Rodeo and Foam Day

This week I took off schedule for various reasons. A big one was Lowell took the week off work so we had him for more of the day, yea! He really wanted to get some big projects done around the house, and I really tried not to inhibit him but it was too fun having him home.
Tuesday we skipped the movie, Monsters vs Aliens because the boys have seen it multiple times and don't really love it. I asked if they'd rather go to Farm Country and that was the vote. It was a fun day, the boys did well.
Wednesday we didn't have any play dates planned, so we drove up to West Valley to pick up some rodeo tickets and exchange them. I got them from a guy on ksl who was selling the $11.50 tix for $5--they were vouchers so we then swapped them for tickets and chose our night/seats. It really worked out well, we needed to buy one additional ticket, but the lady just gave it to Lowell free. So the 5 of us got tickets for $20! Can't beat that. On the way back we decided to go see the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine as they were having a free week. We probably should have just gone on a less busy week and paid the $5 but it was okay. Really busy and altogether not that much to see, but still cool. One of those Utah landmarks that it is cool just to say you saw. And I got some really fun pics, but they are on my cell phone and may never come out. I'll keep trying. :) We also picked up some miner hats for the boys (with working light and everything) and I am sure they thought that was the best part of the trip. They wear them all the time and love to explore dark places with them or "mine underground" in the sand box. Simple dress up games are big hits with these kiddos. I am loving how much these boys will play in the backyard these days. They have always liked it fairly well, but some days lately they will be out there from wake-up until bedtime barely stopping to eat. They have been playing so well together (knock on wood) and coming up with such fun adventures. They are also getting very tan, not sure how they can stand the heat so much--must be why they intermittently jump in the pool.
Wednesday night we went to the UVMOM summer family party at the Provo pool, the first public pool we have gone to this year since they enjoy the backyard one so much. They loved it--I wish we had gotten there sooner, just over an hour wasn't really enough time for them this year. I enjoyed visiting as usual and Lowell was awesome with the kids. All the boys' fav friends were there (6 little 4 year old boys) and just had a blast together. We're so lucky to have such good friends. I am excited for swimming lessons to start in a couple of weeks since they love the water so much.
Thursday we missed play group as I had a dr. appt. This time I took Carter with me for some one on one time. All is well with baby, easy pregnancy (for the doc anyway--just usual third trimester complaints, not pleasant but nothing unusual or that need to be addressed). I then took Carter out to breakfast (hence why we missed play group, but I enjoyed the chance to spend some time with just him) and then we stopped at a few stores trying to find cheap cowboy hats. Ream's in Lehi was the winner, I just couldn't spend so much more on hats than I did on tickets--but found some simple ones for $3.
Friday my lab was closed in honor of Pioneer Day (yea for state holidays!) so I worked a weird schedule that day, we mostly played in the yard all morning and then headed off to the Days of 47 rodeo in the evening. It was the kids' first rodeo and I wasn't sure how they would respond to it, but they loved it and did really well. My cheap seats ended up being awesome, we were the front row just above the livestock shoots. The boys were enthralled by the animals and cheered for each of the cowboys. One was hurt and taken off on a stretcher which concerned the boys greatly. We keep telling them he is going to be okay. They liked the clowns as well and the show moved quite quickly. 2+ hours is a long time for them in a seat but they did it well and were sad when we left. I learned the hard way though that indoor rodeos wreak major havoc on my allergies. I was pretty miserable for most of the show, but it was still fun to watch the boys. Davis
Carter (it's dark, but the bulls are down there behind him).

Saturday was the actual holiday here, 24th of July so I worked a weird short schedule again. I got off early so we could go to Lehi's Foam Day again. Last year was much much less busy and crazy. It was so hard to keep track of my foam covered boys! Thankfully I had Lowell and Reva watching for them and A&A were running around with the kids as well. It was really hot though and not an altogether successful day. We'll debate going next year--I'll probably forget how crazy it was by then and we'll go :P.

