Family Fun

We are savoring every minute while Jill and Daisy are in town. We went to a Bees game, have gone on a couple hikes, and more. 

Bees Game

The new Bees stadium is less than 10 minutes from our house and we loved checking the field out with my family. The atmosphere was memorable and cute. The train was a repeat attraction for Penny. The mini golf is another great way to break up the game and the characters dressed up were fun too. Not to mention the food. Man, I was tempted at every turn. J Dawgs had the best fries. I spotted a Rockwell ice cream there and we will most definitely be returning hopefully this week.

It was a cooler summer day and I'm glad it wasn't any hotter. The sun was beating right on our faces for the first 5 innings. We were all relieved when we felt some shade. We sat in the cheapest seats on the lawn. We didn't make it to the end of the game and got home around 9:15. It was a picturesque evening!

TIP: Don't pay for parking! You can park nearby in Daybreak for free. 

Apparently the bugs love me. I got 4 giant and itchy bites on the same arm. I ran into a few people I went to high school with. There's nothing quite like catching up after over a decade in a public bathroom...

Tuesday, June 30

Willow Heights Hike

Andrew didn't have to work on Friday, July 3. We went hiking. As soon as we started on the trail, I was certain we had done it before. I searched through old pictures and discovered we last hiked Willow Heights on September 6, 2021. It has almost been 5 years. Someone on the trail told us they spotted 2 moose, but they didn't stick around for us. Unfortunately, this "lake" has become a "pond." There are gorgeous views though. This hike is steep and about 2 miles.

Friday, July 3

September 6, 2021

Riverton city evening parade Friday, July 3 

Timpanogas Cave Hike

This was our second time doing this hike! Both times I've done it, I've been pregnant.

Making this hike happen took perseverance. We originally had tickets to go in early June and were notified the day before that our tickets were cancelled. "Big Horn Sheep were lambing in the area." What on earth? I didn't see that one coming. 

We rescheduled our tickets for the 4th of July and there was some debate about whether or not Jill and Daisy would join. They ended up coming. We did it and I was proud of everyone! This is not an easy hike, in fact someone gives you safety guidelines at the beginning of the trail! Several sites say its 3 miles roundtrip, but we went 3.7 miles according to watches. 61 flights climbed! 

At the top, we did the cave tour. Penelope was terrified at the beginning. She did lots of screaming and I wondered how we would make it through the hour tour. After the first 10 minutes, she settled in. By the end of the tour, she was jumping up and down and at dinner claimed she "loved the caves." 

The caves are 45 degrees and were a nice reprieve from the heat. (We all brought jackets.) There were 3 caves to explore and the kids were eager to ask and answer questions on the tour. The caves were originally discovered by 2 boys and one was named "James" which was a highlight... The green limestone was cool and seeing different animal look alikes in the caves was fun. (bear, alligator eating a camel, dog named "Rocky," carrot, etc) There is a part in the caves that looks like a heart. It even has a red light which is apparently the last colored light in any national park. At one point, the tour guide turned off all the lights. Utter darkness.

Yes, we stopped at Macey's after for our hard earned ice cream cones! The kids said they never tasted so good. The next morning, the children slept in until 8:20, 8:40, and 9.

The first time we did this hike was on July 22, 2023.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Trooper for carrying a heavy backpack on a steep hike

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Saturday, July 4

Peach Shakes

This is a popular place. We decided to check it out for ourselves. For all you peach lovers, get the peach sundae and ADD graham crackers. You'll thank me later. Had been kind of a low day... While there, a child discovered their ice cream had peaches in it and freaked out. They later learned/admitted that they actually do like peaches... Another child pooped their pants. Trying to be real.

Monday, June 29

Date-Izzy

Isabelle has been saving her chore chart tallies to go on a date with me to Swig. She was delighted that she got 3 gummy sharks with her drink this time. I splurged and ordered her pretzel bites.

Izzy played a violin solo in church! I was proud of her! She played "I Am a Child of God" and "We'll Bring the World His Truth" memorized. A couple people after told me they looked up her age and can't believe she's 6... She's a talented performer and a natural musician and she brought the spirit. She'll be 7 in a few weeks! She is playing in my parent's ward later this month. Daisy invited Izzy to get a pedicure with her. Izzy's response was, "What's a pedicure?" Her toes have darling flowers on them. Her smile says it all.

