4th of July

The morning of the 4th we got up bright and early and headed out to the Balloon Festival. We didn't have to walk to far and it was nice and cool and a little overcast. When we first got there we found a nice place on the grass a ways from all the action and before we knew it we were right in the middle of all the balloons. The kids loved being so close and seeing all the designs. The festival was going great, til a huge wind gust came through and knocked down everything in a matter of seconds, thus ending the festival on the spot. So we packed up and headed over to the parade route. 

 Ellie and Cooper were quite content during the parade as long as Coop had food and Ellie could see. Our families highlights were: Ellie's the Little Mermaid float from Tuacahn, Cooper loved the huge balloons, and Dad loved the impromptu BYU Pep Rally!!! The only thing that would have been better would have been an appearance by Jimmer, but I guess he has more important things to do like hang out with Justin Timberlake!! After the parade we headed home for the BBQ and Swim Party at the Heinekins. (sorry no pics from that) The kids were so tired and grumpy they missed the fireworks, but Brady and I enjoyed watching some off our back deck. They were a little to close for comfort for me, but oh well, that's the 4th for ya!!!

Partying with Rapunzel

All Ellie has been talking about since Christmas is her birthday and not just any birthday a Rapunzel Party. Since it's all I've been hearing about we decided that is just what we would have for her friends. I spent some time online and found some adorable ideas. The weekend was spent playing with Will, Abby, and Ryker!!! Sunday night we let her open all her family gifts. She was so excited to see many Rapunzels, including the beloved Tower that we looked at with each and every trip to Target. Brady had a picture of her and Minny put onto canvas that she is so excited to have hang in her room.

That night after the kids fell asleep we decorated with lanterns and banners. Kellie, Brady, and I all managed to put together and decorate a tower cake. It was quite the process, but it turned out perfect. At the party we made some Pascal Party Blowers, played tug of war, hit Flynn with a pan, tag, and a few others. The activities went much faster than a bargained for, but everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. Ellie was so happy and thankful for all her presents and quickly stored them in her room so her little brother couldn't get into them. 

That afternoon she got to go shopping for present from Grandma Haycock. She picked out the Rapunzel dress-up gown and she wears it everyday. Many times she includes her purple cape, because all Princesses have a little super hero in them, right?!? We love that little girl so much and glad she had a fabulous b-day!!!

24th of July Parade

Saturday morning we got up bright and early, packed up our trailer, and headed for town. We got down early enough to stop by the pancake breakfast and then walk over to claim our spots. Shane and Stephen had brough their 50's for the kids parade so Cooper climbed right in with Alyson. Ellie was suppose to ride with Will, but she wasn't feeling it, I barely got her on the bike long enough to take her picture with Chelcie.

Apparently 50's aren't allowed in the parade so the kids were in the "real" parade, which meant Ellie was able to pick up ALOT of candy. She loved every minute, especially the Thomas Train and Smokey the Bear. 

Cooper was happy just sucking on his sucker and eating his otter pop in the trailer during his parade debut. 

After the parade we packed up and headed for home. That night I was lucky enough to enjoy Grease out at the Tuacahn with the Fisher Clan!!!

Posey Lake - A Camping Adventure

We spent the week before the 24th up near my Dad's old stomping ground, Posey Lake. Most of our family made it by the end of the week, but it started with just my parents, the Mohler's, and us. The kids had so much fun roaming the campgrounds, throwing rocks into the lake, playing Swig in the trailer, doing puzzles, and fishing. We only had a few casualities including the bike trailer tipping, Alyson falling out of the trailer the first 20 minutes we were there and loosing Cooper once and turns out he was just a little faster at heading to the lake than everyone else.

Everynight we would head down to the lake and hang out at the dock fishing. Ellie is turning into quite the outdoorsman and she was so proud to show off the fish they would catch. I don't know how she didn't manage to fall right into the lake. By the last night she would get on her bike and ride down to the lake by herself to met her Dad. She loved it!!!!

One of the days we took the kids shooting down by the old Cowpuncher Forest Service Cabin and then drove over to Hell's Backbone. They have improved the bridge alot and it is not nearly as scary as I remember from my childhood. 

