Bear Lake 2014

Less than 24 hours after coming home from our Jones reunion, we were packed up and on the road again for our trip to Bear Lake. We met Jason's family at the campsite and got set up and settled in before making dinner. When we woke up the next morning I was disappointed that it was overcast, but we made plans for the beach anyway. It ended up being a gorgeous day at the lake. The kids played and played and didn't want to leave. But by the time 5:00 rolled around, the clouds moved in and it started to rain just as we were packing up. We didn't let the rain and wind stop us from getting a shake though! The rest of the evening was on and off sprinkles, and unfortunately the rain continued on into the next day. I was especially sad to be rained out since it was James' birthday. :( We packed up camp and left for home dirty, wet, cold, and disappointed. At least we had one nice day at the beach! We got home, unpacked, cleaned up a bit, and then went to dinner to celebrate James' birthday. After dinner we stopped by some friends' to help them pack and get their moving truck loaded. By the time we got home we were all so exhausted! We're still trying to catch up on our sleep after our back-to-back camping adventures! :)

The girls loved making bracelets again this year.

James made the girls walking sticks and took them exploring.

Avri and Kassie

Well isn't he handsome!!

Allie voluntarily pulled/pushed us around the lake for a bit.

Mermaids! Claire, Kassie, Allie

Emmy and Allie

Of course James and Brock made a sandcastle. 

The kids having fun digging holes that were tunneled together. 

And then it rained and rained, so I didn't take anymore pictures... ;)

Jones Reunion 2014

Last week was the Jones family reunion. This year our family was in charge and we chose to host the reunion at Heise since that area is where Grandma Verona (Grandpa Jones' mother) grew up.

The first day we all took turns with a boat tour up the river to see the old homestead and schoolhouse.
The rest of the reunion was filled with lots of visiting, fun activities, good food, swimming, exploring, and of course campfire songs. James and I also put on Family Feud which was really fun...and our family won! :) Grandma Jones has not been doing well the past few weeks and wasn't able to make it to the reunion. We sure missed her. We were glad that Grandpa could come up a few times to be with all of his siblings, and enjoy the activities and all that he had worked with Sherry & Tyra to plan.

I didn't get too many pictures, but here's what I do have:

I know I said I wouldn't post anymore belly pics, but Avri snuck this shot and since it wasn't horrible I thought I'd include it. But yes, 25 weeks and still growing...everywhere!! ;)

Claire & Sawyer's "bed" while watching volleyball.

Happy 5th Birthday Emery!!

 

Miss Emery is 5! The birthday girl requested breakfast in bed, so her awesome Dad got up early and made her crepes and scrambled eggs before he left for work. We had a pretty low-key day since we had just gotten home from back-to-back camping trips, but we did have a little party after James came home from work later in the evening. Emery was thrilled with the Nerf bow and "arrow" set she got, as well as some new clothes and her kitty headband. The girls loves kitties. Her favorite gift was definitely a Lego set she had been wishing for. She literally thanked us over 20 times after opening it. It was so cute. We let her stay up late and Dad helped her put it together.

We are sure grateful for this sweet and sassy little girl. She is full of energy and loves to be on the go and have lots of fun, she is super friendly and loves to make new friends, she is silly and has a great imagination, she is stubborn and extremely strong-willed, but also so sweet and tender-hearted. I'm excited for the year she has ahead of her as she starts Kindergarten and continues to learn and grow as her own little person. We love you Boo!!!

Birthday Questions:
What’s your favorite color? Turquoise

What's your favorite animal? Cats & Monkeys

Favorite food? Salad, "I'm a master of salad!"

Least Favorite Food? "Pretty much hot sauce"

Favorite movie? "Rio 2, it's so fun!"

Where is your favorite place to go? Disneyworld!

What's your favorite thing to do? Spend time with my family, play rug monster (with Dad and sisters), ride my scooter

What are you good at? Riding my bike without training wheels, carrying stuff, playing, coloring, hugging, snuggling, playing with friends.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A ballerina, a person who goes underwater, zookeeper, a babysitter, and probably a nature person
Who is your best friend? Probably Brexlie

What makes you happy? being funny, smiling, hugging, riding my scooter, playing with friends, being nice, loving.

What makes you sad? when people take my toys, when people be mean.

What’s your favorite toy to play with? Kittens and Lambie (stuffed animals)
If you had $100, what would you buy? I'd buy a kitten, a queen-sized bed with wood, and ice cream, and I would go get my face done of makeup!
What was your favorite thing about being 4? Learning how to ride my bike without training wheels! 
What are you most excited about for being 5? Getting a new bike, being much more bigger, go to Kindergarten!

Over the weekend we had a little mini family reunion since Lauren and the kids were here from Florida, and Lana and the boys were here from Texas. The cousins all had a blast playing together!! On Friday night we had a cookout, s'mores, the kids watched a movie out on the trampoline, and then camped out in the yard. Saturday was more fun, playing outside, games, etc. After church on Sunday we had a yummy dinner, and stopped by to see Grandma & Grandpa Jones before heading home. So grateful for fun times together and the wonderful people in our family.

On the right: Sharli, Grace, Avri, Londyn, Claire, Emmy, Liv, Devan, Tristan in back.

 

The Fourth

Here are the highlights of our Independence Day:

*The parade: it was sure hot, but the girls got tons of candy and loved all the floats and people. They waved their little flags with pride! 

*BBQ: We had a yummy BBQ with the Ormonds. Lots of yummy food and visiting.

*Fireworks: We went plenty early to stake out an awesome spot on the grass by the fairgrounds. The girls played and ran around, we picked up pizzas, we lit some fireworks, adults played corn hole, and then we watched a great show with HUGE fireworks right over our heads! ...And then it took us over an hour to drive home 5 miles. ;)

I am so grateful for this blessed country, for the freedoms we enjoy, and for those who fight to protect that freedom.

I got especially teary-eyed as we sang this verse of The Star-Spangled Banner last Sunday:

Oh, thus be it ever, when free men shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

June Instagrams

6.12.2014

That's BLUE frosting inside those cupcakes! It's a BOY!!!

6.18.2014

I should probably be embarrassed that this is the second jar of pickles to go through our house in two months...but instead I'm just sad it's almost empty! #pregoproblems

6.19.2014

Walked outside and caught a glimpse of big sister bike riding lessons. #adorable!!

 

6.24.2014

Teddy Bear Picnic at the library!

6.29.2014

Happiest 3rd Birthday to our sweet Claire!!