It's Summer!

We aren't getting a whole lot of summer where we live so we decided to head to the warmth. We took a trip with my family (minus my brother, boo!) to sunny Las Vegas and St. George. Las Vegas is our very favorite place to vacation, as most of you well know. It was so fun for the kids to be there with their cousins. We swam, got sunburned, swam some more, saw some free shows, played some games, shopped, and then head to St. George. It was free day at Zion and my kids have never been so we decided to try it out. It was such a perfect pretty day to go. One of my children did not enjoy it at all and we had a minor family meltdown, but all in all it was a great trip!

Wade either had his sunglasses or goggles on the entire trip. He thought he was so awesome in the airport because he got to pull a suitcase for the first time. It was pretty funny.

They had so much fun swimming with Nana and Papa. Thanks to them the parents got a little laying out time.

Such cute girls!

Laying on the street watching the Freemont Street Experience. Yes, they are laying right on the street. Pretty gross I know but it was a perfect view. Have you been to this show? Go, if you haven't!

Tate and Wade must have sat here and squirted people for hours.

The Bellagio Gardens. Paige loved these. They were so pretty.

Playing in the river and Weeping Rock at Zion.

Party!!

I swear I can't believe how fast these birthdays come around. Gabe turned 9 today. We've had an exciting birthday weekend. We started off Friday with a big bash. He planned on doing night games so I had the party really late and of course it poured! I couldn't get any of them to come in so by the end they were soaked. Saturday we went to Lagoon, picked out his shiny new bike and had a special birthday dinner at Kobe steakhouse. Our birthdays get bigger and bigger each year. I'm worried for what the future holds. We can't seem to stop spoiling them. I'm so sad they are all getting so big but I'm so proud of the the person Gabe is growing into. We love him so much and are so glad he is part of our family.

Chicago

Dean had to work in Chicago this past weekend so we all decided to tag along. None of us have ever been into the city and this was the first time we have been somewhere that we had no tour guide and seriously no idea where we were going. It was pretty funny but I think we did alright. I'm sure we missed quite a bit but we had fun anyways. Very cool city by the way. I would like to go back and explore with just Dean. The picture by the building was my attempt at the Sears Tower. I think we got a little close. I am definitely no photographer.

To The Hunts

As I've mentioned before this is my very favorite day of the year. Even the snow can't stop us, in fact it makes it that much more fun because besides the normal madness of the hunts, there are children slipping and sliding this way and that. Once again, my well-trained offspring did not disappoint! I barely even had to steal any other kids candy this year. I told my mom that I didn't have to help Wade even once but looking back on the video, maybe I helped just a little. While Gabe was watching he asked me why I kept picking stuff up and putting it in his bag. He said, "Mom, that's CHEATING!" I know how grateful they all are for their excellent egg hunting role model! My mom kindly reminded them all though how this was nothing compared to the egg hunt of '04 when their mother was yelled at over the loud speaker for crossing the line with the other small children, "No Parents Allowed!!" I have just decided that I've got to get an adults only egg hunt going for next year.

Spring Ski

We just go home from our Spring Ski trip to Alta. This is always one of my favorite vacations and we are seriously spoiled to get to do it, thanks to my fabulous parents and all of their sweet connections! It's so removed and so relaxing. My kids love every minute of it. The weather was fantastic and I've got the sunburn to prove it (nothing like some in the past if any of you remember those!)

Spring Has Sprung

The blossoms are officially out on our trees so we brought them inside and made an Easter Tree.

Oh Baby

We had a baby shower for my sister in law this last weekend. This is her first baby boy and all of us are so excited for her. I'm pretty sure that this is the first baby shower I've done. It was fun and turned out cute. I was sad I didn't get a picture of all the gifts. She got such cute things..

The Big 3!

Wade turned 3 today. It was a fun filled day with cinnamon roll breakfasts, new bikes and toys, birthday cards, grandmas and grandpas, nanas and papas, cousins, lots of redos on candle blowings because other people blew them out, and too many but yummy birthday cakes and treats. I love this kid to pieces (I mean seriously who could not?)

Snow Angels

It's Official! This day (the first snow day) has been declared my children's very favorite day of the year. It may be even possible that I do not see this much excitement on Christmas Day. I actually think we've had snow before this but we were out of town so it didn't count. You should have heard the shrills when it started falling this morning. You can tell we aren't quite ready by our lack of snow gear but they didn't care. Also, I have a new invention...actually it might not be my invention at all. I'm sure I heard it from someone else, so if it's yours, sorry about that. After our freezing cold day, Hot Chocolate was a must! They all love it, but I seem to have a problem getting the temperature right for Wade. I had the idea today to drop a scoop of Peppermint Ice Cream in it instead of ice and it was an instant hit. Try it....Hot Chocolate + Peppermint Ice Cream = Creamy Deliciousness!

Paige's Turn

I know all of our pictures seem to be of us in New York, but it seems to be our second home these days. I figured Paige needed a turn. We had such a fun time.