A Week in Review

This past week, we have had so much fun as a family but it has been so busy. I have not been great about blogging due to the fact that, by the time we get home, I am tired and just don't want to sit at the computer to blog. So, I finally resolved to just blog at the end of the week about all the activities of the week.

Monday was the 25th of July, so we went down to the parade. Neeners, GG, Lindsey, Carter, Tyler, Christie and her 3 kiddos, plus us all had a blast at the parade. We had wonderful weather, the kids got free Frisbees and bubbles. It was a very pleasant morning. Then we went out to lunch at Red Robin, dropped GG off at home and then Neeners and I watched the Adjustment Bureau. It is a sad fact, I took the camera and left it in the car the entire day. So no pictures, but a good time was had by all.

Wednesday, Bri said that the kids needed to work some wiggles out. We talked about things to do and decided to take them down to Liberty Park and then over to Cakewalk for a treat after. At the park the kids played in the water park area and LOVED it. They did not want to leave until we told them that we were going for a treat and then they were excited, but it was a lot of fun to watch them play and then eat a cupcake.

Thursday, we had a play date with a friend of Colin's from preschool. The great thing about a play date with Cayden, means a play date for Audra with Kiera as they are 4 days apart. We met over at Creekside Park and the kids chased and played for hours. I am sure fun was had by all, because they all played so well together and for so long. I know that we will have more play days with Cayden and Kiera, because they just had so much fun.

Friday, Grandpa Garry's work had Hogle Zoo Day. So we met up at the zoo right after work. We got to see Great Grandpa Don and Great Grandma Ellen too, since they drove up from Santa Fe. Rio Tinto, sure know how to put on a party. We each got a hat and the kids got t-shirts. Then it was all you could eat dinner and treats. Unlimited rides on the train and carousel and face paintings. A super fun time we had with all.

Saturday, we our Murray Group get together. Again we were at a park, this time Southwood. It was fun together with old friends and have grilled hot dogs, salads, and cookies 'n cream cupcakes. The time went way too fast, but hopefully we are able to get together soon and make some more memories.

You Kiss It

Miss Audra, has been going through a stage in life. It is one that many mothers know and love. I just think it is so cute, so I am sharing. It would be the kiss the owie better stage. Now as many of you mothers know, a little kiss makes it all feel better. However, in Audra's case, she can be bawling her eyes out because of her owie and as soon as you kiss it, she stops crying and is ready to get down. I love that I have magical healing powers to make her feel better instantly. But, Miss Lou Who is very particular about her kisses. You see if she hurt the 3rd toe on the very tip but the toenail, that is right were you must kiss. Because if you do miss it, she says "right dare" over and over until you kiss the right spot. And her sweet little voice saying "you kiss it", just makes your heart melt.
Isn't it nice as moms to have at least one super hero skill, I can think of about 10 more that I would like to make the day run smoother, but I would not trade in my magic kiss for anything.

Proud as Punch

Yesterday, my Coly Bug made me so proud. Colin gave his very first talk in Junior Primary in front of the whole Junior Primary. His talk was on being worthy to enter the temple and he did so good. I did help him through the talk, but he was brave and recited the whole thing. After, in Sacrament, the primary sang a little medley of some pioneer songs. I didn't know about the singing until we received an agenda as we entered. Colin again made me so proud. He walked up to the stage and stood there in front the whole time. (I am not sure if he sang as his hand was in his mouth the whole time.) But my heart was singing to watch my little boy grow with his first primary performance and talk.

Days of '47 - Parade Preview Party

Tonight was the first night of the Parade Preview Party. Grandpa Garry called and asked if we wanted to go down with them and walk around. So we joined them down at Southtowne Expo Center. We had a fun night, although there were not as many floats as we would have liked to see but the kids went fishing,

They rode on a Sea turtle:

They cast their votes:

They got fun balloons:

A good time was had by all. We even were able to have a Coly safe treat of candied nuts. Thanks for the invite Grandpa and Neeners!

Golf Lessons

Yesterday, for Family Home Evening (FHE), we took the kiddos over to Mick Riley Golf Course to hit a bucket of balls. Colin has been anxious to use his new clubs and learn to play golf. Coly had several good hits, Lynnie had good hits too with mom's assistance. Grandpa Garry met us at the course and a little later Neeners and GG showed up to watch the kids. It was a great time watching and helping the kids learn the game.

