Gathering at the Homestead

 When I heard Jenny and Dan were going home to Idaho for a weekend in June, I knew we had to be there too!  We had an unforgettable time together.  From the boys haircut to games with cousins to late nights talking with mom, we certainly enjoyed our time with family.

Grandpa and Jaxson mowed the lawn together.  This is Jax's favorite job right now.

The Kids Ride Horseback Solo......thanks to Grandpa Hatch!

One of the kids' favorite activities is to ride horses.  Grandpa Hatch was so great to saddle up Justin's horse, Rain, for the kids to ride in the corral.  By the time I got outside, Jaxson was riding without Grandpa's help!  I was so proud of him!

 Then it was Austin's turn---and HE rode solo after just a few minutes!  Great job again, Grandpa!

 Taylor was so adorable in her "city slicker" clothes.  I loved watching our little cowgirl ride!

 
The boys were messed with by Brantly, who just lost part of his pinkie finger in an accident lately.  Here they are trying to poke their fingers in their ears like/unlike Brantly!

Alyssa wasn't interested in the horses.  She just wanted to play on the swings.... 

Then we were off to the Country Store for some penny candy.  I always have to take a picture in front of the old pioneer store.

Aunt Jenny is beloved by the children.  Love you, sis!

My little sweetie pie!

Hatch Family-style dinner....yum!

Family Home Evening with Grandpa & Grandma Hatch

We gathered in the basement for a lesson about obedience.  Grandma did a fun activity with the kids where they showed they could listen and obey. 

Now it was time for "Duck, Duck, Goose"

Playing Tag with Grandma Rae Rae

This was a hoot!  Grandma arrived with her crocodile hat on to chase the kids.  We laughed and laughed.

We had so much fun, we chose to stay Sunday and arise at 5:15am to make it to to swimming lessons on time (3 hr drive).  I need to add that for the first time in 6 lessons, we arrived early.... ;)

Summer City Celebrations Continue On with Strawberry Days

First things first! During our Strawberry Days Celebration Week, the kids and I slipped over to my junior high and bumped into one of my dearest friends, Jenna Flood and her kiddos!  YES, she was rehired after spending several years in CA while her husband worked toward his PhD.  I can't hardly express my excitement and pure joy over her returning to the school.  Here is a picture of our darling kids.

Strawberry Days 2012

This year, we attended the Children's Parade.  The kids loved walking down the streets and getting their Popsicles at the end of the crazy-long line.

Carnival Time

We met up the next night with Cheri and Steve's family for some carnival rides, topping off the night with some strawberries and cream.  Yum!

The 2012 Cedar Hills Celebration

 I love traditions!  Thanks to Uncle Doug, participating in the annual Cedar Hills Festival has been a tradition I have enjoyed for about 18 years.  While Taylor and Austin were on their way back from Ephraim with Aunt Cindy and Carson, we attended the parade.

 Alyssa loved the candy.

In the afternoon, we went down to the carnival.  It was a hoot!  The kids were crazy about the water sprayed from the top of the fire engine. 

Great times in Cedar Hills!