Crystal Hot Spring {July 3}

On Tuesday, we went swimming again, this time up at Crystal Hot Springs.  Even though the pools here were much more outdated and had fewer toys than North Shore, I enjoyed this day swimming much more just because there were so few people, and the pools were smaller so it made it easier to keep track of the kids.  They also had two tube water slides that were pretty fun.  Once again, we couldn’t convince Landon to try them out (I know what you’re thinking, and yes . . . Landon takes after me), but Davis and James went down several times.  After his first time down the slide, I asked James how it was.  He said put his hand out and moved it from side to side, imitating the motion of the turns in the slide, and said “Woah, woah, woah,” and then he splashed his hand into the water. 

  

The boys with Christie, and Laci and Alexys swimming

   

Utah Trip–Swimming at North Shore {July 2}

On Monday, the kids had a fun morning relaxing around the house.  Alexys played with James and helped him build a big tower, and then all the kids played a game of Life. 

     

After naptime, we headed to North Shore to go swimming.  It was a little crowded but it was still a lot of fun, and the kids had fun swimming, going on the river run, and Davis and James even went down the waterslide with Shane. (We couldn’t ever convince Landon to try it.)

         

That night, we ate in the backyard again, and James had fun with Emma, following her around and giving her kisses.  He also had fun sitting with Grandpa at the big table!

   

Trip to Utah, Day 1 & 2 {June 30 & July 1}

This last week, we went to Utah to spend the week with Shane’s family.  We left Friday at about 1:00 p.m. and drove straight through.  Kelly followed us in his car with his dog Emma.  The drive went well until the last few hours, when James was tired and should have gone to sleep but instead just cried.  The good news was it kept us awake! 

Saturday morning, we relaxed and played with cousins.  Keither, Alexys, and Laci were down from Idaho for the week too, so the boys had fun playing with them.  Kent and Christie took them to the Treehouse Museum, and then we had a barbecue that evening.

 

Shane and Mark grilling up some delicious veggies.

 

James loved having Emma there all week.  He followed her all over, saying “’mon, Emma” (come on), “No, Emma!” or “Emma!  Emma!  Emma!” repeatedly. 

 

James and Ames eating on their little table.

On Sunday, we enjoyed a nice day at church.  The kids had fun playing with some blocks and building towers together after church.

   

After dinner, we went to visit Grandma Brewer at her new place, and brought her back from some brownies and ice cream.  It was fun to see Grandma Brewer and visit with her for a little bit!

Goodbye Lovelands–Part 2

On Wednesday night, we held a smaller goodbye bbq at our house with our friends the Kojimas, the Hamptons, and Pam and Renae.  It was a beautiful evening, with great food and great company.  I just kept trying not to think about how this was the last time we would get to do this and enjoy the evening. 

 

James and his buddy Isaac

 

Looking at the memory book Gina made for them.

 

Landon and Luke have been best of buddies since they met when they were two-years-old.  They went to nursery and primary together, to preschool together, played t-ball together . . . They are such silly, fun boys!

 

They wanted to do a silly face and a mean face too.

Eve and Davis have been friends since birth (probably slightly forced on them).  They often act almost like brother and sister how they talk back and forth.  Eve has for a few months now decided that she is going to marry Davis someday.  She didn’t even seem too discouraged when she asked Davis who he was going to marry and he replied, “My mom!”  She told him he couldn’t marry me, so he said, “Hmm.  James?”  She thought that was pretty funny.  Davis thought for a minute and finally said, “You?!”  She was so thrilled and exclaimed, “I was thinking the same thing!”  This past year, they went to preschool together, plus did many play date swaps while Jenn and I volunteered at the schools.  I don’t know if they’ll get married one day, but I hope they stay friends!

   

I didn’t get any great pictures of James and Isaac together.  They’re not quite as cooperative as the other ones!  They have become good buddies the past few months, and James always exclaims “I-Saac ouse!” when we pull up to Isaac’s house, and cries if he doesn’t get to get out and play.

 

A few more final shots of the night.

Me, Jenn, Pam, Kara, Renae, and Gina

John, Cody, Bob, and Shane

 

All of the kids (the top without James, Isaac, and Leela, and the bottom without Leela)

Our family with the Lovelands.  Our lives won’t be the same without you!