Friday & Saturday

This past Friday, Bri took the day off just to have some time with us during the summer. So, Friday Bri looked for something to do with the kids while, I was working. He decided to take them to Red Butte Gardens, I think that they all enjoyed it. Since I wasn't there it is hard to blog about. But here are the pictures from that:

Later in the afternoon, Mom and I had tickets to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on the IMAX in 3D. I loved, loved, loved it. I am so ready to go back and see it again, just so I can see things I missed. I always miss parts the first time just because I am so busy comparing the book to the movie. While we were at the movie Bri took Coly out and bought him some new golf clubs, so I am sure we are going to be having golf lessons in the near future.

Saturday, Bri's unit from work decided to have a get together at one of his co-workers house. I am not sure if you remember our trip to the Matt's, it was when we went snowshoeing. So after I got off work, we headed up to their home in Park City. Once, everyone got there, we went on a walk it was a nice walk, but there really wasn't anything super that we saw. Mainly, just a good time to chat with friends and met new people. After, we went back to the Matt's home to burn some burgers and dogs. The kids got to play with other kids, jumped on a tramp for the first time and just had a great time. They were so tired when we got home, they were asking to go to bed.

Harry Potter Party

Over the past 2 weeks or so, I have been trying very hard to get the kiddos over to the library, so that they can get new books. Plus, it helps Bri and I read to them on a regular basis as we have a quick turn around time. So, last week while we were there, I noticed a sign for a Harry Potter Party on July 14. You had to register, so I asked the kids if they wanted to go and I was given a big YES!

Well, today was the Harry Potter Party at City Hall, sponsored by the library, and it was very well done to say the least. You were encouraged to dress up for the party. So, I immediately started brain storming who could be who or what. Colin, I thought should be Ron, since his hair is red. Lynnie, I thought and thought and came up with Dobby. Well, Coly has been telling me he did not want to dress up for days, however, I am a pushy mom sometimes and kept at it. Lynnie was excited to be Dobby, she helped color her pillow case and was excited to wear different color socks, it was really so easy to make her costume. Coly on the other hand was just not going to dress up, so I decided to go with that. However, right before we left, I decided to draw the lightening scar on his head without permission. Well, let's just say that he loved it. He was so excited, however he did not want to put on a costume. At this point I pulled out a piece of fabric that was a purple/bluish, telling Coly that he could wear this invisibility cloak and he would be invisible and we would tie it on like Batman. Sold. He was excited to wear it and be invisible. When we arrived we checked in and filled out a raffle ticket for each kiddo. Then we were given our class schedule, wands and folders for our homework. We started our day in Charms. Charms was cute, they had plastic bottles with water and ketchup packets that the hosts would make sink/rise depending on the Charm. Then they passed out suckers with honey and pop rocks.

Up next was Ancient Runes, here we had broomstick flying races. I am pretty sure that our team lost due to our kids, but the other kids were so nice and cheered really loud for Audra as she crossed the finish line for the team. And for a little treat they had marshmallows and raisins.

Next, we had Potions. This was probably my favorite class. The professor took Bezaars (Mentos) and some potion (Diet Pepsi), mixed the two together and made it explode all over. The professor also made Flobberworms (raisins) float in berry, berry potion. In the end the professor mixed the berry, berry potion (Kool Aid) with ginger root (sugar) and another potion (7-Up) and the kids got to drink the magical potion. Which turned their little lips very red.

Then we headed over to Herbology. Here the kids planted a Origanum vulgare (aka Oregano) seed to take home and care for.

Lastly, there was a Harry Potter trivia they called Dumbledore's Army. In which each house would try to answer the questions the fastest and win points for the house. At the end they drew the raffle tickets and then gave prizes for the costume contest. Audra won an adult size T-shirt, that I am going to barrow tomorrow, Coly won a bookmark, which was fun for him too. The kids had fun waving their wands around. Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve came up for the party, to watch the kids. I think the kids had a really good time, they have been casting spells tonight (even Lou is saying "Stupify!) and said that they had fun. It really was done very well and it puts you in the Harry Potter mood.

Kennecott Copper Mine

Some of you may or may not know, Grandpa Garry got a new job with Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto owns the Kennecott Copper Mine. Well, I have seen the billboards that the tours were free over the next little bit and I thought it would be fun to take the kids out there to see the mine. I personally have never been there, so I thought it might be a fun little activity. When I told Grandpa Garry about going out there, he jumped on the band wagon and put together and little family outing.

