the backyard

The backyard is my happy place. I love taking the boys out with me to inspect the garden and have them show me tricks from Parkour on the lawn and trampoline. Evenings after dinner are my favorite since it cools off a bit, especially when it's cloudy. But I love the shady mornings too. These are from a Sunday night out there. Ahhh....

 Um- those chubby thighs are absolutely to die for...!

Elliott took these :) 

I always love a picture with my babies.

 And Franky in his Belle and Sebastian concert t-shirt. 

pioneer day

The boys were so excited to buys fireworks this year and were really sad we didn't get any for the 4th. The 24th seemed like it might go the same way... Adam and I both kept putting it off. But then the day before- on the 23rd, the boys and I were out running errands and we finally bought some. Like a lot. Then I started thinking that we wouldn't want to watch them alone- why not invite some friends over? I was hoping nobody had plans since it was the day before. I texted my neighborhood friends and said the show started at 9:00. I might have invited 15-20 families. And when I told Adam when he got home from work he was nervous and said, "We didn't even go to Evanston for the good fireworks! When you invite this many people it means you have the big ones!" But nope. We only bought a few aerials. I think it turned out great though and loved seeing everyone! The boys would tell me earlier in the day, "I'm just going to look at the fireworks for a sec." And I'd catch them staring at them, or carrying them around the house. Boys are so funny.

My niece Gabby, and neighbors with their new kittens- Hailey, Kamry and Ellie.

We happen to have the tiniest front lawn, but we all squished on it somehow. We had glowsticks and bubbles for the kids. And went through a giant Costco tub of red vines in 10 minutes- ha!

Gabby and Christie- she is due with baby boy in Sept. 

Willy-Burger

Our friend Tysson Davis showed us this cool trick to make your fountains a lot cooler- put them on a ladder. He also took over lighting the fireworks which I think was fine with Adam.

Elliott and some of his best friends- Noah and Benny.

Brian, Will, Tysson and Adam- these guys make Adam look like he is regular height instead of towering over everyone because they are all so tall. These guys were the last ones there and we talked until past 11:00 PM. 

Here are those guys' better halves; Me, Mare, Linds, Millie and Ann. These are some of my favorite girls on the planet! Such a fun night!

The day before we went to see the floats at the South Towne Expo that would be in the Days of '47 parade. It was really cool seeing them up close and to hear how many man hours went into making them. They also had tons of crafts and take-aways for the kids.

"The Lamb and the Lion on the Good Ship Zion."

The lady at this float offered to hold Franky back there since Linc walked away when I asked him to be in that spot... Franky was so happy and smiley- it was the cutest thing ever! 

yards & swimming

Mimosa blossom from my mom's tree.

I can't believe summer is wrapping up. Only twenty more carefree days to soak up the beautiful weather, lazy mornings, fun-filled days and late nights. I'm bummed it's ending but we have had so much fun! even Adam had a few fun days off from his super busy work days. We've still got a few things left on our summer fun list though... we'll see if we get to them.

Dragonfruit- so fun to try!

Elliott is always begging to help with Franky.

Adam woke me up with this breakfast one morning... which was nice because Franky was up a lot that night. So sweet.

A picture of our hike on the back of Timp. We only went to the first waterfall, but someday we'll do the whole thing, when they're a bit bigger.

Linc "watering" his pumpkin plant from preschool.

Franky's fist of triumph! He finally got some salad in his hand.

Two cute teethies!

Ollie and Elliott getting dumped on by the big bucket at the pool. (My boys call it the big bucket pool for some reason... )

Ah- my sweet boysies! I love them so much!!

Franky's first time swimming at 5 1/2 months. He was so stoic at first and then finally started splashing and babbling.

Letting Toad roam around the yard while Adam cleaned his cage.

Summer dinners are my favorite- fresh!

Our first yellow squash was delicious!

We've had some stormy afternoons and found this skull in the clouds- can you see it?

Snail from grandma's yard.

We had the best ward pool party! We rented out Lehi outdoor pool at night with a dinner in the pavilion before. Fun, fun!

At the aquarium with cousins!

Snapdragon seed pods Linds found at my mom's that look like skulls! Crazy and cool. Nature is funny!

My little Linc Bear is growing too fast! He is so busy and big now that I have to sneak in hugs and get him to talk to me sometimes or he'll forget to talk or look at me all day. Love him so much.

                                                 Giant allium seeds.

Cleaning out my flowerbeds and we always have to play with the giant
allium before throwing them away- they're just too cool.

                             Even Franky liked playing with them :)