Idaho

For the 24th of July, also known as Pioneer Day, we spent the weekend with Brad's family up in Chesterfield, Idaho. Chesterfield is where his parents lived and farmed after they were married. They now have a summer home there and for the past 3 years we have spent the 24th in Idaho.

Johnny getting to know the horses a little better

Bela helping herself to a few tissues

Brad enjoying the parade in Bancroft

Johnny and Bela taking it easy

Brad being the world's most responsible uncle

All 18 grandkids together. Please notice my two are the only ones not looking at the camera. It had been a long day.

Leaving the cabin after church on Sunday. Johnny was a little sleepy.

We had such a great time and were so happy to be with family for a great weekend!

Squaw Peak

We headed up Squaw Peak for our ward camp-out. We weren't adventurous enough to spend the night, but did want to join in the fun at least for dinner. The campsite was a good 40 minute drive or so, the last few miles on a bumpy, windy, steep dirt road. The view was totally worth it. Unfortunately we only have cell phone pictures, which aren't the greatest.

Brad is pointing out the break in the mountains were you can see the valley and Utah Lake. We all had a fun time, and Johnny had a blast being in the "great outdoors".

Dessert Bar

Brad took us out to dinner in Salt Lake to celebrate his mom's birthday. Johnny loved the dessert bar. He also loved seeing his Grammy Perkins and Grammy Tate.

After dinner we went back to Grandma Tate's house and Johnny became fast friends with this bear
Happy Birthday!

Family Day

We had a reception to go to up in Salt Lake on Saturday night. We decided to make a few extra stops before it started and have a fun family day. Our first stop was Cabela's in Lehi. Johnny and Bela look so teeny tiny compared to the big animals up on the mountain.

we stopped to see the fish

And to check out some camping equipment. Overall we had a great time and saw lots of cool things. Johnny was definitely a little wary of all the dead animals around him so we were on our way to our next stop, the Blue Plate Diner.

The food was delicious, and the company was great. We'll definitely be back

Happy 4th

Our 4th of July weekend was spent relaxing together as a family. On Saturday Brad took the kids to play at the mall and then over to Costco. They had a blast. Everything is always so much more fun with Dad.

Johnny loves coming to play at the treehouse

I love it when they get along

Brad said these two very much enjoyed the samples. As did their dad, I'm sure. Later that night he took Johnny for some special father/son time watching the fireworks.

After church on Sunday we wanted to take a picture of Bela

and then Johnny jumped in. . .

Melinda and Henry came over in time for the bbq dinner and a trip to the park

Johnny and Henry had a great time chasing each other around

Melinda and Henry stayed for a few days while Daniel was out of town. Johnny was very pleased about the sleepover. They may or may not be drinking out of Bela's sippy cups.

No Pokies

Johnny is really good at taking it easy:

He had a doctor's appointment this morning (crazy me thought 10am would be fine after a flight that got in at midnight). It was his 2 year check-up, and the doctor said everything looks great. He's growing big and strong, and is just a little over 31 lbs. Johnny needed 3 last immunizations, and was not pleased with them. He told me no more pokies, and really milked it for all he could when he got home. He laid out on the couch with his popsicle, and asked to watch Marco Polo.

Monkey was brave through it all, and even got a puppy sticker.

Monday and Tuesday 6.28 and 6.29.10

We purposely jam-packed our first few days of our vacation so that our last few could be spent just relaxing with family. Johnny's dream come true would be living next door to Emma and Stevie so he could play with them every day. Whenever I put him down for a nap or for the night, he'd always say, "Wake up and see Emma." My sister's house has such a fun backyard for kids to play in and I felt so safe just sending Johnny out to play with his cousins.

We were sad to leave, but are so happy we were able to visit my family so much recently. The kids did so well on the flight home, I felt bad that it was such a late flight. They both miraculously fell asleep and stayed asleep from the flight, to baggage claim, to the car, and then into the house. We were definitely blessed. Aren't they so adorable?