The Sandlot

Thanks to Allison, it has been brought to our attention that there is a sandlot right behind our neighborhood. What have we been thinking all this time, playing baseball inside when we could be out on our very own field? OK, it's not really our very own field, but at 10am there is not another soul in sight. And so our boys lived it up, playing just like Benny, and Smalls, and the gang. I think this will become a regular destination.

Our Latest

It's been another fun few weeks. Here's the latest...

Thanks to my dear friend Jill, we've discovered the new (well new to us) beach in Herriman. The boys loved playing in the sand and water and I was just happy to have an afternoon out during the week Brad was at scout camp.

After Brad got back we were able to spend an afternoon at Lagoon. It's been years since Brad and I have gone and we had such a great time. We spent the first few hours at the water park, mostly going around (and around and around) the lazy river. As long as Jack wasn't splashed by the waterfall, he was in heaven. Then we spent the rest of our time letting the boys ride everything their little hearts desired. Trains, spaceships, boats, cars, they rode them all. And I wish you could see his face a little clearer in the picture below because he was having such a blast on this roller coaster.

Also last week my cousin, Kindred, stayed with us for a few days. We loved having her with us. Wesley and Jack totally wore her out by making her play baseball non-stop. But, hey, what are cousins for?

And finally, my little girl can sit up on her own! She's not rolling at all yet, but at least she can sit! Go Avery!

Us

A few of my favorites.

Check her out at www.ciocophotography.com

Thanks Mom!

I really can't say it enough, my kids have the most awesome grandparents ever! I mean really Brad's parents, Brad's grandma, my parents, my grandparents... they couldn't be more loved by anyone else. They spoil these three rotten and love them to death. I'm so glad we live close to Brad's parents and get to see them often, it's a real treat for us and the kids enjoy every second we spend there. So, I get a little sad sometimes that my parents don't live close by.

But here's where I am really lucky... my mom loves to travel. And so, almost every two or three months, she comes up to see us. Every trip is a lot of fun, but this past two weeks has been one of the best. She left this morning and it hasn't been the greatest day around here, I must admit we're all a little grouchy that she's gone (OK maybe not Brad, but he does love you Mom). So here are some of the highlights...

We took my Mom to the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point because she had never been and it was a great afternoon.
We also went to Gardner Village (twice), it's pretty much a standard when she comes. The boys love feeding the ducks and this time they rode the ponies as well. Jack couldn't stop talking about his horse (Pal) for days.

The second trip to Gardner Village ended a little too quickly for Jack, but Wesley stayed with Mimi and Sister Patton and had the time of his life. I heard he talked until they were nearly deaf! He came home with a new toy and a bag of goodies.

But, this afternoon was one of my favorites. We just came home from lunch with Shanna and it started to pour, so my Mom took the boys for a run in the rain. Something about the pure joy on their faces still brings a tear to my eye.

Thank you Mom for the time you've spent with us these past few weeks. We love you and miss you already!

The Fourth of July

I think the pictures sum up our July 4th weekend pretty well.

So here you go...

On Saturday, we went here (the Riverton City Carnival)...

Wesley LOVED this...
We saw what that what's in store when Wesley and Ava turn 16...
and Jack thought this was best...

Sunday, the boys played A LOT of this...

We ALL LOVED spending the day with them...

and Them...

As always, a very happy Fourth of July.

Toy Story 3

If you didn't already know, we are BIG FANS of Toy Story around here. Wesley sat glued to the TV at only 15 months old if Toy Story was on. He used to sleep with Woody and Buzz. And today I can't even count how many different Woody and Buzz guys we have... small ones, big ones. Jack loves it now too. So we've been watching Toy Story 3 trailers on the computer for months.

On Saturday afternoon, we had a (much anticipated) Toy Story 3 party. Mimi and Uncle Blake arrived from San Diego just in time to bring Wesley and Jack new t-shirts for the event.

I don't have any good pictures from the party, but we had a great time. Fun food for the kids, complete with Toy Story cupcakes. Then it was off to the movie theater.
Believe it or not, this is the best picture I could get and it's missing Kate and Ian. These kids were so excited they couldn't wait to get inside!

I've got to say, this movie did not dissapoint! I loved it, the kids loved it.

Fantastic movie. Great afternoon.

We LOVE Dad!

We had a great Father's Day with the best Dad!

(and we love you too Papa and Grandpa!)

A perfect night for sports!

Last night we took the kids to a Salt Lake Bees game (minor league baseball) since Wesley and Jack are totally into all things 'Sandlot' right now. It was such a perfect night! We went with our good friends (thanks again for getting such GREAT seats Alison and Rob!) and all of us really enjoyed the night out. The weather was just right... we were worried it would be too cold, but no, for once Utah weather worked in my favor. The boys LOVED the action! We saw an awesome home run right when we arrived, a couple balls hit the net in front of us, and one guy broke a bat in half! Jack talked about all the excitement the entire ride home.

Wesley was super excited to see the Bee, Jack just screamed.

And why is Wesley throwing up gang signs? What are we teaching him?

Really, they were the happiest boys.

And so was their dad. In case you hadn't heard

the Lakers won!

Like I said, a perfect night for sports!