So much to blog.....So little time.....

Since school has been out and I have assumed my new title of 'Entertainment Director', I have neglected my poor blog. The kids and I have been so busy going here and going there. We love summer and love to be out having fun. So, with some much needed down-time today, I will attempt to post the last months activities. Here goes.......

Give me a cookie!

We had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. Our cousins were here from out of town, they had tickets, and were nice enough to let us tag along. What a great evening we had together! I cannot explain the feeling you get being in the house of the Lord with your family. Being able to have your kids there with you is amazing. It is an experience that won't happen again until the kids are old enough to attend the temple themselves. To see their faces and answer their questions is an awesome opportunity to teach the gospel.

We were there at sunset which made the whole experience that more beautiful. You know there's got to be a funny Cody moment, and here it is...
We bribed Cody at the beginning and told him that if he was good they would give him a cookie at the end (knowing they had refreshments). Tony even added that he would get 2 cookies if he was really good. Well, through the whole tour he kept asking us (in his LOUD Cody voice), "Am I being good to get my cookie?" He sure took that cookie reward seriously. We got a few strange looks and tried our best to keep him quiet. All in all, the kids were great. And yes, Cody got his 5 cookies at the end.

America the Beautiful

For the fourth of July this year we hiked to Timpanogos cave with my parents. My dad has wanted to do this for some time and we thought it would make a great activity for the day we celebrate America and it's beauty and freedom. We packed a picnic lunch and spent the day in the mountains. The hike was a 1,000 foot climb up the mountain. The kids did great and it was us old folks who were complaining. The cave was awesome and the hike downhill was even awesomer. I'll let the pictures tell the story.......

Cody's monkey backpack leash kept him from falling off the cliffs. It also helped Cody tow his dad up the hill.

Connor the photographer

My cute parents

Sure glad dad held that rock up for us (one of Connor's great pictures)

Cody getting a lift. Made for a great workout for me.

Some of the cool stuff we saw in the cave.

The views were spectacular. One benefit of an all uphill climb.

My new best friend

With a crazy 3 year old boy who likes to wander, explore, get lost and sometimes just run away, we invested in a child harness for the summer. Cody has named it his 'monkey backpack'. Oh how we love the monkey backpack. I was reluctant to get one, but man it has saved our lives (and Cody's several times). A common phrase with our family is, "Where's Cody?" If I got a dollar everytime those words were uttered I would literally be rich. With our monkey backpack, we don't have to worry because he can't be more than 5 feet away. Cody loves it and will ask to wear it when we go places. It is his new friend. Oddly enough, he doesn't mind the restrictions of it. We have clothes-lined several people with the leash(that is always fun), and we get sick of people saying,"He's got a monkey on his back." We love the monkey backpack so much that he might be wearing it until he's 12, or 16, or maybe even 21.

It's what Fun is.......

LAGOON!

This year the kids saved up and earned season passes to Lagoon. This has been such a fun thing for us to do several days a week. It's free (well, paid for), fun, and the kids love it. Our favorite thing has been family nights there with all of my family, and lately with the hot weather, Lagoona Beach. Connor's favorite ride is Wicked. He loves to quote 'The Incredibles' when he gets off by saying, "That was totally Wicked". Lauren's favorite ride this year is also Wicked. She has to make sure and take her glasses off as they almost flew off on her first time. Cody's favorite thing is the train. We can't leave Lagoon without a ride on the train. I love how he yells, "all aboard", when the train starts to move. Tony loves not going on any rides that make him sick. He is totally happy watching the kids have fun. I just love being with the family and having a great time! Their slogan is so true....'It's what fun is....Lagoon!'

Territories

ter⋅ri⋅to⋅ry/ˈtɛrɪˌtɔri, -ˌtoʊri/ Show Spelled Pronunci [ter-i-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] - noun:

1. domain or province of something.
2. the area that an animal defends against intruders.

So....with summer break in full swing, there has been some territory marking at our house. Keep in mind that I have a 9 year old boy, 7 year old girl, and 3 year old boy. My 9 year old, Connor, thinks he rules the roost. Naturally, being the oldest, he should be in total control, right? My Lauren is the only girl. She is sandwiched between the boys. If one brother isn't bothering her, the other is. And Cody, being 3, also thinks he rules the roost, and is 3 years old. This mix of everyone home together 24/7 for the summer has created some territory disputes. Most are minor and easily taken care of. These are the usual complaints I hear.....

"She made that mess in my room."
"Why do I have to pick up his stuff?"
"Stay OUT of my room."
"Don't touch my stuff."
"Can't you keep him out of my things?"

Now.....in self defense of one's territory, my children like to post on the door to their rooms some 'territory markings', if you will. They get quite creative in their tactics. After one particular dispute, I happened to get pictures of their best attempts to defend their area against any intruders.

Lauren's signs usually have the words 'no' and 'boys' in them.
(I liked the addendum of 'only dad' in this one)

Connor's signs are usually full of drawings with very specific terms and conditions.
This sign says:
KEEP OUT
Mom and Dad accepted
Lauren and Cody not accepted
Friends accepted
OR
Death!
(notice all the ways of death that are portrayed)

I especially liked Lauren's grave on this one :)

I actually find all this territory stuff quite humerous. And yes, I do remember growing up how important it was to stake your own claim. I guess I should feel blessed that my children make signs instead of urinating like most animals (don't give Cody any ideas!).

Supercalafragelisticexpialadocious

Cute Lauren finished-up her year of tumbling at Syracuse Dance Academy. She almost perfected her handstand and learned that her back handspring is going to take a lot of practice. Tumbling was a great outlet for Lauren each week. She had fun with her friends and was able build self-confidence as she worked on new skills. The only downside is that now Cody is going around the house doing all kinds of tumbling 'tricks' as he calls them (no blood yet, but I'm sure it will come).

Lauren's tumbling year ended with a recital last month. Her group showed off their skills to the song 'Supercalafragelisticexpialadocious' from Mary Poppins (hence, the umbrellas). She did a great job and we are so proud of her!!!

Father's Day 2009

Cody shared this poem in primary on Father's Day.....
(And yes, Tony was there with a grin from ear to ear)


What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The wamth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need.

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it.....Dad.