TaterTots: July 2010

Movie Time

Yesterday was SOOO hot! We decided to take the kids to see Toy Story 3 (hoping that it wouldn't be a problem that they hadn't seen 1 or 2) and enjoy air conditioning for an hour or so. I was a little nervous because last year I tried to take the kids to a movie and it was DISASTEROUS! This year was much better. Ashton was still a little squirmy, but Jackson LOVED it. It was our first official family movie outing and we had a blast. Hope you are finding ways to stay cool this summer!

Whirlwind Weekend

Last weekend was literally a whirlwind. We had a wedding, a family reunion, and a new baby!! (I am SOOOO sick of the 1-80 drive!)

Brent's cousin, Lexie, got married in Bountiful.

Our family at the temple-waiting for the couple to come out.

My sweet, sweet kiddos!

Mr. Jackson.

Sweet Ashton.

They crack me up.

AHHH. The happy couple.

After we had the obligatory mega-family pictures, we changed clothes and headed to Idaho for a family reunion. Unfortunately, 1-15 was under construction and the 1.5 hour drive turned into 3!!! Seriously, UDOT should be strung up for that one. One lane traffic and NO WORKERS!

We (finally) arrived...and they had a bounce house. Pure Genius! My kids LOVED it. I think they bounced for a straight 2.5 hours.

They love bounce houses.

Then, it was back in the car for the drive south to Utah for Lexie's reception. What little troopers! Ashton was being super silly with her lovey blanket. Notice her nonexistant buckles. This little worm squirms out of her carseat constantly. I bet we stopped 10 times to strap her back in.

We changed clothes in some INTERSTING places (we'll just leave it at that). The reception was fantastic. The kids enjoyed cupcakes and ice cream. YUM!! We stayed the night with Alan and Kim and TOTALLY relaxed. The kids rode bikes, watched movies, and played, played, played.

The next day, we headed to Tricia's house and enjoyed some more cousin time. We spent a day with her...and then she had her new sweet baby girl. After spending a little time with our beautiful little Leigh, my mom and I loaded the kids back in the car...and headed back to Idaho (I know, I'm crazy). We took Trish's boys for the week. The cousins LOVED playing together. It was fun seeing Megan and Darin's new house. Madi, Kolton and Landon joined the party. We played at the park, went to the zoo, rode the four-wheelers, rode the tractor with Papa, and jumped on the trampoline.

The gang at the zoo.

Roaring like the animals.

The tiger came out (he NEVER comes out). He roared and paced back and forth. It was very cool.

The whole gang at the tiger exhibit.

Watching the animals.

We love this zoo!

Ashton and Landon on the swing. We had so much fun. Now, we're home and soooo glad to be done with driving for awhile. We LOVE our cousins!

Fourth of July

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Fourth of July. Both Brent and I grew up in small towns with parades, foot races, booths, fireworks, etc. I love taking my children "home" and having them experience that small town celebration.

Jackson had his first fishing trip with Brent and Grandpa. He even caught a fish!! He was so excited. He loved exploring the canyon.

Ashton loved the trampoline.

Here is Jackson exploring.

AMAZING VIEW!

We also went with our cousins down to the canyon for a barbeque. What a blast! The kids explored and climbed!

We definitely loved hanging out with our cousins!

The guys.

Ashton hanging out by the campfire.

Eating some goooood food.

Ashton was SOOO tired. She skipped her nap, and literally fell asleep in the folding chair during dinner. What a sweetie.

Chillin'. It is so peaceful down in the canyon.

More climbing and exploring.

We were thinking of something to do and came up with "boat races". The boys sent empty plastic bottles down the ditch. Did I mention we are in RURAL Idaho! :)