So, yesterday after church we went out to the mine. It was pretty neat, the hole is HUGE. However, since it was kind of a rainy day it was hard to see all the different colors. The kids really enjoyed themselves, they played and touched and were able to get some wiggles out. What was really impressive were the dump trucks they are MASSIVE. They are about 2 stories tall and the tires are so big the kids look like ants. We then went into the visitor center and looked around, saw a copper sheet that was 99.99% pure, saw different mineral under microscope, and all kinds of fun facts. Grandpa Garry then bought each of the kids a little token from the mine. Both Colin and Carter got a bag full of colored fun rocks, Lynnie got a copper bracelet that is darling.

Ducks in a Row

Yesterday, while we were at Grandpa Steve and Grandma Debby's house, the kids got some rubber duckies for the tub from Great Grandma Shirley. The kids were playing with them outside while we were washing the car. At the end, we looked over and the kids had lined up the duckies all in a row according to design. It was funny to think that a 2 and 4 year old already have their "ducks in a row."

A Child is a Gift

With the verdict from the Casey Anthony trial and the toddler that was killed here in the valley, I just want to scream from the roof tops! DON'T YOU PEOPLE KNOW, A CHILD IS A GIFT! Our Heavenly Father, sends us these tiny little miracles, whom are so trusting, innocent and loving, to us to love, nourish and guide them. Yet, there are people in this world that just don't care and hurting/killing these sweet souls. We all know the names of the children Caylee Anthony, Ethan Stacy, The Yates Children, and so on.
NOW, I know that I am no where near a perfect parent, I get frustrated, I yell and I need timeouts too, but I don't hit my children, I don't lock them in cellars or closets. I love my children so much, I would give them whatever they need in life to succeed, live or be happy(within reason).
I just want people to love their children and if you for whatever reason feel that you can't handle them anymore, please seek out help or drop them off at the hospital. Please, I beg don't take their lives. Let them be loved by someone else, let them have a chance. Remember, every child is a gift.

The 4th Weekend

We had a fun 4Th of July weekend. On Saturday morning, we drove down to St. George to join up with Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve. It was only 111 degrees when we got there. It was so hot and uncomfortable. But that didn't stop us from going shopping at the factory stores. Lynnie got a darling hat, Coly some new underoos and I got a new pair of flip flops and some fudge. It was a fun time shopping. We went back to the condo and had some tacos and then put the kids in bed. Us big kids watched "The Social Network," not one that I would re watch, but one that was interesting to watch and see how Facebook was born, since I am on there way too much.

Sunday, the whole reason for this trip was so that Bri, Grandpa Steve and Grandma Debby could use up some passes Grandma Debby won. The went to play golf at a very nice golf course. So, the kids and I did things you are suppose to do on Sunday's. We relaxed took naps, got dinner ready and sang and danced. After, when the golfers had returned we had dinner and then took the kids to the swimming pool. Now it was not quite as hot as it had been the day before and the pool was cold in my opinion. I was glad to be able to sit in the hot tub for a little bit and warm up. After, we put the kids to bed, us big kids watch "Just Go with It." We laughed so hard, we thought we would wake up the kids. It was a very fun movie and had me laughing into the night.
Monday, we parted with the grandparents, as they were riding the motorcycle and making a stop at a restaurant. We headed for Salt Lake. Once we got back. We unpacked the car and drove over to Neeners and Grandpa Garry's to get some laundry done for the new week. While we were there, Lindsey called and asked if we wanted to go over to Murray Fun Days for a bit. So, we took the kids over there and can I tell you how perfect it was. We only had 40 minute until the games and blow up toys were taken down, so we didn't spend a lot of money. The kids got to walk straight on to the toys they were waiting for. It was not too hot it was the perfect time to go to the park. Grandpa won all the kids a stuffed animal. Neeners and I got some jewelry. We stayed until the area was torn down then went back to Neeners and Grandpa's for a BBQ with John & Lori Bond. They brought their granddaughter Brighton and the kids loved running and playing. They really loved the "Pop-it's." After a yummy "All American Meal" of hamburgers, hot dog, corn on the cob, potato chips and fruit, Grandpa lit fireworks. The kids had, had enough before the hole box was lit. So, we headed home and to bed. But minutes after getting home, Holladay City started firing their fireworks, which we have the most perfect view. So, Coly, Bri and I stayed up and watched those fireworks too. It was a good time, however, I never took a picture this weekend. Grandma Debby did and so did Aunt Lindsey, so if I can get some pictures from them I will post them