Gotta Love Camping

This past weekend we drove an hour away to escape the heat at Mount Charleston. This was actually our first camping trip of the year which is weird for us because we really do enjoy camping. I especially love being up in the pine trees and breathing the crisp, clean mountain air. It really is a renewal for me. We headed up early Friday evening and roasted hot dogs and made smores that night. My kids had really anticipated this part of camping. Funny how a hot dog roasted over the open flames tastes so much better than it does at home.
Though our kids were really excited about sleeping in the tent (Reagan included), they seemed to do a good job keeping us up all night for one reason or another. Though we only stayed the one night, it has been my experience that they do a ton better about sleeping the subsequent nights.The next day we set out for a big hike (about 3 miles) in Fletcher Canyon. This canyon starts out wide and ends fairly narrow (5 feet wide) though Eric was the only one in our group to get to Obstacle Rock in the narrow section. Will did really well considering he kept telling me that he likes camping but not hiking. We enjoyed this entire weekend with our friends the Kenningtons. In the last mile of our hike, the rain came pouring down like you wouldn't believe. In some ways though, this was a really nice thing because we never see the rain in Las Vegas. The only reason I couldn't enjoy it 100% is I knew we would probably have to go back to camp and pack up a muddy mess and I wouldn't have any dry clothes to change into. Reagan really helped to keep things positive though because even though she looked like a drowned rat, she was giggling through out the whole last mile.This is Eric packing up camp. I had just finished feeding the kids in their car seats. We were in for a big mess when we got home. We had planned on staying until later that night but since the rain wasn't going to be clearing out that day, we went to the Kennington's house to do our planned dutch oven dinner. All in all we really had a great time and were glad we went.

We came home and unloaded, showered and were off to the Kennington's for our dutch oven dinner. When we went to get in the Landcruiser, it wouldn't start so we took the Honda. We came home later that evening and my brother was able to diagnose the problem over the phone and lucky for us it wasn't a big deal and Eric was able to get the part and fix that very night. Had our car not started up at Mt. Charleston, we certainly would have needed to have it towed and would probably come out having paid at least a couple of hundred dollars for a problem that only cost us $25 with Eric fixing it. I'm SO GLAD our car started that one last time and that we didn't end up being stranded.

The Biggest Loser

Eric Before

Eric After

Congrats to my man for winning the Biggest Loser contest at his office today! Eric took on the challenge the last couple of months to lose the greatest percentage of weight amongst his co-workers. He started cycling on a regular basis as well as exercising some portion control and eating healthier in general. He lost 27 pounds total and 12.75% of himself. This is the first time in our marriage he has shed some weight. Usually we joke about who has the biggest stomach during my pregnancies with Eric being the winner until I'm almost full term. This time around I have him beat at only 6 months along and I couldn't be prouder. It's nice to have a husband with much more energy and I can feel better knowing he is healthier too. Good job Sweetey!

Happy Birthday Reagan!

My baby is 2 years old today! She has grown up so much during this past year that it amazes me. She talks like crazy and parrots everything her older siblings say or do (not always a good thing!). She has the sweetest smile and no one can help but laugh when they hear her giggle. She giggles and laughs so easily and we love hearing that around our house. She warms up very easily to everyone she meets! We love you Reagan LaMir!

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.