Another Few Weeks of Summer Fun

Where to start? I've put off blogging because we've had so much happen and I KNOW I'm going to forget something big or fun that we did. Worst part is I didn't take pictures like I normally do so now I'm left to depend on my memory... Which has been shaky for the last two years.
                                                    So Here We Go:
Last Monday (the 13th) started with a wonderful hike up to Stewart Falls again, but this time it was with my mom. Maddix LOVED hiking with Grandma, and by the time we were driving home he was so tired all he could do was try to eat his snacks to stay awake :)

Then at the end of the night we all got together to go celebrate our August birthdays at my mom's cousin Maureen's house. It's tradition that we eat lots of food, try a new dessert, and then play volleyball.

Later that week we enjoyed some cousin time

up'd my miles ran with my dad, had a play date with the Chatterton's, received a surprise from Travis who brought me beautiful flowers and PF Changs for our Anniversary lunch on his break (Happy 4 years!)

We then had a bbq with the Chatterton's and the Hatch's where we had so much fun, ate more delicious food, and then my favorite part was at the end of the night when all three of our boys Maverick (2 years old), Maddix (22months), and Mattix (16months-ish) layed down on some blankets with their own individual bowls of popcorn, and watched Cars. it was SOOO cute. I WISH I had a picture!
So then that weekend we celebrated our Anniversary by spending Sat. night at the Little America and going to the buffet at the Grand Hotel. Seriously the BEST food I've eaten in my LIFE.

It was so fun being up there and all I can say is it ended too quickly. But Sunday we came home and got ready to attend our little cousin's baby blessing (Vance and Alison's baby)  where Maddix ran around their yard playing with all the cousins; he had a blast with them all. And then that night we celebrated a birthday dinner at Trav's grandma's house. Then that night before bed Maddix requested the "Somethin 'bout a Truck" song and began dancing with Nala... who actually danced with him :D

Then this past week we've enjoyed an array of activities ranging from Playing the piano, working, taking Maddix to the doctor because he's COVERED in infected mosquito bites :( , watching my brother's football game, a long walk on the river trail, park time, and then today Travis and I took a bike ride that was around 15miles before I had to go to work.

 ~Good Times~

August Birthdays!

August is a special month for us; not just because Travis and I have our anniversary on the 16th, but because my dear little sister Brenna, my mother, and my father all have their birthday's in this month. And my life would NOT be... well I wouldn't be here with out my mom and dad, and my life just wouldn't be as wonderful with out my little Brenna.

This is quite a few years old but I've always loved the way this captures so well that child like quality in her.

I love what a little goof she is. She has a love for life and just wants to have fun with you all the time. She gives the sweetest hugs and always makes you feel like you're special. He has the most perfect tan skin and beautiful hazel eyes, she is wonderful at softball, and I can't think of a more special little 10 year old!



Then there is my mom who is a big kid at heart. (Far left in blue).
My mom has more artistic creativity in her pinkie than I have in my whole body, and probably more muscle as well (but that comes from being a massage therapist). She creates the most beautiful poems, books, blankets, Halloween costumes, Christmas ornaments, and so much more. She has in infinitive love for books an old movies, something that i inherited from her for sure. I'm so proud that I know who Humphrey Bogart, Doris Day, Katherine Hepburn, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon, Jane Powell, Debbi Reynolds, James Garner, and so many other older actors are because of our time spent together.
I also know how to make a house sparkle and shine in cleanliness thanks to the years of chores we were blessed to do.

Because of my mom I've always allowed myself to try something new with out being afraid of what others think. I've kept a bit of my inner child with me as I've grown up, so sometimes I may look silly while I'm out playing with the kids in a game that I'm obviously too big for... but I play anyway:) I attribute my abundant confidence and lack of fear when I speak my opinion to the way my mom raised me.


