'm a fan).



After the movie we went to the Anniversary Inn. We had the Sultan's Palace room. It was so nice to sleep in and have breakfast brought to us in bed. Not to mention the awesome jetted tub.

We checked out of the hotel at about noon and headed to Lagoon. We probably sound like nerds going to Lagoon for our anniversary but it was a blast!!! We road all the roller coasters. There are so many new rides since the last time I was there. We didn't bring our camera in because I didn't want to keep track of it, but here are some pictures of my favorite rides.

Later in the afternoon we went to Lagoon-A-Beach to cool off. It was fun to chill with Andy and to try all the water slides.

In the evening, when it cooled down a bit, we went on more rides and just enjoyed ourselves until they closed at 11:00 p.m. On our way out we got to stop in some of the little shops and pick out a gift for Maddie and Garen. It was a wonderful two days for me and Andy.

I don't think the kids even missed us, so I guess we'll have to do it again soon!