Gavin's Big Boy Bed

A big change for Gavin this summer was being switched into a big bed and out of his crib.  You never know how that transition will go but it went flawlessly for Gavin.  He loves sleeping in the big boy bed and likes this new sense of independence he is gaining.

Time for Gavin to sleep in a big boy bed!

He was pretty excited about this change and did so well!

Lights out without any trouble.  It is so nice!!

A Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Our kids have never been to Yellowstone so we thought we would take a trip there while we were down for Daniel's graduation already (we stayed with Oli and McKell for the first 2 nights).  Since Kenzie was in 4th grade, she got our vehicle in the park for free!

We hit up Walmart for some snacks and food for the day before leaving Rexburg.

Gavin has a strong nose and was sure to plug it when things were smelling funny near the geysers.  It was so funny!

Payton checking out the hot pots.

Taking a hike near Old Faithful.

It was fun sight seeing with the kids.

They were excited to watch Old Faithful go off.

Waiting for the big moment...

still waiting...

Gavin sure had a nice seat.

Old Faithful starting.

There it goes!

The kids thought this part was pretty cool!

Another thing to cross off the bucketlist as a family!

Later we paused for a picnic lunch and then continued driving around the park.  We have decided that it may be best to visit Yellowstone early spring or in the fall.  The summers are just too busy.  The traffic was slow and we hardly saw any wildlife.  In fact there was an accident and road construction so road closures made us stuck in the car for hours.  It was frustrating at times and we were glad to escape the park and get out of the cars.  We may have to try going back another time when it isn't so busy.

We stayed that night at my dad's mission buddy's house not far from Yellowstone.  It was right on the lake and was beautiful.  The kids were happy to finally be able to play together!

Sisters ready to take a plunge into the lake!

Gavin warming up by the fire.

Taylor swimming with the cousins.

Payton playing with his snorkel gear.

One finding of a leach on Kaden's swimming suit put all that water play to a quick halt!!  Then we ate dinner and hung out before having to return home the next day.  It is hard to part ways and we always look forward to our next get togethers!

Brielle's 6th Birthday

For Brielle's Birthday this year we happen to be in Rexburg with part of my family since Daniel was graduating.  It was fun for Brielle to spend her birthday with even more family members.

We started the morning off by grabbing some donuts.  Since Brielle isn't a huge fan of donuts, she chose to have a cinnamon roll for breakfast.

We went to the cheap theater to watch Cars 3.

Then we had a picnic lunch with different salads, pulled pork, and watermelon.  Brielle ate her fair share of the Asian coleslaw.

Ouch I think she got a little paper cut opening her presents.

Opening presents with kids is always fun to watch.

We love cousin time.

Sweet Brielle is easy to please!

She likes her new slip on shoes.

Fingernail polish is always a hit.

Time for some cake and ice cream!

She picked out her cake.

Blowing out the candles.

Cute cheeks!

Brielle is such a sweet little girl!

Later that afternoon we headed to the splash park before attending Daniel's graduation from BYU-Idaho.  The kids sure had a blast here.

Gavin and Payton on the slides.

McKenzie going down the slide.

Brielle had a great time on her birthday and loved deciding some of the various things we did.

Now Taylor's turn.  It was a hot day so I'm sure it felt so good to cool off in the water.

Gavin and Braxton thought the pools at the bottom of the slides were awesome.

Oh that face...I just love it!

Fun with cousins!

Later we ate at that same area for a simple dinner (Brielle loves Sausage McMuffins).

Brielle is a pleasure to have in our family!  She is growing up so quickly, much to my dismay!  Brielle is a pretty easy going girl.  She still loves all things to do with ART.  She could sit and work on a crafty project longer than anyone else.  She is a great little eater and that is awesome.  Brielle has a love for hiking and being outdoors.  She can chatter your ear off while working and doing things by your side (it is one of the many things that makes her easy to love).  She is a hard worker when she puts her mind to it and tries hard to make others happy.  She says her favorite days are Christmas, her Birthdays, and Sundays (I am happy that she loves going to church).  As of now she wants to be a mom and an artist when she grows up and I happen to know that she will be great at both of those things!!  We sure love our dear Brielle to pieces.

These two are great buddies and play together so well!

Happy Birthday Brielle!

Fairfield Swim Day 2017

Swim Day is here again.  This year Kenzie, Taylor, and Brielle are in the parade as part of the clogging float.  They were cute but BOY WAS IT HOT!

My 3 are on the left.

Payton and Gavin were collecting candy and other treasures.

There is a sweet connection siblings have that makes me feel so lucky to be their mom.

Here comes the kids on their float.

Brielle and Liberty

Cute cloggers!

Then later in the park there was clogging as part of the entertainment.

Great Job Brielle!

Taylor and Kenzie did awesome!

And then there was the female group.

These guys were in the paper.

It has been fun participating in clogging.  The kids are especially cute when they are clogging away!  (It was a perk that my mom was still in town and could see them perform.)