Silver Lake Hike

We decided to go hiking and Travis really wanted to hike to Silver Lake up American Fork canyon.  He had been there before his mission and didn't think it was too hard of a hike.  So, we packed up the kids and made our way to the canyon.  We loaded up water and snacks, strapped on backpacks and headed up the trail. 

 Everyone was all smiles as we started up the mountain and we were having a great time.  The boys loved saying hi to people as we passed them and stopping for the occasional drink and snack. 

 The lake was a lot farther up the mountain than Travis remembered and I don't know that Travis took into account that hiking with a 2 year old would slow us down a little.  We were getting grumpy and talked about turning around and going back.  I figured we had made it that far it would be pointless to turn around and go back without seeing the lake.
We had to hike through snow that had not melted yet and  the boys really enjoyed kicking it around.  It felt good to walk through when it was so warm outside.  We had to help the kids up the steep part at the very end but we finally made it.  The views from 
the top were amazing.  There were only a few people up there and we enjoyed hanging around the lake for awhile.


  

  The lake was freezing so we didn't get in the water but the boys loved climbing on the rocks and around the trees.  Keira pretty much stayed with me and didn't venture out much.  I didn't mind having a snuggle buddy, though.  After another snack break we started to head back down the mountain.







I couldn't resist taking a couple more shots on the way down.

  Alex was definitely the trooper of the day.  He never complained while hiking up the mountain and he never stopped on the way down.  Even when it started to rain about half way down he was still in good spirits. Travis took Keira and Alex down pretty quickly once it started to rain but Austin was dragging his feet a little.  I stayed back with him and we didn't mind getting a little wet.  We realized we couldn't hear Travis and the other kids anymore so we decided to try and take a shortcut down the side of the mountain.  We finally caught up to Travis but I don't know if it was the smartest decision we could have made.  We spent most of the time sliding down on our feet, with our rear ends inches from the ground, grabbing whatever we could to slow us down.  Austin seemed to enjoy it, and I guess that's what matters. 

When we got down to the truck we were greeted with a double rainbow.  I  took it as a good omen and Travis got a ton of pictures of it.  The boys just wanted to follow it so  they could find the pot of gold.  Keira didn't see any of it as she promptly crashed as soon as she got in the car.
When we were at Silver Lake someone told us about another lake farther up the mountain.  Maybe next year we will make it to that one.

A little 4th of July Camping

This year we went camping in West Canyon with some of Travis' family over the 4th.  The kids love going out there!  They go hiking, roast marshmallows, build forts, and get to play with their cousins. 

We always have lots of bikes, scooters, and sand toys for the kids to play with while they wait for their turn on the 4 wheelers.

And when we say that's the last ride of the day the hiking begins.  When they make their way back they usually find a great place to build a fort and it keeps them busy the rest of the time.  I love watching my kids play and use their imaginations.  

 Do you know what you get when you mix 2 year olds with dirt, Capri Suns, and mashmallows?  A big mess!!  It's a good thing we love these little girls because I don't think you could tell they were girls when we got home. 

The Bug turns 2

 My baby turned 2!

 Keira's birthday is so close to the 4th of July so we had a patriotic theme this year.  Several of the kids also came dressed in red, white, and blue.  I tried to curb my party planning just a little because Travis always thinks I go overboard. 

 We had her party at the park by our house and we let the kids play on the playground for awhile before we let Keira open presents.  The adorable pink sofa she is sitting on was a gift from her grandma and a couple of her aunts. 

 We had cupcakes and rootbeer floats while watching fireworks.  We waited as long as we could but we didn't want to keep everyone out too late so Fireworks were done in twilight. 

 We also brought sparklers for all the kids and from the look on Keira's face it's hard to tell if she loved it or was afraid of it. 

 I also had glow sticks and necklaces for the kids as well.

  I love being able to get together with friends and family and birthdays are a good excuse to do just that.  I'm so glad that even though Travis thinks I go overboard, he still lets me do these every year. 

Fun in the Sun

 Some of my favorite days are in the summer where we didn't really do anything but have a little fun outside.  The kids wanted to blow bubbles so I let them loose and grabbed my camera.  Alex and Keria went with traditional bubble wands but Austin, always the inventor, tried to think up something new.

 I'm not sure it ever made any bubbles but he had a lot of fun inventing it.  He used rope, a play gun, and a bubble accessory piece. 

                              I love these kids so much!!  I wouldn't trade them for anything!

Preschool Graduation

 Alex's Graduation theme this year was "Night Among the Stars".  They had the cutest little program where they sang songs about the things they learned and and they got to say what they wanted to be when they grew up.  I had been at the church most of the day with Krissi and Carol setting up and doing a dress rehearsal with the kids but for some reason I mixed up Austin and Alex's graduation times and we showed up about 20 min. late. Alex slipped right into his place though like it wasn't a big deal. 

 At the end of the program all of the big kids lined up at the back of the gym and when Krissi called their name they got to walk down the red carpet and receive their diploma. 

 

  Everyone was all smiles and once everyone had their diploma they got to throw their caps in the air.

We pinned the work they had done throughout the year up on the walls and they had the books they worked on as well.  Alex had fun showing off what he had worked on to his grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, we had a great night celebrating Alex's achievements.  Still hard to believe that he will be in Kindergarten.

2nd Grade End of Year Program

Austins program this year was Proud to be an American. He worked so hard to learn all the songs and the actions. They told the kids that if anyone in their family was military they could invite them. After the first song, they invited current and past military up and they sang a song to them. It was so cute! Austin invited his Uncle Ben to his program so he got to sing to him. They sang the national anthem, God Bless America, Yankee Doodle, My Country Tis' of Thee, and several more. They also did a slide show of all the kids ancestors during a couple of the songs. After the program Austin got to go back to his classroom and get cookies and punch, and of course take a picture with his teacher.

Austin's Baptism

On April 30, 2011 Austin was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I can't believe I am old enough to have a child baptized! Austin had so much support from family, friends, and ward members.
Lindsey, Austin's aunt, played the piano for us, and his Grandma Carpenter led the music. His grandfathers both gave talks about baptism and the gift of the holy ghost, and his Grandma Gray gave one of the prayers. Austin listened to everything that was said and gave answers when he was asked.
Sometimes when you least expect it something comes completely out of the blue. Here is a little backs story:
Last Christmas we did a white elephant exchange with Travis' family. I was the lucky winner of adult size batman underwear, yay!
So, the bishop was talking to Austin about being a member of the church and what an honor it was. Austin decided this was the perfect time to tell the Bishop and EVERYONE in the primary room that his mom had batman underwear. I was so embarrassed! I was bright red and couldn't say a thing. It's a very good thing that our bishop is a good friend of our because if not we may have been called in to answer a few question.
After Austin was baptized and confirmed we all went to eat at Golden Corral. Austin loves this place because he can eat as much as he wants and it's all free. . . haha