4th of July

We started very early with Abbi running the 5K. I thought she was lost because I waited forever at the finish line. Turns out she decided to walk. But, she still likes to participate so that's good. After the 5K we sent Abbi and Noah off with Uncle Cody to ride in the parade and I stayed in the shade with Henrik to watch. At the park, Noah got his face painted and Abbi got some yummy snacks. In the evening, we came to Grandma Hansen's for the annual Hansen/Jones/Misc BBQ and fireworks. I love 4th of July! We got home in time to watch the fireworks from our backyard for the last time since we're moving next month!

Grandma and Henrik at the parade. Noah and Abbi were in the truck with Uncle Cody, throwing candy.

Harry Potter face paint.

Learning to use Snap Chat filters is really funny!

The water balloon fight was extra great because sponges don't pop.

My cousin Amy made a Baby Groot shirt for the baby because that's what we're calling her while we wait for her arrival.

Father's Day Camping Trip

At the last minute, Jake decided to take all of us to North Fork for an overnight camping trip. We hadn't gone out so far this summer and the end of the summer is going to be busy with packing and moving so we had to hurry and go. The dogs, kids, and Jake were all packed up when I got home from work and we headed over the mountain to North Fork.

We were worried we would never find a spot on such a busy weekend but actually found one of our best spots ever! It was shady and big and flat. The dogs never got to go camping before so they were super excited to be there. They sniffed and sniffed all day.

For dinner we roasted hotdogs and had chips and soda. Then we roasted marshmallows for s'mores. Our tent is a great size for the four of us and I was really happy because Jake and I slept on the separate twin air mattresses and put the kids on the queen air mattress. Out of the family (including the dogs), I got the best night sleep! Jake's c-pap machine battery pack wasn't working, the kids' air mattress went flat, and the dogs whined in the back of the truck anytime there was any noise.

I'm always impressed when Jake can make pancakes, eggs, and bacon on a little camp stove. Delicious. Then we cleaned up and headed home. Camping is a lot of work whether you go for one night or a bunch of nights because of the packing and unpacking but it's always great to be out away from the screens and distractions!

Sea Quest Aquarium

For Christmas, Uncle Jeremy gave us a year membership to the new aquarium in Layton. It has some pretty cool stuff to see and to do. I hate that the snakes are so big and the employees get them out, too. You can't get to the exit without walking right past them! But, we did enjoy petting the sting rays and holding the parrot. Next time, we've got to put our feet into the little tank where the fish nibble your toes!

Grandma Hansen's 90th Birthday

 

My grandma turned 90 years old on May 16th. She was born in 1927 as the 5th of 12 children. We celebrated her birthday at the Riverdale Park with Chick Fil A, cake and ice cream, and a cute little program. Grandma gave her own speech about how much she loves her parents and siblings and us. She always reminds us to be kind to one another and to love our parents. Even at 90 years old, she still feels like she belongs to her Papa and Mother. Her whole life is an example of loving them, learning to work and to serve, and taking care of her family. I'm so grateful to be her namesake and to have this continued time to spend with her. Grandma has always been funny and I love to sit and rock next to her while she reports about all the people she visits with and how everyone is doing. I am especially grateful to be expecting a baby because I know it's from her faith and daily prayers that our baby miracle is joining us. If I try a little bit everyday to be more selfless eventually maybe I can be more like her.

P.S. She is called Popcorn Grandma by the grandkids in our family because she always has a big bowl of popcorn on the counter that she lets them get into.

Spring Break and Easter 2017

All the kids enjoyed a Cheese Ben with Grandpa!

The kids had a good walk on the river trail with Grandpa and Grandma!

This is what I got when I told Henrik to smile for Grandpa.

Easter egg hunt at Grandma's.

Blowing bubbles with Grandpa on his new cement.