GOING HOME

After 3 weeks in Utah, it was time to go home. The children needed to get ready for school to start, and honestly, it was just time. Although I love all my Utah peeps, I wanted my own bed back. We decided to do the drive home in two days. I could have done it all in one, but I didn't want to get the "crazy, cranky mom" award by the time we made it home. Kirk's dad decided to drive to Flaming Gorge with us, and of course, the children wanted to ride with him, so I didn't have much company. Kirk met us in Grand Junction. Once we hit the hotel, I just wanted to go to sleep, but the children wanted to play! Finally, around 10:00 p.m. we had all the children asleep.

The next morning I was ready to go, but everyone else wanted to play. We had some breakfast and I finally convinced everyone to get on the road. All the girls wanted to ride with Kirk, so I was by myself. It was kind of fun to listed to my music and sing as loud as I wanted without little girls telling me, "you're too loud!"

On the way home, we found this great little store off some obscure exit. The had some fun things for the kids to do, and I bought boxes of yummy peaches to bring home and can. I was super excited about the peaches, and the kids were finally able to play for a little while.


Playing in the corn kernels
You'd think it would be cleaner than sand, but these kids were filthy after.




Good Ol' John Deere

Family Pictures

I have this amazing friend. She is an amazing friend and an amazing photographer. We were due for some new family pictures, and she is always so willing to do it for us. This time, we went out to Saltair. Guess what....Saltair is stinky! The kids were kind of cranky about it. We then went down the way to another place (black rock?) and guess what....lots of bug AND stinky! It is a testament to our awesome photographer that we even got some good pictures!












If you want some amazing pictures, CLICK HERE

MISCELLANEOUS STUFF

While visiting Utah, I realized how much I love Ikea! Normally, I avoid the place because we fly out and who can take a couch home in a suitcase? This time, we drove the TRUCK so I had lots of room to sear Ikea for all kinds of wonderful items. It was a wonderful day.

So to all you Utahns, you are lucky men and women to have an Ikea store near you!

Olivia was too short to play in the daycare, so she had to hang out with us. I don't think she minded too much because she checked out all the beds!


Hmmmm....what should we buy?


This looks like a good bed, nice and comfy.



Yup, I could sleep here.



We also took the children to Temple Square. I haven't taken the kids since Bella was a baby. We attempted to take a tour of the Conference Center, but the children were too active. We finally walked over to the Visitors Center, and the kids loved the Christus. It was the only time they had been quiet all day!


Cute, wiggly kids




You should always take time to stop and smell the flowers

I WANNA BE A COWBOY....



AND YOU CAN BE MY COWGIRL!



It is always awesome to spend some time with my brother and his family. This year, we had a big slumber party and the kids were able to play until late in the night. It never seems to be enough time and even all night didn't seem like enough. They are always so good to take the kids out on the horses (which is the only reason Bella tolerates all Dan's teasing!)


Bella had a bit of a scare on the horse, but she got back on with Londyn and had a great time.


I think Olivia like riding with Londyn much better than riding with Uncle Dan.


It's so hard to wait your turn!


I like it here Mommy!




Runnin' and playin' on the farm is AWESOME!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONIQUE!



When I asked Monique what she wanted to do for her party this year, she said, "I want a hula party!" So, that's what we did! It was fun to have the party in Utah with all the cousins. She shared her party with Seth (because his birthday is 4 days before hers) It was super, super fun.

We started the party by making grass skirts from crepe paper. Once everyone had their skirts on, we learned the Hukilau dance. Those little kids are pretty good hula dancers! We then had free style dancing to the Hawaii Five-O theme. That was a favorite for the old folks.

After our hula dancing, we went to the backyard for a water balloon fight. The rules were, the kids could only throw balloons at the grown-up men! Yup, that made for a fun water fight. Of course, the "grown-up" men started to throw them back, and we had an all out balloon fight. Many of us ended up very, very wet.

Once we all finished laughing about the wetness, we had a limbo contest. I have to say, Kirk's mom can go pretty low! Grandma Smith kept tricking people and putting the bar really low. So low, the kids had to shimmy on their bellies to get under. It also made us realize how old some of us are getting.

After the back breaking limbo, we went inside to open gifts. Monique received many wonderful gifts, but her favorites were the talking "Belle" doll from Grandma Smith, and her new Nintendo DS.

Once the gift ripping was complete, we went on to the cake. Monique wanted a Princess cake this year (imagine that) so that's what I made for her. Complete with a purple, fluffy dress! (I'm so glad she liked it.)

It was a fun, family filled day.

WE LOVE YOU MONIQUE!!

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

I love, love, love guitar hero. It is so much fun to play, and to watch others play.
It always makes for a fun Sunday afternoon at grandma's house!
(or any other afternoon, morning, evening, middle of the night, anywhere you happen to be!)



These guys totally ROCK!



Hey, you have to concentrate to win



Bella and Austin are pretty good at this game


Alena and Monique were our backup dancers


Seriously Michael....what is wrong with you?


Jean had to dance to play.
It was so fun to watch her dance around with her guitar.

I'm looking forward to a rematch with
ALL OF YOU!

So get ready!

KARAOKE NIGHT!

Grandma has a new toy...the karaoke machine! Everyone had so much fun making fools of themselves. Laughing at each other is an evening well spent, right?


Monique's favorite pass time is singing,
so she was right in her element



Bella rocked out to Hannah Montana



Olivia was amazing with her rendition of
"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"


Seth kept looking at the words even though he can't read



Michael did a full episode of
"The Michael Britton Show"
We can always count on him for some good entertainment!