Fourth of July Fun

We had two free plane tickets that would be expiring soon so we decided to spend the 4th of July weekend in Utah where the temperatures would be more mild for outdoor activities. I had really wanted to take my kids to the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple during its openhouse. Taylor saw the temple from up in the airplane and said "look Mommy, I see a church!" I reserved the maximum of 10 tickets and some of Eric's siblings (Marcy, Brooke and Derek, Robin and Todd) went with us. It was a beautiful temple and the cookies at the end were note worthy as well.

The view from the temple's grounds was rather spectacular too.

That evening we gathered at Eric's parent's house. Marci and Robin win the award for the most fun Aunts this weekend. They did fireworks with the kids, made snow cones, played beauty shop, and collected potatoe bugs (rolly pollies). It will stink when they have kids of their own.

Eric had to have a picture with his "famous" brother, "Tombstone Jesus".

The next day was the 4th and we met up with my family on the parade route for the West Jordan parade. I haven't always enjoyed this parade but this year it was pretty good. Some of the things that made it more fun had nothing to do with the parade. 1-Good company--lots of family were there including aunts, uncles, and cousins. 2-The cloud cover kept it from getting hot and miserable. 3-My mom made pancakes and bacon for everyone. 4-My kids really had fun and as long as they are having a good time then so am I.
Women folk

Will got a Chick-fil-a hat at lunch the day before that he had to wear.

Men folk--Eric had Lasic surgery the week before thus the groovey sunglasses.

Mary and Von getting busted by the police. One of the more exciting parts of the parade. :)Pregnant ladies. I'm quite jealous of my sister-in-law Nichole as she has less than a month to go.
Ava and Reagan enjoyed their reunion. Sitting on cousin Anna's lap while waiting for the fireworks.
My sister Dawn made me the cutest diaper bag and had it for me this weekend which was very fortunate because we ended up with more to take home than we came with.
One of the highlights of our trip for our kids was riding on an airplane. People couldn't help but chuckle or at least smile each time we took off as my kids exclaimed OUT LOUD their excitement.

Wendy Comes to Visit

We had my old friend and roommate Wendy come and visit this past week. It was fun having her here because it was like we had a second wife in our family. The kids loved having her around and Reagan took no time at all to warm up to her. Eric watched the kids on Saturday so Wendy and I could explore some of The Strip, eat at a buffet, and go to see "Mystere" at Treasure Island. Wendy hadn't been to Las Vegas before so we tried to see what we could without exposing ourselves too much to the 108 temperatures we have had the last couple of days. We drove to the temple and Hoover Dam. We ate out a lot including a new sushi find (what is my obsession with sushi?) and Jason's Deli where kids eat free on Monday nights. We also just hung about the house and relaxed a lot too. Come visit again Wee Wee! We had fun!

It's a girl!

Looks like we're having a girl! I was totally disappointed with our ultra sound because the tech said she "thinks" its a girl. Usually they've seemed more sure. She also didn't give me very many good shots (profile, etc.) of the baby. Maybe this is the disadvantage of going in at 18 weeks instead of 20 or 21 like I have with my other babies. All in all I shouldn't really complain because every thing is looking great with the baby so far and that is after all, all that matters! The ultra sound due date is November 9th but I'll probably have her the week prior since it will be a scheduled c-section. I could use some help by the way. We are totally clueless as to what to name her! Lots of great names out there but I'm trying to avoid any that might be in the top 10 this time round and I'd also like something really feminine since my other girls have more unisex type names. Any suggestions?

Playing Sports

Will and Taylor got to play a sport this past spring. Taylor played soccer and Will played t-ball. They had fun playing on the same team as friends and made new friends through this experience as well. Taylor never scored a goal and was sometimes slow to chase the ball but always expressed an excitement to play the game. I love being able to give my kids opportunities to explore the world around them and to see what hidden talents they may have. The hard part in having your kids in sports I discovered was that we no longer had our weekends for getting out to hike and camp which our family loves to do. Hopefully we can figure out a way to do them both over the next several years. Here's hoping...
Here is Taylor in her uniform that was WAY to big on her.
I think the thing Taylor loved most about playing soccer was the team commrodity (sp?) that she felt with the other girls. They were so cute and kind with one another.

Watching from the sideline

Taylor's team and Coach Karen

Will and Coach Ron

Will in the outfield. This is a cute photo because even though Will is standing in this one, he very often would sit or lay in the outfield as well. Maybe we'll have to try soccer next time!

Giving a cheer at the end of a game.

Will with his cousins Rachel and Olivia from Utah who came to watch him while in town. Will's favorite part of the game was probably treat time afterward.

Legoland

Memorial Weekend we surprised our kids by taking them to Legoland. Taylor and Will couldn't stop squeezing each other they were so excited! It was fun exploring a new park for the first time. We all really loved seeing the Miniland area where they have constructed cities like New York, New Orleans, Washington DC and here Taylor is on "The Strip" in Las Vegas (or Legoland in this case).
Even Reagan loved looking at all the little buildings and people put together by millions of Legos.

Taylor and Will

Mommy and Taylor

The one thing about Legoland that was kind of a disappointment is that the majority of the rides you had to be 34 inches for. Reagan is 31. She doesn't seem all that unhappy about it in this picture as she waits patiently while Taylor and Will drive the cars.

The playground was Reagan's favorite place.

Taylor and Will loved this roller coaster. Too bad I can't remember its name.

The park closed at 6:00 so we went back to our condo in Oceanside (only about a 10 min. drive away) and walked down to the pier for dinner where we ate at Joe's Crab Shack.

On sunday, we attended church in Oceanside. Then we went to Torrey Pines state park to walk on the beack. Taylor loved playing on the beach, and found a bunch of shells.

Will and Reagan had fun splashing in the water.

Will's shorts were really loose, and once they fell down and he tripped over them into the ocean.

That evening we had a bar-b-que on the patio of the resort. Have you noticed that Will can't seem to wear this jacket without wearing the hood as well?

After dinner, we walked along the shore and explored some of what Oceanside had to offer.

Monday morning we returned to Legoland's aquarium, SeaLife. This was a really fun, interactive place for the kids to see fish, sharks, sea horses, jellyfish, and many other sea life.

As we were leaving Legoland, Eric found himself another wife. But after many failed attempts to get her to come home with us, we had to leave her in Carlsbad.

Too bad we couldn't at least get her to sell us her Volvo real cheap!

Will's Preschool Graduation

When my kids are three years old, I like doing the co-op preschool thing with other moms. We had a great group this year and I look forward to doing this again with Reagan some day. Will (just like Taylor) will be going to a more professional preschool next year. This has worked great because I'm usually having a baby during the off year. Will graduated with his swimsuit on--now that's class!

Sushi Lovers

I just had to post this picture to show that even the youngest in our family is showing a deep liking for sushi rolls now too. Its a good thing when you can share one of your favorite things with your family and see them enjoy it as well!