Davis in the foam, A in the background
That's Carter in there
That's him too--he kept diving in head first and then needed me to wipe out his eyes with my shirt
Getting cleaned off with a fire hose. In case you are wondering, Foam Day is a service our local fire department does for the kids, they spray tons of flame retardant foam (just foamy soap really) out and the kids play in it. Then they wash them off and give out free watermelon. A silly fun, and free event, yeah!

That evening we had Lowell's family over for a BBQ and to visit. Earlier I hit a great Old Navy sale (thanks Jillian) and they had their flag shirts for $1 (I had a coupon for 20% off too, can't beat 80 cents for a shirt) so here's our fam in matching shirts:
Don't mind my 31 weeks pregnant pudge
Silly boys
I sure love them to bits!

Another summer week in the books. We are ticking away, almost August already. We got the invite for the preschool's back to school night yesterday, I can't believe we are coming upon that already. They'll be back only a couple of weeks before the baby comes, and there's still a lot to do. We have been working a lot on the redecorating plans for the kids' rooms and I am excited at the progress. I have the themes picked out now, bedding (the boys had theirs already, but now I've picked Claire's), paint colors and the vinyl sayings I want for each room. Now to just budget out all those purchases, do the painting, then move everything. Well, one thing at a time, for now I am happy to have it planned. I'll keep you updated with pics of course. :)

Silver Lake, Temple Square, and Camping

Okay, another week in review (almost 2 weeks). I'll try and make this more pics than me blabbing.
Weds-Had Whitney, Jordan and kiddos over for a swimming play date. Good fun! That night we had an in-home date night. We got take out Texas Roadhouse and ate it after the kiddos went to bed and then stayed up to watch Alice in Wonderland. I'll take my dates any way I can get them! The movie was interesting and a little dark, but good.
Thursday-Went to the twin play date in Spanish Fork--Davis had a sore foot from jumping off the swingset, but managed to play fairly well as long as it had an Ace bandage on it. It has since healed completely. I had a good time visiting with friends and the kids did too.
Friday-Went to the gym then in the evening on a great tip from Brooke we checked out Silver Lake, up Big Cottonwood Canyon near Solitude and Brighton ski resorts. What a lovely hike! It was a flat easy hike, gorgeous, peaceful, and cool. The temperature change alone makes it worth a return trip--these pics show the other reason we'll be going back:

I love these little gems just an hour from our house (and a beautiful drive for the most part). Lowell and and I are planning to go back to do more hiking for our anniversary in a month.

Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the temple with my dad. If you've been around a while you'll know that my dad went to prison for 3 years for "Conspiracy to defraud the government" which he didn't even do, but that's another very long story. He was indicted with that charge before I got married nearly 8 years ago and has been unable to attend the temple ever since. So this was the first time I ever got to go with him. My brother and his wife were there as well and it was a great experience. Can't wait to go back with more of my family there.

Monday we went to Lagoon, mostly Lagoona Beach. And I went by myself, 7 months pregnant with 2 busy little boys--patting myself on the back a little. And came home rather sunburnt. The cool pool was lovely though--the rest was just too hot (I skipped Lagoon today for just that reason).

Tuesday we saw The Tale of Despereaux, our fav summer movie so far. That evening was a T-ball game and Tara was kind enough to cover me at work so I could go. This game schedule has been lousy with my work schedule.

Here's Carter after the game--that's why they play T-ball for sure, for the treats!

Wednesday we had Reva and A&A up for a play date and jam making day. So fun, the boys bounced from pool to slip-and-slide to trampoline and back and were thrilled to have their best buddies over. I got to visit and make wonderful jam thanks to Reva's yummy recipe and raspberry connections. Mmmm, I can't get enough of that jam, thanks Reva! That night I got to go to the temple again (thanks Dinda) with Lowell since we couldn't arrange a sitter on Saturday. It always amazes me just how restful a session can be (if a little nerve-racking hoping to make it 2 hours without needing to use the bathroom!). We also got to go to dinner after, wonderful date night!

Thursday we went to the new Highland Splash Pad with the twin club. It was hot and busy but the boys had a great time and I enjoyed visiting as always. If it weren't for my kids' friends I'm not sure I'd get adult visiting very much!