I'll always remember how she used to piggyback me to church all through the snow on the Sunday's my dad had to work, the way she worked with me to memorize the Articles of Faith, the wonderful Birthday cakes she's made over the years, the late nights we'd stay up laughing until we were crying, the nights she stayed  up late just crying with me, how well she'd take care of me when I was sick. My mom always wants to get the family together and participate in a fun activity and over the years she has made the holidays so memorable, and I'm excited to do the same with my family. Thank you mom, I love you.

~And who can forget my Dad~

 He is a prankster at heart, and the best dad in the world. He is driven to reach the finish line in his goals (although I know he feels like he's just driving in circles), and no matter how hard life can get he's always taught me to rely on my faith in God. I owe my dedication and perseverance to his example. His favorite quote is from Batman,
           " And why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up. "

Thank you for teaching me to pick myself back up. Thank you for the countless hours of playing softball with me and for coming to my games. Thank you for being my running partner and pushing me to know I can go further. Thank you for the sock wars, numerous back tickles, walks, being my babysitter, races for cherry pies to see who could fall asleep first, and for teaching me that raising a family in the Gospel is the most important thing we can do in our life. I love you.

Happy Birthday Brenna, Mom, and Dad.
You're all so special to me!

Family Trip To St. George!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for organizing this trip to St. George. My family had such a blast and it was so nice to be with most the family before we leave back to Poland next month!

This was Monday's shopping adventure to buy Travis some shoes... in which case we did NOT find him shoes and he FORCED me to purchase new running attire! Seriously the best husband!

Then there was the afternoon swimming at Aunt Jenny's while her funny dog played pond fetch with his rock

Wasn't sure what he thought about this at first

He grabbed the guitar and started singing, "Somin 'bout truck" (Somethin 'bout a Truck is his and TRav's favorite song)

Of course there was some X-boxing in the theater room

Time at the Park!

 And who said playgrounds were just for little kids? ...

Movie time with Maddix's favorite cousins of the trip Kody and "Bidgy" (Bridger). He would follow these two around everywhere :) 

 ROCK CLIMBING!

Gearing up for the climb

Travis Made it

Thanks Scott for taking us this week!

By the time it was my turn it was dark, but it definitely added to the experience

And then we ended the night with games, of course.

Good Morning!

 Travis and I started off our morning with a run and then made our way over to breakfast

Breakfast at Aunt Jenny's

Hammock Time

After a LONG day of swimming and LOTS of playing Maddix was comatose on the chair watching Cars

Movie Night at Aunt Jenny's. Maddix decided to crawl on all fours and sniff just like the dog. He followed him for several minutes until the dog was tired of him. Then he went upstairs and watched some of Brave with me.

Another morning of Rock Climbing before our outing to Zero Gravity

Maddix and I decided to hike a little while waiting for our turn

Kyle's family... and then my camera died after this photo!

Zero Gravity!

This was just one of the many areas you could go bounce around in. Hopefully I can snag some photos from my family and post them later!

 After running ourselves ragged we went and put Maddix down for a nap and Tayla and I went swimming while Travis volunteered to stay back. Then that night we were so lucky to snag a babysitter and go to Tuacahn with my family. I had to steal this photo from Scott's page (same with the one above)

Aren't my Grandma and Uncle just so good looking? Thanks for taking us to Aladdin!

And then sadly it was time to go home...
So we packed up said some goodbyes and set on our way

Oh I love these girls

These were the left over 3D glasses from the Aladdin show. Maybe just a bit too big for my Maddix:) But doesn't he look cute regardless!

I think between all the Rock Climbing, swimming, barbequing, Zero Gravity time, game nights, shopping, shooting, movie nights, morning runs, park time, The Tuacahn night, and then to top it off having our own condo so Maddix could sleep quietly, Provo just isn't going to be the same after this trip!
                                                       Thanks Family

~HaPpY SumMeR & EaRly B-dAY~

So we started Monday off the same as always: By sending daddy off to work for the day.

After he left Maddix went to my parents to yet again play in the always asked for sandbox, while I went swimsuit hunting with Mackenzie and Mercedes, thanks for the support gals while I tested my self conscience out by purchasing my first swim suit in 4 years.

