The bean turns 5!

In July we were so excited for a visit from Aunt Becky and cousin Syd. They came over for a visit and a little celebrating for Syd's 5th birthday. The kids adore her and were so excited to play and celebrate together. We headed to boondocks for games and then to the park for pizza and cake! I can't believe how big these kids are getting! So glad we were able to see these guys a few times this summer, nothing beats cousin time.

Water Fight

Looked out in the back yard and could not stop laughing at this sight!!! Thank goodness for those helmets a squirt in the head could really knock ya out!!

Man CAMP!

Max was so excited to go on a MAN CAMP where men only were allowed. Max, Matt, and uncle Greg headed out to Idaho for a little fishing and we heard about it for days. Max was the net boy and did so good sitting patiently on the boat netting all the fish and just enjoying the great outdoors! He loved loved loved that it was boys only and then coming home and chasing me around the kitchen with that stinky fish he had gutted himself! His giggle that night, as he chased me,  will be something that I remember for ever! It was the deepest most sincere laugh I have ever heard from him!

Bear Lake

One of my girl friends has a cabin up at Bear Lake and she was kind enough to invite us to go stay the night with her and some of our other friends. It was a fun little getaway. The kids loved having a giant slumber party with the other kids and playing in the dirt. We sat on the dirty beach for hours while the kids played in the water and built sand castles. It was fun to have adult conversations and enjoy my girl friends while giving the kids a little mini vacation. On the way home I took a wrong turn and headed and extra long way home. We were the only ones on the road  and I was high up in a canyon. I looked down and my gas tank and started to panic. I thought for sure we were going to run out of gas. Instantly little Madi was on to me and could tell something was wrong. She came right out and asked are we going to run out of gas? We both were very scared  because we had quite a ways to go and I seriously had not seen a car pass us for miles. I told Mad we would be fine and asked her to say a prayer for us. It's funny how dumb simple stories like these or simple tender mercies, really strengthen our faith in a loving Heavenly Father. Because after that prayer my heart slowed down a bit I wasn't as nervous and we were now on the decline of the canyon.  so I put the car in neutral we glided down that mountain for a good 30 miles and straight into the gas station at the bottom. Safe! didn't have to find a stranger to haul 3 babies and a crazy lady. Matt didn't really love this story he told me I was crazy and that driving in neutral down the mountain was really stupid!! But hey we made it right!!Oh the lazy days of summer!

Summer Lovin...

Our summer came and went so fast. We played so much this summer, but now I am looking forward to that fall crisp air. I have a ton of pictures I need to catch up on but they will come. One of my favorite things this summer was just chillin at home and playing in the back yard. I have kind of been a home body lately, and it feels kind of good. Matt and I love watching the three kids play together. Mia is at an age now where she can keep up for the most part with the other kids and wants to be right in the middle of all the action. She has absolutely loved being included in Madi and Max's games of house, or air benders!! She usually plays the part of puppy dog but she has no problem with that. I dread the day when playing with your brother or sister is "uncool"

Root Beer with dad

My obsession with free KSL has spread to Matthew and Moo. One Saturday this past Summer Max, Mia, and I were napping, when we woke up we found Madi and Daddy way to excited. They had snuck out and went to this house giving away free stuff and came home with a new chocolate fountain, a big water gun, and a make your own homemade root beer. SO that they did.

Free Fifty Free

One of my favorite things to do is search the free KSL ads for treasures. Well I scored again! This time it was a free two night stay at this amazing resort. It was awesome! The pool was the perfect size for the kids, the room was small but perfect. We went up for one night alone. We swam, ate out, and watched movies. The next morning we swam all day, the kids love the water. Mia thinks she can swim with no floaties and just tries to push herself away from any adult. Max could not handle that Mia dares to go under water with no help so then he had to to and Madi is becoming a little fish swimming up and down the pool like the big girl that she is! Later we met up with Grandma and Grandpa Chewy. When they arrived we headed to the Alpine Slide. The kids LOVED this especially our little dare devil Mia she wanted to go again and again. That night right outside of our hotel was a free outdoor concert. We were able to just sit and relax and enjoy the fresh air. It really was a great weekend. Especially because it was FREE!  I have always loved Park City for some reason. I remember as a girl just loving going and staying at hotels even if it was just a half hour away. Madi is the same. She LOVES hotels. She loves the free note pads, shampoos, lotions, and especially the shower caps! It's so funny to relive memories by watching Madi enjoy and do the same things that I used to do.

SOOOO HOOOOTTT they all ripped their shirts off after playing in the Provo river. SO what do you know seconds later Matt has his shirt off too. They thought they were hilarious...and they kind of are!