The grass here really is greener

Most nights we head down to the golf course for a little kickball, sand trap play and old fashioned family fun. My boys love this tradition.

Here they are showing grandma their breakdancing moves.

Cutest Cousins

These boys were crazy cute together. They made our first 10 days in Utah magical as we watched them play like they were best friends and next door neighbors, eventhough we hadn't seen each other since Christmas. Ezra and Parker were never apart and never even had a fight. Little Lukers brought excitement to every situation! I just love my sister and her kids (and Spence is pretty good too!) They are so great.

Kickin' it

We'e been playing kickball as often as Jace can convince us all to do it. The problem? He is ultra competitive. He picked his team the first day and told my mom, "You're weak." Told my dad, "I wish I never would have picked you for my team," and when someone caught his great kick her stormed off the game. Needless to say, dad promptly grounded him from kickball and he's had a whole different attitude ever since. I'd forgotten how fun kickball can be...even for less than sporty folks, like me.

A Fantastic 4th!

I am so behind on blogging because we have been having the greatest time ever in Utah! The drive was easier than expected and we arrive on July 3rd. Everyday since then has been busy and fun filled, so I have a lot of catching up to do. It has been so amazing to be with so much famiy so often.

For the 4th of July we headed up the canyon for a breakfast, a little hike and a small town parade. Had a little afternoon downtime, then watched some fireworks from afar. It's so good to be home!

James and Luke enjoying their spoils. You've never seen a kid more excited about free candy than him.

The whole fam(minus Mitch who was recovering from surgery), plus my both my brother's darling girlfriends

James enjoying food...is there a theme here?

James also loved holding our tickets

Jace and uncle Beau Beau

Just the 5 of us

Ready for the hike

Everyone needs a chocolate donut before breakfast right??? Gotta love Grandma's house.

My Little Dirt Boys

Last week Mike decided he wanted to take all 3 boys camping...alone. I didn't fight him too hard on it(a free weekend and a sleep in Saturday!!!), so he headed out Friday with Jace, Parker, and James, camping gear, flashlights and plenty of camping food. The boys were so excited they asked all day when it was time to go camping.

From what I heard they had, "The funnest time ever." Mike took them out, collected firewood, cooked dinner over the fire, ate s'mores, slept snuggled together, had a few bed-wetting incidents, woke up, ate a huge breakfast with bacon (a real treat!) then hiked and played around all morning. They loved exploring bugs, birds, trees, and everything nature had to offer. Jace was a scout leader on the hike, and all night they asked if coyotes were going to get them. Luckily they were safe. They came back exhausted and happy.

It gave Mike a chance to just be alone with the boys, which I think is so important. Moms have a way of taking over, and it's so nice for the dad to be the one in charge. He's does things differently, but kids need that. I'm so glad he's always up for an adventure and never thinks there is too much hassle involved in creating a fun experience. If I would have gone it would have taken hours to prepare, but they did just fine throwing everything into the car and stopping at the store on the way out.

While they were out, Mike asked what the best thing the boys had done all summer and Jace said, "Camping with you dad." All day, Jace kept saying, "We're just so happy to be here with you dad." And James kept saying, "Where's mom?" "I want to go see mom." At least someone still thinks I'm cool!