Keeping Busy

Summer is flying by and we are enjoying every minute of it. Recently Scott and I were able to get away for a weekend without the kids which was amazing. It was the first time in 4 years that I have been away from my kids for for that long. I did miss my boys, but it was very relaxing to have a little break. Scott had some meetings, but also a lot of free time so we were able to go out and hike around some waterfalls nearby.

The boys were exciting as can be to sleep over at Grandpa and Grandma Hatfield's house. I think they were pretty disappointed when we came back for them.

The boys went to a Yakima Bears baseball game last week. It was the same night as mutual so I couldn't go, but my dad was able to take my place (I don't think I was missed much). Chad's family was there too so it was a even more exciting for my boys.

The kids got to sing 'Take me out to ball game' Jaden has been wanting to practice it this week because he said he didn't know the words as well as the other kids. I wish I would have thought to take a picture of Logan when they got home because I don't know if I have ever seen him that dirty before. He spent a good portion of the time climbing up and down the bleachers which turned out to be filthy. Logan's legs were totally black and his shorts just about the same color.

On the 4th of July we went to "Cherry Days" at a local orchard. They had several things going on that day but we didn't stay long enough for most of them. We were able to pick some cherries and go for a hay ride. We had picked blueberries the day before and it turns out they were a lot easier for the kids to pick, we got all we needed though and had a great time.

We spent the rest of the 4th over at the Tree's place playing in the sun all day and eating some yummy food!

My sister Melissa and her family was in town this week so we were able to do lots of fun things with them. I guess I never had my camera around at the right time so I will have to rely on someone else to post pictures of all our adventures.

Our Father's Day Adventure

Scott told me that for Father's Day he wanted to go for a drive up the canyon after church. His goal was to find a perfect camping location for later in the summer and he wanted to be able to throw some rocks in the lake with the boys. I'm happy to report that we made all of his father's day wishes come true (luckily he didn't ask for very much). We drove for about an hour until we got to Bumping Lake and then the fun began. It was so pretty there and we just love living so close to so many beautiful places.

Last night as I was uploading these photos Scott asked if I was going to post them on the blog with a list of the top 10 reasons why he's a great dad. He tried to act like he was just joking and was poking fun at my blogging, but I can take a hint. So here you go Scott the top 1o reasons we love you so much!

1 - You make everyday an adventure. You don't like to waste anytime sitting around, you keep us active and make the smallest chores exciting.

2 - You tease the kids until they cry on a daily basis, but they love it and they love you.

3 - "That you play Sorry with me" (Jaden)

4 - No matter what I cook you say you love it, no matter what I wear you say I look beautiful.

5 - Whatever you are working on you let the kids do it with you. They learn so much from you and you never let a teaching opportunity pass you by.

6 - You gave up your career in sports so you could spend more time with your family.

7 -You are so handsome!

8 -You are a perfect example of honoring your priesthood. You are the best example to me and the boys.

9 - You let me boss you around and act like I'm in charge.

10 - You bathe the the kids and put them to bed almost every night. You are always looking for ways to give me a break during the day.

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

It was a lot colder than we thought it would be so we had to dig out the blankets we keep in the trunk to keep warm.

I was looking through our pictures the other day and realized that since having kids Scott and I have about three pictures of the two of us together. I recruited Jaden to snap a couple this weekend. I think he did fairly well considering how much he was wiggling around.

More summer fun

The weather has been perfect and we have been trying to soak up as much sun as possible. There is a great park nearby that we go to a couple of times a week and often take a picnic. I have no idea why but every time we go there is never anybody else there. I'm really grateful to West Valley for building and maintaining such a fun park just for my family.

Jaden is really into the idea of climbing trees right now. This usually involves us lifting him into a tree and then him asking us to take a picture of him. He saw some kids at the park getting pictures done like that awhile back. We just happen to have a perfect tree for that in our backyard.

Jaden also keeps talking about getting a good suntan like grandma and grandpa. I think he was pretty impressed when they came home from their trip to Hawaii. He keeps asking me if he has a good suntan yet. He probably would if I didn't keep pouring spf 50 on him every time we go outside. He is also really into wearing camouflage and truly does believe that we can't see him if he has it on.

It was really windy last weekend so we were able to break out the kites. Again we were the only people at the park (different park), seriously doesn't anyone else like to go out and enjoy the sun?!

Poor little Logan usually has to chill on the sidelines when we do activities like this. He held the kite string a little here and there, but mostly just watched.

This morning we got out frisbees to throw around. Turns out I've got some work to do on teaching the kids how to throw and catch, but we still had fun!

Scott is lucky to have two great helpers when mowing the lawn. My parents were out of town so after we did our yard we headed over to their house to mow for them. The entire time Scott was mowing Jaden was walking after him with a squirt gun shooting him all along the way. I didn't get a picture of that but it was pretty funny to watch. It was really hot, so Scott didn't mind at all.

Yesterday I had the scariest experience of my four years of motherhood. We were over at my parents house and boys were downstairs playing with their cousins. After awhile I went down to check on them and discovered that the bigger boys had unlocked the door and they had all escaped outside. When I walked out to the yard I found the two little boys in my parents pond. I stepped outside just in time to see Logan slip, go underwater, and unable to stand himself back up. I'm quite certain that was fastest I've ever ran in my lift and jumped in and grabbed them both out. The pond isn't that big or deep, but I am certain that if I hadn't gone outside right when I did Logan would have drowned. I am very grateful that the Lord is looking over and protecting my family. Logan was fine and I think pretty annoyed that I spoiled their fun.

Farm Days and More

I never got around posting these pictures from several weeks ago. So here is a bunch of random events and day to day occurrences:

The boys had made hats out of old milk jugs...

Jaden's got stuck on his giant head!

This year we got a new bike attachment for Jaden. He loves it!!!

Scott's parents were in town visiting us during Farm Days at one of the high schools. The boys had a great time going on a hayride, petting some animals, milking a cow, and face painting.

Jaden opted for the entire face painting

Everyday we sit here and watch for Daddy to come home. On this particular day the boys were dressed up in aprons.

Logan got into a little mischief with Mitchell. That is flour all over the silly boy.

My darling boys before church.

This picture is from the first day or two we moved in. Jaden was in charge of unpacking all of his toys. He definitely got all of the boxes emptied.

Logan has a split personality. He is either extremely happy (most of the time) or he throwing himself on the floor next to me crying his eyes out for no apparent reason. Even when he's mad he is still as adorable as ever.