Davis--he's in a little stream with rocks that had fountains in them

Carter

The jets/fountains (like at the Gateway if you've been there). We'd definitely recommend it, much closer than going to the Gateway and free to boot. Kind of hard to find though, just turn right before (West of ) Kohler's. After we went to get some ice cream to round out a lovely morning.

You can still see Coldstone in the background, that's how quickly the ice cream was melting.

Friday we went to the gym (still loving the Kids Fit class) then prepared for my BFF from childhood to come for a visit. Unfortunately she was in town for a funeral, but it was still nice to see her family for a little while.

Saturday the boys (Kris has 3 on top of my 2) had the best time playing wii, guns (whatever they could find in the basement) and then rotating through the backyard play activities. My boys were a bit cranky as they got up too early but wouldn't stop playing. They so enjoy having people over. (I forgot they also had T-ball that morning and pics with their team).

In the afternoon we all went up to see Temple Square.

5 little boys on the roof of the Conference center. It's safe to say it was a challenge to contain so many active little bodies in a spiritual setting, and it was SO hot! But I enjoyed seeing more of the conference center than I have before.

Davis overlooking the temple

Carter in the largest auditorium in the world! (21,000 seats)

We went to the visitor's center after, here's A, Carter, and N with the Christus.

C& D with the temple--all my other pics like this are at Christmas Eve, so it is weird to have one in the light and where they look so warm. It was 100 degrees out, we were definitely warm!

And here's Kris and family there as well. Thanks for visiting us!

We had a family camp out planned that night and while we still went up for dinner, Lowell and I made the executive decision that our already overly tired boys would not do well sleeping in a tent. And their overheated and tired parents weren't in the mood to fight with them either! Plus I can't imagine I would have slept that well on an air mattress, I don't even sleep that well in a bed right now. It was disappointing not to stay, but dinner was still fun and ever-so-yummy (tin foil dinner with fresh from our garden zucchini and squash!).

Carter and Robbie roasting a marshmallow

Rob and the boys a bit behind the camp where there was a stream.

The rest of the view from where I was standing. It was a fantastic camp site, we'll use that one again for sure. Large, secluded, and beautiful. Timpooneke double site #5. We brought our dogs up as well--to celebrate Maddy May's birthday (she's 6) and because one of Kris's boys was scared of our dogs. They really enjoyed it but were loud as expected. Lucky for us the folks in the next camp site over were schnauzer fans. :)

Sunday I ended up sleeping through all of church. I guess I was tired, it was totally unintentional. When the boys got home we had lunch and then I took another nap! We all did and woke up feeling so much better. We headed back up to the cool of the canyon and to visit Lowell's fam who happened to be camping at the same place as my family was the night before.

Lowell and Davis (in a hoodie!) and the view from the site.

My cutie boys--I love it!My giant S'more, using only 1 giant marshmallow (and a Reese's cup)

The bubbas roasting marshmallows with grandpa (Carter had a potty malfunction trying to pee on a tree . . .). Davis has one on the giant mallows. They could camp every single night and never be happier. I wish we had more time for hiking but someone slept the day away . . .

Today as I mentioned we skipped Lagoon for heat reasons, so we went to the dino museum instead (air conditioned=good). We got to check out the new light exhibit that just opened and the boys really enjoyed it (as with everything there).

Davis seeing through red glasses. They were really good in the whole museum, we haven't been that often with everything else we've been doing. And it seems like ages since we went to the gardens--I'll put it on my to do when it is not so hot list! We came home, had snow cones and lunch and I made a list of all the baby clothes I have now and their sizes. I have gotten really lucky on ebay and have outfitted little sis pretty well for not very much at all--like 30+ pieces each for 0-3 and 3-6 for $20-30 per lot. $1 or less per item is a score in my book, and they are nice too, almost all Carter's. I need a bit more in the newborn category, onesies, socks, and some hair stuff and we should be set. 2 months from tomorrow, getting there a little at a time. She's slowing down a little as space is running out, but she is also pushing harder as she gets stronger. I still feel sick every morning (even with Zofran) and live for my Prilosec. I have been having some pretty good bone pain, struggle to sleep, have frequent indigestion, and pretty strong contractions (Braxton-Hicks) every hour. We've pretty much decided on Claire Elise for this little gal and get more excited every week to meet her.

