Sweet Summer is Slipping Away

I spend the winter months curled up in the fetal position, rocking back and forth, head under a blanket until those first rays of sunshine finally come to save me. Ok, that's an exaggeration, (with a sliver of truth behind it), but truly I live and breathe for the summer. So much so, that I strive to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to make the most of this time.

I've been trying to take Alex to the park, on walks, swimming. We spent a day in Park City. Last weekend we went on a hike to Donut Falls, which was really pretty, but we couldn't get very close due to how much water there still is.

Do you like his new haircut? It wasn't what I wanted, but it's nice for the summer. My mom thinks he looks like a Marine. Stephenie thinks he looks like "The Situation" from Jersey Shore. I like my mom's comparison much better.

Alex just finished his first swimming lessons ever. He did really well and never complained about going. His lessons were at Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center, where they have a huge outdoor pool area. I was excited to go catch a few rays for half an hour each day during his lesson. I was disappointed (although my skin will thank me) when we got there and found out lessons where indoors at the competition pool.

Excited to have his certificate of completion... on to Tots 2!

After his last lesson, he and I celebrated by spending a few hours at the outdoor pool. We went down the little water slides about a million times.

This is what too much summer fun will do to you... he's taken more naps lately than he has in ages. This wasn't too much summer fun for Steph, just a typical day in the life of a 19 year old! (ha ha, she's going to kill me when she sees this picture posted!)

Camping in Cal

We took our usual journey to the Sierras a few weeks ago for our camping get together with my family. It is always stressful and tiring to try and get ready for not just a camping trip, but a camping trip that is 10 hours away. But, we continue to do it because it is always worth it once we're there.

One of my favorite memories... seeing my very white, returned missionary-BYU coed nephew sporting cornrows (compliments of his girlfriend). I'm sure half the fun was to see the reaction from his parents and brothers.

Alex and Uncle Brett...

One bummer about this year's trip... The waterfall we always hike to and jump into was like a raging tempest due to a more than usual snow pack that had freshly melted and was way to dangerous.

Wonder what everyone seems to be so intrigued by? Take a look at Jake's shoulder. It's a lizard that became a part of the family for a few hours. The olive green metal box in the background is called a "bear box", where you MUST keep not just food but toiletries, anything with a scent to it, so as not to attract the bears. Sounds unnerving, but we're all so used to it that nobody worries about it too much. Except for Steve, when he has to get up to pee in the middle of the night. (tee hee!!)

Hanging with the cousins, one of the best parts of camping and where some memorable stories are shared.

The creek was also too rough to play in this year, but one of the great things about this campground is that it has a swimming pool, one regular pool and one filled with water coming from the hot springs. Alex could have spent hours just finding rocks to throw in the water.

It's always so nice to be in nature, spending time with family and making memories. I always have a let down feeling when it's time to go and get back to reality. At least there will always be a next time!

Alex's 4th Birthday

Surprise, surprise... Alex wanted a Thomas cake for his birthday. The day before his birthday we got together for a little family party with some cousins.



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On his actual birthday, I took him to see Cars 2 in the theatre, then we did a quick opening of the presents before I had to go to work. Alex thinks that being 4 means he's pretty much grown up now. The other night he declared, "Me and Dad are teenagers so we can stay up all night. But Sissy is just a little sister."