Thursday, June 25

Saturday, July 4

Wednesday, July 1

New ride-James

Nothing tugs at a mom's heart quite like hearing their child is being teased and made fun of. James has been riding an 18 inch minions bike that he's had since 2021. Apparently, some kids at school have brought it up and made him feel embarrassed. My kids rode their bikes to school once a week for the last few months of school. All this is to say that James really needed a new bike. He got a 24 inch bike (on sale) and could not stop talking about it the first few days. He now has gears! A kick stand! I thought he was speedy before, but watch out now. I plan to have my kids bike to school a few times a week next school year weather permitting. James will get to show off his cool new ride!

James got his braces off! Phase 2 will come when he has all of his adult teeth. He got to fill a tumblr with candy. He doesn't miss having the expander in his mouth, and now wears a retainer at night.

James said the opening prayer at church in sacrament meeting and nailed it! Loud and clear and just like we practiced.

Friday, June 26

Saturday, July 4

Wednesday, July 1

Penelope.

Not pictured... Penelope learning cinnamon isn't to be eaten by the spoonful.

Tried a new to us park. Highly recommend Jenson Farm Park

The kids have 2 activities this week that I'm eager to share about! We're also going to the alpine slide in Park City which will be a first for my children so stay tuned!

Surreal Summer

A common question Mom's ask each other is: "Are you ready for summer?" I've had mixed feelings and got quizzed about this a lot. Well, too late. Summer is here! Another popular conversation others start is, "are you going on any trips?" No vacations! Instead we are finishing our basement. Surprise! Pinch me! I can't believe this is happening! 

Last Day of School

Thursday, June 4

See ya 3rd grade

So long 1st grade

South Jordan Parade

This year we actually got to go to the parade! The kids have been disappointed we've missed the parade the last 2 years. (Last year it was a close friend's baptism and in 2024 we were in Brazil.) The kids have grocery bags full of junk and I happily collected food coupons (thanks Little Caesars and Raising Canes. Chick-Fil-A step it up next year). James was thrown a t-shirt once again!

Saturday, June 6

Science Camp

We signed up for 2 summer camps at Mrs. B's house. Mrs. B was Isabelle's preschool teacher and lives nearby. Her camps are 6 hours a week, (2 hours over 3 days) and only $40. Cousin George is now old enough to participate in the camps. We made signing up together a priority. The Bradshaw's went to this camp too.

Tues, June 9-Thursday, June 11

Back to the Future

My parent's did not renew their season tickets to Eccles theater so this was our last play there for awhile. I'll be honest, I was never much of a "Back to the Future" fan though my siblings were. I didn't know if I even wanted to go see this musical. Andrew likes it though and his dad did, so I decided to get over it and go. It was worth it. The props were spectacular. The car flying onstage was creative and great. I even found myself admitting we should watch the movie. 

One of the most memorable moments about the evening was an audience member sitting in the row behind us. He had am amplified villainous chuckle. The loudest laugh I've ever heard. His boisterous chortle came at unexpected moments too, not after the obvious jokes. We giggled so much thanks to this man and many fellow audience members did too. We scoped him out during intermission and were surprised such a little man could make such a boisterous sound. Andrew can imitate the infamous cackle so please ask him to next time you see him.

Friday, June 12

Swimming Lessons

This summer, all 3 of my kids are taking lessons. I thought Penelope would thrive in the water and boy was I right. She loves being a big kid. She jumped in the pool no problem. The morning after her first lesson she asked, "are my swim teacher's still there?" "Is the water still in the pool?" We signed up for lessons with cousin George. Adrianna happened to be in Isabelle's class which was fun for them. My older kids are getting good and I think they're going to try out for a swim team. Swimming wears the kids out and a huge perk of doing lessons is that Penelope napped everyday she swam! It's pretty hard work. My parent's came to watch the kids in the pool.

June 15-18

Cowabunga Bay

We have only taken our kids to "Cubungabunga Bay" (as Penny calls it) once. This waterpark is expensive! We last went in 2022. My day was made when James' orthodontist announced their summer party was here. Pizza! Free admission for the whole fam! Games! Past bedtime? Who cares! We will be there! The kids have been counting down for weeks. Speaking of the orthodontist, James is set to get his braces off in 2 weeks.