On Tuesday we were lucky enough to not have to say goodbye to Travis, so we grabbed Uncle Garett and went to 7-peaks.

 It was our first time using the pass of all passes AND it was PERFECT! There was a thunderstorm warning that day so no one was there, but it was sunny the whole time we swam around.

Soaking up some sun rays with Uncle Garett

Maddix just wanted back in the water... "no picture!"

Then that evening Maddix and I went to my parents for dinner and to go running while Travis went on a boys night out with his buddy's Fernando and Greg.

Wednesday was an eventful day with some ups and downs. That morning Maddix enjoyed some Curious George on the internet while I cleaned the room

 we then had a funeral for our dear neighbor, Richard Bradford. His relationship with my family is best explained with a Home Improvement analogy: My dad= Tim Allen and Richard was his Wilson. He was always there for our family and is survived by a wonderful wife and 16year old daughter. It was a blessing though that he died pretty fast. He found out he had brain cancer back in April and the night before he died they had a funeral for his mother who'd passed on, so he was able to say goodbye to everyone and then his mom was there to welcome him home. We'll love and miss him.

The next morning Maddix and I drove Travis up to A.F. and on the way home Travis and Maddix's favorite song "Somethin bout a Truck" came on and to my surprise Maddix goes, "yah Truck song" and starts clapping:) He then began to sing certain parts of the song:) I loved it. Afterward we went and picked up our friends Camille and Mattix and went back to 7-peaks; it was much more crowded this go around.  That evening we had a triple date with Trav's buddy's (same from the boys night) and we went up Provo Canyon and had a bbq and games. Meanwhile I guess Maddix was up to this

Friday morning Maddix watched some Curious George again just like the other morning while I cleaned and then we went with Mackenzie and Mercedes over to the park by our house. They had a great time but Maddix was SO ready for his nap when he got home.

Saturday was our BIG DAY of the week. First off, I started by going for a run at 7:00am with my dad, Tayla, and another girl. By the time we were done my dad and I ended up running somewhere between 7 and 8miles! Then we rushed to get Maddix's early birthday/summer party up and going!

Maddix was playing in his fort while we were already late for his party so Travis went to fish him out:)

Thank  you so much dad for letting us use all your bouncers and food equipment, and fitting us in in your already extremely busy day! Maddix loves you!

My dad had to leave so my wonderful sister helped and practically ran EVERYTHING. Thanks Tayla!

My in-laws enjoying some shade

Thanks Uncle Scott for coming!

Scooby doo Mystery Machine was by far all the children's favorite

But Keili sure did LOVE the castle

And Mercedes was just content with her peach

L to R: Mackenzie Nelson, Brenna, her friend Ali, and Maddix

Trav and Scott were taking a break. It was getting so hot!

I had to get a picture of these two just like I had from last year

This was his Roaring face

Cousin Keili

The kids really enjoyed the sandbox as well

Then it was presents and Popcorn time

Camille was trying to coax her Mattix to come up the slide... but he wasn't so sure about it

This is our other friend Camille's little girl Hadley, she was so fun to hold, Thanks for sharing her Camille

Both Camille's chasing their boys Maverick and Maddix up the slide with Travis waiting at the top to help them up

Then there's the sliding down!

Maddix and Maverick had so much fun sliding down once they got used to it

The cotton candy was a big hit will all the kids!

And then if we hadn't already had enough fun for the day, we went home and put Maddix to bed while I cleaned and Travis went and got my car's tires rotated for our long drive to St. George tomorrow and picked up some parts to do an oil change. And then to end the night we were so lucky enough to get free tickets, using our pass of all passes, to the Scera Shell's performance of Fiddler on the Roof

We were a bit tired by this time at night!

Tevia's dream is my favorite :)

They did such a wonderful job and the man that played Tevia did a phenomenal job. Now aside from some lumps that Maddix has that we're pretty concerned, about yesterday was perfect and I can't believe how fortunate we are. We are having such an amazing summer!
Thanks to everyone who's making it so great!