To end with, here's my little T-ball boys. Loves to all!

Happy 3rd, 4th, and 5th of July!

We had such a fun Independence Day! Falling on a Sunday made for a 3 day holiday and we partied up each part of it! Let me rewind to earlier in the week first though. Monday was Lagoon as usual, except we also did Lagoona Beach this time. I know you are sad about not seeing me in a maternity bathing suit-NOT! Not to worry, that photo is not coming. Although I truly found a suit that I love. I have a difficult time finding enough, errr, support up top not to mention coverage and being pregnant has not helped the situation. I can actually still fit in my normal suit--stretched a little, but the top was just too inappropriate for my liking. I found a 2 piece suit at Target with almost a sports bra attached in the top, and it covers up high. It's tricky to get into but fab once on. The bottom is a little skirt and the top is sinched at the bottom so it doesn't float up and expose my big ol' belly. Would it be too strange to wear it after I am pregnant? I've never found one like it in the normal sizes. Anywho, we had a rough start but once there I adored the cool water and the weight off my hips. I didn't realize how nice it was until I got out. I was ready to say just leave me here and you guys ride the rides! The boys had a lot of fun too, they loved the slides and are just such water babies, they are happy anywhere if they're in the water. We caught a couple of rides (the "big kids" Hill and Lowell went to ride the funner rides) and headed home. Tuesday was the movie, Tooth Fairy this time--I didn't care for it. Then I took big Davis to see the pediatrician. He's had a little spot on his forehead that hasn't been healing (hydrocortisone cream recommended) and more importantly to discuss our on-going bathroom issues. The #2 accidents had been getting worse and worse and after reading about encopresis (google it) on a friend's blog, I decided to ask the doc about it. I am SO glad I did! Basically all the potty accidents were not all my kids being stubborn and naughty or not ready. They had gotten constipated at some point and then scared to go because it hurt, and then the colon got floppy and they could no longer feel the need to go. The stool would then just bypass the blockage and leak into their undies. So they are now on a regimen of laxative that is clearing them out and making it easier to go. What a difference! They've had very few accidents and have been taking themselves to the bathroom without me even telling them. Also, they are looking thinner and eating better. We've had regular doctor visits and their weight has been okay, so I haven't worried that they aren't great eaters, now I am wondering if the weight was just stool? I hope I haven't stunted their growth by not taking care of this sooner. Lack of appetite is one of the symptoms. I just thought they were being picky. I guess we'll see if they pick up some height soon. It could take several months to get everything "regular" but we are thrilled with the progress so far. Such a stress reliever! Wednesday we had a home body day. I've been having some complaints (from my uterus mostly) that I need to slow down so I thought we'd take a day where I chilled more than average. We still found some things to do: Carter's hanger mobile (this was what he was doing when I got him up for the day) We made compass necklaces and then searched for treasure in the backyard (we found some old toys and a number of bugs) We played Wii and then found some super masks We made some bug catchers (and reclaimed one from their b-day 2 years ago) for all of our bug treasures. Wednesday night Lowell and I went to see Eclipse, yea for Hillary sitting with the munchkins. I liked it for sure, still deciding if I loved it. I think I need to see it a few more times. I liked the romance better in the book than the movie, the book was just better all around than the movie. It just went so fast it skimmed so much of what was important, I felt like I had to explain everything to Lowell as we went. He was hoping for more action. He's still my honey for coming on opening night to a very estrogen filled theater. Thanks baby, love you! Thursday we had the twin club over to our house for play date. It was a full house, but so fun. I caught a few pics, but I didn't ask to post them here, so you'll just have to imagine. We swam, ran through sprinklers, jumped, played on the swingset, then had snow cones and crashed. I think everyone had fun, I know my kids sure did. Thursday night the boys had their first T-ball game, Lowell caught these shots:

Davis Carter

He said they seem to really enjoy T-ball (work has kept me from them so far, soon I hope). I love that it is a confidence builder, there are no outs and everyone gets to bat and score. The boys had lots of opportunities to catch and throw the ball and little pressure. Perfect intro to the game in my opinion.

