Kickin' It

This is the only way Jonas falls asleep lately:

It cracks me up every time. He looks like a monster baby.

And just in case you actually read my blog...I mentioned we were going to Utah for a family reunion this last weekend and being the genius I am, I forgot my camera. So in a nut shell: we camped in a dry, run-down campground with little to no shade and tables infested with hornets; got eaten alive by mosquitoes and other unknown insects; Saydi pooped her pants at 3:00 in the morning (don't even ask); sweated to death in our tent; added sunburns to existing sunburns; and yet...had some wonderful visits with family we only see every two years and some I had never even met yet! And we had the time of our lives at a swimming place in Lehi that the kids were over the moon for (and mommy and daddy too). It was actually a really great weekend and we are so glad we went. But now we are ready for fall! =)

Mountain River Ranch

We went camping last weekend and as we are doing it again this weekend for a family reunion I decided I better get these pictures up here before I am overloaded. Mark's mom and Jerry were going to Mountain River Ranch up by Heise and they invited us to join them. It was a last minute, spur of the moment thing and we were all glad we went. Minus the sunburns Mark and I got, the hives that Weston woke up with after we got home and the heat. But besides that...a good time! =)

Sitting in this fun little wagon...

 Until daddy decides just sitting in it is no fun. I am not sure if he was allowed to do this or not, but he did it! 

Jonas was very confused as to why he couldn't go with.

 What you can't see are the gallons worth of sweat on both Mark and I. It was upwards of 90 degrees. Sadly, it was cooler than if we had stayed cooped up in our house. =/

 After a late night of sitting by a fire and chatting the kids were awake bright and early and spent the time before breakfast pulling each other in the wagon Grammy brought.

 Considering Weston is pushing 40 lbs I would say Saydi is pretty strong!

 We spent pretty much the entire rest of the day at Heise. It was fun but got really ridiculously crowded. Weston loved the slide. Saydi had to be convinced every time but did go down a handful of times. We came back to our camp site and the kiddos slept in Grammy's camper for a while and then we headed back.

 And Jonas spent almost every minute getting into trouble or throwing rocks. He was not happy unless he was playing in the rocks. Or eating the dirt. I let him throw the rocks but not eat the dirt. A fair compromise I thought. Jonas...not so much.

All in all it really was a good time. I just don't enjoy camping as much with a baby as young as J. You seriously do not get to sit and enjoy yourself for one second when they are up and about because they are into EVERYTHING! And really, even Mark (Mr. Campaholic) said it was just way too hot. So...we are back at it this weekend but only because it is a family reunion. After that I am probably (read: definitely) saying "adios" to camping for 2012 (and maybe '13).

4th of July

We love the 4th of July around this place. Mark has either been working or we have had a newborn for the last three or four years so this year we were very excited to be able to enjoy it as a family! We started our celebration the night before with our own little fireworks show at home. Yes, I am a mean mom and didn't wait until it was completely dark. It was this light outside at 9:30 for crying out loud!

 This picture cracks me up. We had a screamer (which I hate) and it scared Saydi so she watched from behind my chair. Hilarious.

 Bright and early on the 4th we went to our church for a breakfast. Then we headed off to the parade!

 Weston did this 90% of the time or complained that he was hot. But the candy always got him enjoying things again. He is definitely my child.

 Jonas didn't like the loud noises of the cars or sirens. Who did?

 A lady was walking around giving out frisbees and then she came back and plopped this hat on Mark's head (which was already red from the day before) and said that her husband said he needed it. Ha! Hooray for free stuff.

 It is rare that I get an opportunity to be on the other side of the camera with my chilluns. And even more rare that the picture actually turns out. As noted below. =)

After the parade we took much needed naps and then went to Mark's grandpa's house for a little family bbq. The food was amazing as usual and we visited for a while before coming back home for Jonas to take another little nap. While we were loading up to go to the fireworks Mark's mom stopped by so she and Jerry went with us to this field by our house. 

We had a GREAT view and our kids loved watching the fireworks even though they were definitely tired. Jonas was not a fan when the fireworks started so I just strapped him into his car seat and the poor kid was out in no time flat. I always get emotional during the fireworks. I have always been grateful for my country but even more so after marrying a Marine. People just do not understand what the military members sacrifice for them unless they have lived that lifestyle. I am so thankful I was born in a free country where I can have my own beliefs and practice them in any way I choose. And I am more grateful than I can express for the opportunity to marry someone who loves his country more than himself and showed me a whole lifestyle I never would have seen. Even though Mark isn't active duty anymore his convictions for his country have never faded. We love having the opportunity to celebrate our country!