Thursday, June 18 (I promise Penelope had a splendid time)

We hung out with the Rosevears during the event which made for a great time! Emmie brought each of our kids little crafts she had made. Penelope got in lots of snuggles with Blake. She asked to float on her back in the lazy river around the clock. Becky and I could have talked for a few more hours. The water was nippy and I didn't even go to the coldest section by the slides. The kids wish our backyard was big enough to build our very own surfin USA slide. That was the favorite of the night. 4 can race at a time and you go on mats.

Gloria Falls

In my opinion, this is one of the best waterfall hikes in our area. The last time we did this hike was in July of 2022 and I was having a miscarriage. I've been determined to have a re-do. We made better memories there this weekend. We got to the trail before 8am and cars were already lining the street spilling out of the parking lot. The loud waterfall was a little frightening for Penelope. James declared he didn't know it could be so cold during the summer. When we started the hike it was 58 degrees and it's a shady hike. Obviously, we had to stop at Macey's for Kong cones after. Next hike... Timpanogas Caves! Hopefully our tickets don't get cancelled this time!

Saturday, June 20

Toy Story 5

We got free tickets to see Toy Story 5 from my SIL. Thank you Lindsey! This meant we went to the movies on a day other than $5 Tuesday. We even got free pizza and cookies and Buzz Lightyear and Woody were there dressed in costume! Jessica and George came too.

The movie was super cute and I loved the message. Play with toys more and screens less. There was lots of giggling throughout the movie. Yes, we've been prepping for this premiere by listening to the new Taylor Swift song on repeat and re-watching the previous Toy Story movies. I found it ironic that the adults in the row in front of us in the theater couldn't put their phones down. The dad was playing a game for several minutes, and the mom kept checking and browsing her phone every few minutes. 

Saturday, June 20

Pregnancy Update

After my 20 week ultrasound, I was told I needed to see a specialist (IMC Maternal Fetal Medicine) because there was fluid around baby's heart. This freaked me out. After talking to my doctor, I learned that he thought nothing was wrong. I guess my ultrasound tech referred someone else for this same problem right before me and all was well. That was the case for me too! Phew. Andrew accompanied me to the specialist appointment in Murray. The fluid around baby girl's heart measured 2mm. 3mm and under is normal, so we're in the clear. Yay!

At the appointment, they discovered that one of girly's kidneys is measuring large. The specialist wanted me to follow up with him again, but I'm relieved to have an ultrasound with my normal doctor in a month to check her kidney size. My doctor does not seem concerned but did say this is more common in boys. I'm happy not to have another 2.5 hour ordeal in Murray and to check things out with my doctor.

I had my glucose/gestational diabetes test and the results were normal.

I'm pretty sure we've decided on a name! Hello third trimester! 

House Update-- My dream is coming true!

I never thought this day would come. I'm not being dramatic. How would we ever be able to save 100k to finish our basement!? Several friends in the neighborhood have recently finished theirs and this price seems typical. We have been saving and decided to get a bid from a family friend. The price Dale quoted is very reasonable and nowhere near that price. We are not finishing the entire basement, but just part of it. We are using money we saved and borrowing some money from my parent's to make up the difference which is so generous of them. We trust Dale completely and have been super impressed by his speed. 

We are finishing about 1100 square feet which includes 2 bedrooms, a family room, and a bathroom. One bedroom will be Andrew's office! He's been working in the uninsulated chilly basement for years and wears slippers and a big coat on the regular. The other bedroom will be a guest room which will be a big help! I like hosting guests, but it's never convenient to shuffle my kids rooms/clean their bathroom, etc. Now we will have a dedicated space for that. Another big area to spread out will also be a gamechanger. I've already told Andrew that in the summers, I (we) might want to sleep in the basement because it's so much cooler.

Dale claims that the basement will be finished before baby girl arrivals! Eek! They started Wednesday, June 10 and are finished with framing and heating so far. They've also put in the tub/shower and had the plumbers come hook that up. I still can't believe this is happening and am so grateful. Every night, we take a family walk in the basement and check out the progress. 

Free Frazzle Fridays have been a priority... Found a gas station with more flavors and will be going back for Cherry Limeade next week. This gas station also gives out free bananas and they were leagues better than the Walmart ones we get.

If I had to guess, I'd say it's going to be a fantastic summer! As long as I don't melt being uber pregnant...