I also got to drive down to town with my Dad one day. He showed me where Shane got his first deer, where he used to take the sheep, some old troughs that were carved out of logs. He also told me a few stories along the way. One happened just under the old CC camp, they had needed more firewood so they had loaded everyone up in the trucks and drove a couple miles down the road to where a big pine and fallen. While the adults were busy the kids were playing down by the road. An old truck coming from Loa with peaches loaded in the back came around the corner and clipped one of the trucks tailgate and tipped. A guess Peaches went rolling everywhere. Once the truck was back on the road and on all 4 tires the man said, "I guess there is no sense in going to Escalante now" and turned around and went back the way he came. My Dad said everytime after that they'd go up to Posey he'd look in that gully to see if any peach trees had started to grow. 

 By the end of the week Aunt Kim, Chelcie, Rich, Alex, Aunt Natalie, Cody, Uncle Shane, and WIll had come up. The first afternoon the Fisher's were there we were down at the docks trying to fish and a few of the polygamist wives and children were down splashing in the water(the husbands were working on the campsites). Well once they jumped in Alex went up and put on her suit and jumped in and swam around that lake. It was pretty gross with lots of weeds and the lake is kind of that green color, but she was in pure heaven and didn't want to come back in. The rest of the week was spent eating, playing and having a great time.

Spotlight Sunday

Each Sunday our Primary picks a child to come up and answer some questions about themselves. Well, this Sunday was Ellie's lucky day. She picked out 3 questions and gave some surprising answers. (thanks to Wendy for telling them to me after church) After they get a cute little poem about bubble gum and reading their scriptures, my tip-off to what had gone down in Primary.

1. What is one of your favorite things to do? Play with my brother!! who knew???
2. What is your favorite toy? Princesses!!! Not Surprising
3. If you could paint your room any color, what would it be? Pink!!! Also not surprising she has been asking for awhile now...

Since it was also Father's day she got to fill out a questionnaire about Brady. I thought some of her answers were priceless so here it is. 

• He is as handsome as a butterfly.
• He is as strong as a truck.
• He can lift 1 lbs. and is 22 tall.
• His favorite food is salad.
• His favorite activity is sleep.
• When my Dad was little, he used to play. 
• My favorite thing to do with my Dad is he lets me go underwater.
• My Dad teaches me how to twirl.
• I know he loves me because he plays with me
• I would not trade my Dad for twirling!!

Big Boy Bed

After our trip to Vegas, Cooper was taught how to climb out of the pack and play. I figured it was no big deal and didn't worry to much about. Well after we got home guess who started crawling out of his crib??? I put him down for a nap and went downstairs to get something, the next thing I knew I heard this loud crash and the floor shake right up above me. I knew it only meant one thing...COOPER had ESCAPED the CRIB!!! Well I put him back in and he just continued to crawl back out and go stand by the door and cry and cry, after awhile i just gave up and let him out. That night same thing happened until we finally put him in our bed. After about 2 days of this and a rather grumpy child. Cooper normally loves his sleep and wants plenty of it.

 I went to the trusted internet, there was plenty of advice, crib tents, and ways to help your child stay put, but we decided to take the front off.  I wasn't to sure, I mean he wasn't even two yet and Ellie never crawled out or wanted out for that matter. I think she would have stayed in forever if she didn't get booted because of Cooper. 
However, Cooper loves his new bed and the first few naps he would get out and play, but eventually lay back down and fall asleep. I'm guessing once he was out, he couldn't get back in and didn't know what to do with himself to fall asleep. We haven't had any problems since, except for once when i cracked the door to check on him and bumped him with the door. 

 AAWWW i love it, apparently he felt he needed a bum change before his nap:)

Shark Reef

Back in May, Brady's parents came down for a visit to celebrate Tami's birthday. Saturday we joined  them for a day out in Vegas, we drove down and Ellie was out in no time, but Cooper who desperately needed a nap did NOT!!! After lunch we went down to the Shark Reef. Both Ellie and Cooper loved all the animals. Cooper was not afraid to walk right up to the glass, but Ellie being a little cautious, would ask each time if there was glass and reach for it. You would think by the end she would just assume, but not Ell's.  

 Their favorite 2 parts were petting the sting rays in the little pool 

 and walking over the glass in the floor. 

Cooper would get down and stick a foot on like he was going down stairs each time and then stand up. HILARIOUS!!! Finally, he got brave and was running around dancing on it like a wild man. Ellie was also cautious but she loved it too!!

 After their nice Grandma bought them each a souvenir. Ellie choose a puzzle that she is really good at and Cooper got the Shark that opens and closes his mouth.

While we were waiting the kids had a great time running around the hallway. Cooper ran away and when i brought him back he managed this. He does it with Brady but i can't whip him back up. Brady thought it was funny and wouldn't help til he got some photos!!!

 My kids loved spending time with the Flygare's!!!