Friday we went to the gym and the boys enjoyed their Fit Kids class there. They'll tell you they didn't have an exercise class, they just danced and played with balls. :) The teacher said they were so busy and funny doing the freeze dance--she was sure they'd need a nap. I get to work out and watch a movie and my kids are worn out when I get them--awesome!

So, Saturday was our first "4th of July". Thanks to my parents we went to the Traverse Mountain celebration and the kids got to enjoy some waterslides, bounce houses, and carnival type games.

With my cousin Whitney's L. They live right by the park where the party was. We also picked up a nice lunch. Then my fam came to our house for a BBQ and some time together plus a few fireworks. Then back to Traverse Mountain to catch the Lehi city show from Thanksgiving Point.

The boys watching it from my parent's backyard.

On to a few "fire-booms" out front at gma's and gpa's.

Sparklers too

The 4th was Sunday, so we did church and then got ready for a BBQ with Lowell's family.

Best brothers

Carter

Davis, yes I have these from every year, I should compare them sometime. It was about this time that we discovered that Oscar, our white schnauzer was missing. I had put him out when my visiting teachers came and he didn't come in with the other two after they left. That wasn't unusual though, he loves his backyard and will often stay out there a lot of the day. Getting ready to go to Lowell's folks is when we tried to find him out back and couldn't. Not anywhere in the house either. We drove around a little and didn't see him, but hoped he would find his way back while we were gone. It's not the first time he has gotten under the fence, despite Lowell's efforts to block his way (where the fence is a little higher than the ground). He had always come home on his own fairly quickly.

So more food and good times with fam, here's Carter with our fav 4th of July treat, Jello pops. It was a nice evening out and we all enjoyed sitting and eating.

Home again Oscar wasn't back. We circled the neighborhood until dark and then a little after that. Then fireworks started and I'm sure wherever he was, Oscar was spooked. He's not a fan of loud noises. We had a restless night (Maddy too, she's such a mama dog--she was so worried).

Morning came with no Oscar. I was on call at the hospital, but came back in between calls to look for him. I posted about it on facebook and ksl, Lowell called the vets and animal shelters, we put up signs and drove all over. Back in Orem after checking the shelther a friend of mine posted on facebook that she thought she had seen him. Lowell headed right back, didn't see him right away so stopped at home to let the boys go potty. He was heading out again to circle that area but when he opened the garage Oscar was standing there! Dirty and hot, he barked at Lowell a few times (schnauzers think they can talk and are quite expressive!) and then layed down under our bed for a rest. What a nutter! We were just so relieved to have him home and he seems to be happy to be home too. I hope he learned his lesson, he sure gave me a scare!

Home from work I picked up a slip and slide for the bubbas and we had a lovely evening sliding and being happy.

Davis up, Carter down

If you caught the video from last year, you'll know that they could not figure out how to slide to save them. Here's a glimpse of this year, it still took a few tries, but they got it. They loved it! Daddy brought home some snow cones and we just sat in the shade, eating and relaxing. Our puppies were snuggled in the long grass and everyone was content. Lowell said it was his little piece of heaven. I think anyone would want a piece of that!

We had steak on the grill and then set off our own firebooms. Nice to have time with each family and then a night just for us. :)

Carter with his stockpile of spent fireworks. He's lucky his daddy will drive all the way to Wyoming to get him the fun ones: pagoda, tank, turtle, parachute man, and eyeballs. They adore fireworks, and I think Lowell does too ;). I like them too, but mostly just sat back enjoying my boys.

Today we went to our summer movie club again and saw Planet 51. We'd seen it before but that went pretty well. It was the first time I didn't get popcorn (it makes me sick every time and it is so expensive) and it was a little harder but we made it through fine. Maybe every other time.

Anywho, there you have it, caught up again. Loves!