Timpanogos Cave

This weeks field trip was a hike to Tipanogos Cave. Wow, what a hike! The kids did great though. We just took it easy and rested when needed and trekked up the 1.5 miles at our own pace. It took about an hour up, an hour in the cave tour, and an hour back. The kids really liked the cave. They got to take flashlights in and felt like real spelunkers. I liked the hike (it was a great second workout) and how cold it was inside the cave (since it was 95 degrees outside the cave). Belle was really good at holding my hand the entire way. It gets pretty "cliffy" and scary at some places along the trail. Jer got to go along with us which is great since he doesn't always have such a flexible job like now. He really enjoyed the cave too....the hike with whiny kids not so much. But it was still fun. We even spied a lizard and a chipmunk along the way. Good times!!

Gymnastics

I love gymnastics! For kids it teaches discipline, coordination, and fun. If you live in the Salt Lake area and are looking for a fun activity for your kids, you should check out Bailies Gymnastics. Yes, I work there and No, I am not getting paid for this advertisement. I just love the way my kids (my own and my classes) look while learning fun tricks. Summer can be HOT and sometimes boring unless you have something planned. Why not introduce your boys and girls alike into the world of cartwheels, flips, foam pits, rock walls, spring boards, cheese mats, and tumbling trampolines?

Slip N' Slide

Do you remember playing on these as a kid? I remember wanting one but never having one. What did I do today? I bought my kids....okay me too....a Slip N' Slide. Wahoo!

Pictured above: Belle, Tre, Paige, and Lexi

Pictured below: Tre, Belle

Twelve Great Years

Jeremy and I have been married for 12 years as of yesterday. I love to think back on our lives and how we have changed over the years.

We met 13 years ago when we were set up on a blind date. Mike Heaton and Julie Granger were dating at the time and wanted to plan a double date. Mike, a long time friend, invited Jer and Julie, a new found friend, invited me to go play croquet at the Taylor's. Jeremy was not happy because he though I was another Lisa he knew from high school and didn't think was very cute. But when they picked me up from my house he told Mike that I was not who he had pictured. In fact, his first thought was that I was sexy.

The date was pretty good. I was nervous and Jer was different from anyone I had known. He was strong in personality knew exactly what he wanted and who he was. I was still finding myself since I was only 17. This was the summer of 1995 just after I had graduated from high school. We dated all through the summer. We went hiking, played with friends, took walks and drives, went to church a couple times, and just got to know each other. I was sure that this was the one I would be with forever and it scared me. I was so young and had only dated one other guy. I pulled away by fooling around and playing games, which didn't sit well with Jer.

Sometime during that summer I went to Lake Powell with my friend Julie and while we were there she convinced me (unknowingly) that Jeremy was a great guy who would do anything for his friends. She gave him high marks and also let me know that she could tell that he really liked me. I returned home from that trip and basically went straight to his house. I had to tell him that I didn't want to play games anymore and wanted to be with him. I wanted to tell him that I loved him but that seemed a little early. I wanted to be with him all the time and thought about him all the time when we couldn't be together.

Fall rolls around and I am scheduled to go to Utah State for college with some friends. I really didn't want to move away from Jer but knew I would see him every weekend. He ended up quiting his job and moving to Logan to be closer to me. We lived off his savings for a couple months while I went to school (okay, tried to go to school) and he golfed and did yard work. We had an adorable teeny tiny apartment with a front yard. It was the closest we had to having our own place.

Jeremy proposed on Christmas night at the Salt Lake Temple under those twinkling lights. It was cold and romantic and TOTALLY unexpected. I had no idea he was going to do it. Which made it all the better. Of course I said yes, there was no question in my mind that we were made for each other. Even now we disagree about "the one". He feels that there isn't just one person out there for you, but a few possibilities depending on your choice. I feel that there is one person out there at a time for you and right now (and hopefully forever) it is Jeremy.

We have had our ups and downs. Some have even been really bad and really good. Either way, we are stuck together whether we like it or not. I am too stubborn to let him go and he is exactly the same way with me. Who wants to start over after 12 years and 2 kids? I am so happy we found each other and have been together for so long. It seems like forever and it seems like 5 minutes. It's hard to explain, but I like it.

Yay, it's SUMMER!

Finally, finally we get some GREAT weather and can spend the day at the pool. This is us relaxing in the 94 degree pool in the 80 degree weather. Thanks Mom for keeping your pool so warm and toasty. Doesn't this look fun?

Summer!

Can I just say that I LOVE summer? I do. And here is why:

• No morning routine to get Tre to the bus stop on time and no homework in the evenings. We can stay in jammies all morning if we want. Mornings are just so relaxed during the summer. And the kids can play all night without worrying about homework.


• "Can Tre/Belle play?" I love that the kids get to play with their friends (outside of course) all day. They are more active and imaginative with friends around. Also, the only thing I need to do is occasionally settle a fight between Belle and Paige, make sure Tre and his friends don't throw rocks at our house (or cars), and get them water and popsicles. Other than that I read or clean or blog.


• Family Day, Cleaning Day, Field Trip Day, Friends Day, Swimming Day, Kids in the Kitchen Day, and Free Day. I plan a calendar and assign an activity for each day of the week.

Sunday starts out as family day where we hang out together either at Nana and Papa's or Raging Waters.

Monday is when I get help cleaning the house (yay!).

Tuesday is usually the day we go somewhere fun and educational. Some examples: The Zoo, the Aquarium, the Children's Museum, Liberty Park, Thanksgiving Point, hiking, the downtown Library (this is fun! we take Trax there) or Lagoon (this isn't very educational, but fun just the same.)

Wednesday we stay home and the kids can play with friends as long as they want.

Thursday is the day we go to Grandmas house to swim

Friday Tre and Belle pick out a recipe from their children's cookbook and we all make it together. First we have to shop for the ingredients, then we come home and make it and eat it. This is really fun for me, and the kids love it too. Although they typically pick out desserts.

Saturday is a free day. They get to pick something to do with both Jer and I within reason. We also will make a fire and roast marshmallows at night.

• I like having both of my children home with me and spending time with them. I feel bad when Tre is at school and Belle and I do things together. I always feel guilty, but in the summer we all get to do fun things together.


• SUN! If the sun would come out and stay out I would love it. So far the summer has been rainy and cold but I know the sun will come out soon. I almost broke out in song (Annie)!


• And last but not least I love the memories. Most of my really good childhood memories are of summer vacations, activities, swimming, etc. I know the kids will look back on these summers and remember how fun and relaxed they are. They will make summers good for their kids and so on. This is the time of year I get to bond with my kids and instill great memories.

Jumpin' Jacks

Tre:

Belle:

Both:

Me:


Do you wonder where they learn this stuff??

Happy 9th Birthday Tre

I can't believe Tre is already 9 years old. It seems like yesterday we were going to the hospital to have him....okay, maybe not yesterday. Tre is such a sweet and crazy boy. I want him to stay this age forever.

This year for his birthday we saw Speed Racer in the movie theater and went out to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. He got Hot Wheels, Lego's, a watch, a Nerf Dart gun, and money. He was especially happy about the money. He bought more Hot Wheels and Lego's with it. Here are some pictures:

Morning presents: sugar cereal, and a present from Belle

Hot Wheels: still the favorite toy

Tre and Brook at Sweet Tomatoes

Mint Brownies and 9 candles...make a wish!

Summer Fun!!

Summer has officially started. This weekend we started the Saturday night smores tradition. We love to make a fire and roast marshmallows while talking, laughing, and playing with each other. I just wouldn't be summer without it. Check it out: