That's right. About a week and a half ago, we got bunk beds. And it probably goes without saying that everyone loves them. The height is just right for a couple of crazy little boys, and the floor space that is not open in their room has been pretty amazing too.
Here are a couple of pics... Henry was in the other room being an angry little elf, so he can't be seen enjoying his huge and exciting new bed, but he does actually really like it.
This weekend I did something that I seldom ever do... I took the weekend off. I mean, I actually didn't go to work at any job on Friday OR Saturday... like... at all. It was just short of a miracle. So we packed the days with some fun. From pancake breakfasts, to Pioneer Day Parades, to BBQing with the other fabulous Cardons, to sitting on the lawn talking to neighbors, to running 10 miles, and then... a super fabulous hike together to Catherine Lake.
I have certain expectations when it comes to Utah and hiking after June... like heat and no shade, and dust, lots of dust. So I was very pleasantly surprised when we got to the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon to see that all of the wild flowers were in bloom. You might not all think this was a miracle, but usually when you put your hiking off until after July 1st, you don't have much chance of seeing all of the wild flowers. Apparently as a special treat for me, and due to the cool and rainy June weather this year, the flowers waited to bloom a little behind schedule.
It was just amazing. The camera could not do justice.
And the hike was great too. Both of my strong tough boys hiked almost the entire 3.5 miles. The weather could not have been more perfect. What a fabulous way to spend a morning.
My legs were pretty shot by the time that we finished, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. It was perfect, and for that, I am very grateful.
Gavin just finished his session of summer swimming lessons. He had a great time, almost every day. Since he hadn't ever done swimming lessons without a parent, I put him in Preschool Level 3. It is the highest Preschool level and they say it is for 3-4 year olds, but he was a giant in this class (not too surprising I guess). They seldom took the kids where Gavin could touch bottom, if he wanted to. He learned a lot of fun games and a few new skills, but on the last day when we went to check in, they gave us the report card and a note letting us know that they wouldn't pass him to the next level. He refused to willingly stick his whole head under water, to do a bob or just to put it under willingly. He has no problem putting his face in or going all the way under when he jumps in, but he just won't choose to dunk himself.
Here is my handsome little swimming lesson flunkie. :-)
My nice friend Caryn, whose 3 year old did pass this class, reminded me that you can't flunk swimming lessons... So let's just say, he has been held back. :-D
Here is the cute and supportive little brother, who sunbathed his white legs with Mom every morning while we watched.
Yesterday, the boys and I had the chance to walk in the Youth Days of '47 Parade. Our stake primary was asked to build a float and so they recruited us to dress as pioneers and walk alongside the float. It was super hot, and the wait for our turn in the parade was long, but we had a great time. Henry wore out quickly in the heat and ended up riding on my shoulders for the entire parade, but that made him famous! A Deseret News photographer took a picture of him that ended up in the paper.
A timeless photo that we had taken in the touristy Wisoncin Dells.
GOTTA LOVE IT!
My Father-in-law kept turning around his Jose Ceurvo bottle to hide the label, and the girl taking the picture kept turning it back around. Pretty funny.
We had some small sunflowers growing next to the porch before we left for Iowa... When we got back, this is what we found. Guess the wet June sent them in to overdrive. The boys love them, and though Caleb had to tie them up to the porch rail to make it possible for us to use the sidewalk, they are pretty cool.
They have started to open up in the last few days. I am sure I will be taking pictures of that sometime soon.
Yeah for Independence Day! Gavin went around all morning telling every one, "Happy 4th of July from Playhouse Disney!" It was pretty hilarious, but at least he was an excited and patriot little citizen. He even tried to pick out a July 4th outfit, which consisted of blue, blue and blue... no surprise there.
And I got to try out my fireworks feature on my camera, which I admit to being pretty excited about. We did sparklers and some ground fireworks with our friends and then drove up to watch the fireworks all over the Salt Lake Valley from the hill behind Caleb's lab. It was a FABulous night, for which I am very grateful.
Well- They are finally here- for all to see... Rachel and Brennan Harding Wedding Photos. Of course these are the ones taken from the view of a random family member... Me... so they may not be the photos that you would see in the wedding album, but we really like most of them.
The Newlyweds, just minutes after being married. They look so happy, and they really were that happy. Yea! Nothing better than a happy wedding day.
The not-so-Newlyweds... though we are pretty happy too.
(In defense of my hair throughout most of these photos, it was insanely humid and very windy on the wedding day, so seriously, my hair didn't stand a chance.)
A few days after getting back from Iowa, Gavin told Caleb that he didn't really like getting dressed for Rachel's wedding because he thought he looked "kinda weird." I think he looked pretty handsome though. Green is a great color for my children. :-)
It doesn't get much cuter than Henry... pre-wedding, I should add.
(His attitude changed significantly about an hour later.)
This is one of my favorite shots... Click on it to see that Caleb and Gavin are making the exact same face. I love it. Both boys have more of their Dad's mannerisms than mine, even if they have my coloring. :-)
Now the slide show- With many more shots for you to enjoy.
