Swensen Family: July 2014

One of our big summer plans included a trip to Glacier National Park. The kids had never been there before and were anxious to check it out. It was even better that the whole Swensen (except Oli, who is on a mission) side would be joining us on this adventure. This made for some quality time with the family and endless fun with their cousins.

It didn't take long before Brielle had already incurred an injury while attempting to get on a bike and falling down.

She was super exhausted the first evening we got there. She even fell asleep on me around dinner time. This hardly ever happens so I was more than willing to soak it all up and enjoy some snuggle time with my little one.

Her poor little eye.

Kenzie, Taylor, Brielle, and Payton fast asleep.

Our sleeping arrangements in our tent: the kids were all snuggled on one side while Mckay and I were on the other side.

We got a little creative with a stick and played a little game of Limbo while waiting for a shuttle to take us up to the top of Going to the Sun Road, go Payton.

Now it is Taylor's turn.

Good times with cousins.

Being creative.

Go Kade!

Then we jumped on the shuttle, here is Payton and Kade.

Maggie and Kenzie

Beautiful view.

McKenzie, Asher, Payton, Mckay with Brielle on his back, and Taylor. It was sure freezing at the top, and although it was beautiful up there, we hardly wanted to be outdoors in the cold mountain wind.

More of the group.

The kids liked getting this close to the little rodents.

They even got to see a mother mountain goat with her baby pretty close up.

Cute.

It was pretty chilly up there.

Kenzie and Taylor on the shuttle.

Brielle and I trying to warm back up.

Payton and Mckay enjoying the ride. Okay the rides were a bit long and tiresome, not to mention a bit crowed at times.

Unfortunately, the first night a few members of our group were starting to get sick with some sort of bug. We were just thinking it was only a matter of time before the rest of us started dropping like flies. I felt bad for those that did end up not feeling well and I was also grateful that the majority of the group was able to escape it all.

Emry and Brielle played in the dirt and rocks for the longest time. They were busy making pies together while waiting for dinner. It was pretty cute to watch.

Time for SMORES!

Taylor loves roasting marshmallows.

Payton loves eating his hard earned dessert.

McKenzie with her marshmallow.

Fun memories.

Cute little girls.

This was another funny thing they were doing. They would take turns blowing on each other's faces. Then they would laugh so hard while doing it.

Emry's turn while Brielle is cracking up!

Good times.

Now Brielle's turn.

Beautiful scenery.

This water is so pretty.

McKenzie and Maggie

Payton is so happy to have another photo taken.

Taylor and Brielle taking in all the views.

Then we went on a cedar hike. You'd think these girls would hop in the wagon rather then push and walk behind, but this is what they preferred instead.

They tried this for a bit...

...but then it was back to this!

Payton in the trees.

Brielle, Emry, and Taylor inside a tree trunk.

Cute kids!

Kenzie and Taylor

Brielle and Emry thought it was funny to plank.

The older boys: Payton, Kade, and Kason.

Buddies!

Exploring the huge tree trunk.

Doing a little rock climbing.

Maggie, Taylor, Kason, Payton, and Kenzie on the top of a large bolder.

This is the life!

Pretty waterfall along the way.

Fun family memories.

The kids had been working hard completing the Junior program. Although it took a little encouragement at times, they were determined and hung in there to get it all completed and earn their badge. Here they are being sworn in.

This was serious stuff!

Taylor was so happy!

Look at that excitement while waiting to have their badges pinned on!

Happy girl.

They were funny to watch during this process.

Looking good Payton!

Brielle didn't do the program this year. I'm sure she will soon enough.

Although she was thrilled to be getting a sticker.

Of coarse one evening our family just had to go out for some ice cream. The kids always freeze up when we go to order and it seems like their taste buds take over all of a sudden. I know they are really thinking they want one of each. Decisions, Decisions!!

4 happy kiddos with their yummy ice cream cones.

Perfect summer evening!

Taylor, Brielle, and Kenzie

While we were in Glacier, we spent a lot of time biking around. It was a favorite past time for the kiddos and adults alike.

Kade and Payton

There were so many trails there for the kids to explore around on.

Then there was bridge jumping! The water was a pretty chilly so I was surprised when the kids wanted to jump too after watching a few adults. Peer pressure may have gotten the best of some but it was so worth all the fun. It sure made for some good laughs. Payton and Mckay taking the cold plunge. I'm not sure what was more intimidating...the height, the current, or the chilly water waiting below! I'm am eager to go back again next summer so I can do this too (being so far along this pregnancy, I didn't dare, although it was tempting). Payton was kind of panting and the cold water was a bit of a shock to him. Even when he could touch he wasn't thinking to swim but rather have Mckay take him to the shore.

Way to go McKenzie (with her daddy). I was a little surprised by this one. Kenzie can be a little on the cautious side. I will say that her reaction to the jump was one of my favorites and had us laughing pretty hard. Soon after she hit the cold water she began to panic a bit. I wasn't sure if it was due to the cold water, the current pulling her, or if she was unsure if her daddy had a hold of her and they were being carried away. She was panting and then managed to get these words out, "Somebody help US!!!". Little did she know Mckay was in control the entire time and had a good handle on her. Dick happened to record the different people jumping off the bridge and when ever I watch the video of these two, I still can't help but laugh! The initial reactions were the best and made for some great entertainment.

Taylor made a big accomplishment while we were up at Glacier. He had been practicing riding his bike without training wheels one evening while at Swensen's. It ended with discouragement and frustration (maybe even a few tears). When he saw more of his cousins riding their bikes without training wheels, something else clicked in his head and he was determined to do it more than ever. So practice he did. He worked hard and started making improvements fast. Before the end of the trip he had finally mastered the feat.