Fireworks

Every summer growing up Clint worked at a firework stand in Kansas so fireworks are a big deal to him. When we are in Arizona we just kind of forget about them because it is too hot to go sit somewhere to watch them. When we go to Utah he really looks forward to them. This year it was hard to agree with everyone on where to watch them and so Clint just picked where he wanted to go. Everyone else came along but I don't know if they wanted to. The cousins sure had fun being together and I thought the show was great. We just lounged around snacking and visiting and playing. I didn't get many pictures, I have a new camera and haven't really figured out how to use it.

Justin went to EFY with a long time friend he doesn't see much. They go to different high schools but had a good time together. He is such a great kid.

Hiking in Utah

Utah means hiking to Clint. Anyone that knows me knows that hiking is not one of my favorite pastimes. It may be because I am a tad clutzy and seem to trip all the time on uneven ground or the fact that I am very fast paced and want to run all over but not walk and slow down (something I should work on). I got to go on several great 8 and 10 mile runs in the canyon but got to stay home for a few of the hikes with Amelia. We did all get to go to Bridal Veil Falls one day. Everyone loved playing in the freezing cold water.

Ruby, Betsy and Amelia

Clint took some of the little girls up the side of the mountain to the water fall.

Don't we look so outdoorsy. I look like I hiked right?

One starting to be tradition is to hike Stewart Falls. I have only made hike twice now and usually am back at camp with babies and such. Clint was happy to go solo on this one and take the kids who could handle it. They always love this hike and have so much fun with the Jones'. Uncle Brian got there just in time and was able to go along too.

The cute Jones Family. They all made it on the hike. Lisa will never miss a good hike.

The brave ones in the Garner Clan. Me, Eliza and Amelia stayed back and played in the canyon.

Utah had such a late and big winter, there was still a little lingering snow in some places. So fun for us Arizonans that never see much of it.

Uncle Brian carrying kids across the crazy river.

Look at that snow? So fun.

Alpine Slide and Cousin Time

I was the official picture taker this outing. Amelia was too little to ride anything and having one less rider made things a little less expensive so the kids could do more rides. They got to ride the Alpine Slide and the Alpine Coaster. They loved it. We also stopped by the Olympic village and saw the sights. It was raining but we spent a few minutes watching some future olympic ski jumpers.


Nathan was too light to stay ahead of Justin. He caught him at the end.

I can't seem to get any of my pictures to rotate but look how much fun she is having.

I love the laugh on Clara's face as her dad catches her.

One of the last days, my cousin Andrew and his wife Elizabeth came to Wildwood to visit for a little while. My kids love to see their second cousins (especially Susanna. She loves to hang out with Abby and even though they don't see eachother much, they have so much fun together) They are almost the exact same age. I didn't get very many pictures but we got a few.

All the cousins hanging around.

Amelia and her buddy Oliver. She pretty much tormented him this trip. Her favorite was taking his sippy cups and lollipops. I'm sure they will be buddies soon.

Driving to Utah

We made the big trip to Utah this year. We only get to go every other year but it is Clint's favorite vacation spot so we try to never miss it. This year Amelia wanted to ride the entire trip right here on the front dashboard. She only got to be there for about 10 minutes but the joy of getting out of her seatbelt was so funny.

We made a quick stop at the dam to see the water below. We are missing our brother Justin. He flew up the week before to go to EFY so we missed him on the drive up.

Our swimming champ

Finally, one kid that has the competitive edge in my family. This little girl can swim. She also has a fabulous birthday that lets her be a tad older than most of her competitors. Some of the races she was completely out of the pool before anyone else touched. She always got to be the anchor of the relays and it was so fun to watch her pull her team from way behind to win. The bummer was that we were at dance nationals in Las Vegas during the qualifying meet for finals. She didn't get to race for the big trophies and medals this year. I hope next year it works out better but in two years she will be on top again. So fun to watch her loving it.

We looked out the window and what did we see?

Two javelinas looking at me? One morning this summer we looked out our window to find these two furry friends resting under our orange tree. They were looking for shade. We were a little nervous about their visit. After calling game and fish and hearing that they couldn't do anything to help us, Clint got in his truck and honked his horn until he scared them into someone else's yard. We watched them all day on our street go from house to house looking for shade. It was definitely something we don't see very often here in the city.