Road Trip Reflections

Our trip to Utah came to a close and we had to say goodbye to all our family and friends until next time.  We hit the road for the long haul back and in that 21 hour drive  I had a "little" time to reflect on some road trip truths.  Here they are in no particular order.....

1.  New catch phrase for I told you so, "Bon Jovi."  (I told ya I had "Livin On A Prayer," right babe?)

2.  Matt is an experienced seeder--fellow sunflower seeders know what I mean. 

3.  Thanks to Caitlyn we know mom was right:  pop cans really will cut you (really bad) if you stick your finger down in them. 

4.  We love the midwest and their fireflies...there is nothing quite like them.  

5.  I-80 has only two seasons--winter and road construction.  Arghhh.

6.  I know they are potentially hazardous, but midwest thunderstorms are an awesome sight to see. 

7.  I never before realized that at Sonic you can only get ketchup, mustard, OR mayo on your hamburger.  But considering the less than pleasurable dining experience we had, we're not quite sure where those cost savings are going.  

8.  Kids really do have a movie and junk food quota.

9.  After being in a car for so long, getting out to go into a dirty bathroom looks like a pretty good alternative to kids---one that is completely exploited.  

10. It is always fun to see friends and family, but no matter where you live there is no place like home. 

Happy Birthday, Grandma Nanny!

We got to celebrate Grandma Nanny's 91st birthday with her.  She is my great grandma, so that makes her a great-great grandma to my kids.  She is such an example of faith and endurance to us.  We love and miss you grandma!

The big 3-0

On July 14, 2008, I became an official adult--yup, the big 3-0.  We were staying up at the cabin and after a long day at pineview dam we came back for strawberry pie--my favorite--thanks honey!  I wanted to give myself a birthday present and get up on one ski just like the good ole' days, but alas, I could not.  Maybe next year....

Cabin Fever

Just for fun and so everyone could stay together, Grandma and Grandpa Jensen rented out a condo/cabin up at Pineview Dam. The kids had a blast getting to have a sleepover all together, and basically just spending time together. Activities included, but were not limited to visiting friends, boating, movies, playing in the sand, and swimming. Here are some pictures of our little stay.

Caitlyn spent most of her time just hangin out in the water and as I watched the slideshow she was a little under represented, so here is a cute video clip of her and Carter.

I Love to See the Temple

While we were in Utah, Haylie went to the Bountiful Temple for the first time.  When I was reading her facebook page she made a good observation that it was the first time all 6 of my mom and dad's kids were together in the temple.  It was a special day and we are so glad we got to share it with her.  Thanks tons to Uncle Alan and Aunt Melissa for babysitting.  :)

Mini Golf

A little mini golf with everyone finished out our visit with Matt's family.  We love getting to spend time together and miss you guys!  

Water Fight!

What's summer without a little water fight?  Aunt Jamie came over for and ended up getting in a water fight with Matt.  Actually all the kids were in on it and I am just glad I was on camera duty, so I was safe.  

Water Fountain Fun

During our trip to Utah we were able to spend a couple of days down south with Matt's family.  We got to stay with Uncle Alan, Aunt Melissa, Josh and Alli.  During our stay we went to the planetarium and to play in the water fountain.  We got to see a big 3D sea monsters movie, which might not have been the best choice, considering all the kids were really scared.  At the fountain all the kids were a little bit hesitant at first, but didn't want to leave by the end.  

Priceless

I love this picture and video of Brandon playing ball with Grandpa Blaine.  When we lived in Utah he would look forward to going to visit Grandma and Grandpa almost every Sunday.  Grandpa always told Brandon he was the best baseball player ever.  We miss you Grandma and Grandpa!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Blaine!

For Grandpa Blaine's birthday this year, we had a swimming party at Uncle Robert and Aunt Kathy's house.  Here are some clips of the kids doing tricks off the diving board. 

Parker's first swim experience.

Awesome, Brando!

So brave, Caitlyn.

Nice dive?, Emma.

Fourth Festivities!

For our summer vacation this year we caravanned out to Utah with Tara and her boys and Grandma and Grandpa Jensen.  Continuing our Fourth of July tradition we spent the day in Plain City with Janaye's Grandma and Grandpa and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.  We rode the Blaine Jensen RV firetruck in the parade, except for this year there were so many of us we had to graduate to a trailer as well.  After the parade and carnival at the park, we headed over to Grandpa's house for burger and dogs and more fun.  The kid's favorite activity of course is riding the horse, Hyrum, around Grandpa's yard.  We rounded off the evening at Alli and Jerry's house for sparklers and fireworks.  Luckily, Uncle Jerry didn't blow himself up this year, although there were a few close calls.  :)

Go Cubies!

Here are Matt, Brandon, Parker and Grandpa Jeppsen getting ready to go to their first Cubs game (Parker stayed home of course).  The game was very exciting because they just happened to be playing their hometown rivals the White Sox.  The fans were loud and wild (ok and most of them drunk), but Brandon loved it.  Cubs won 11-7, thankfully, and Brandon's love of baseball and the Cubs continues on.  

Messy Face!

Does anybody wonder who was in charge of this feeding session?  :)

Here is Parker trying to crawl and doing some of his tricks.  

Happy Father's Day! (and Emma's "real birthday.")

This year Father's Day happened to fall on June 15th--Emma's Birthday.  We went to church and spent the afternoon at grandma and grandpa Jensen's house.  Both dads got Cub attire and a ticket to go to a game together.  It's a guy thing right?
Grandma made another cake for Emma on her real birthday.  

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Emma turned 8 this year and at our house that is one of the lucky birthday years---a year for a friend party.  Emma invited friends from church, school and our neighborhood to come to our house for ice cream cake and presents and then it was off to the Justice store for a webkinz party.  The girls all got mini makovers and then got to play some webkinz games including the wheel of W.O.W.  They each won some Kinz cash they got to go shopping with in the store at the end.  I think they all had a great time!