24th of JULY...aka...Pioneer Day!

So we thought it would be fitting to go hike Ensign Peak on the holiday (which ended up being the 25th). It was AWESOME!!!  The hike is just under a mile roundtrip, but you climb right around 400ft.  We did the hike during the day and then followed up that night with the story of Brigham Young and his famous words "This is the right place" for FHE.  Jace loved being able to put the picture of Ensign Peak and the hike together.  I am hoping that we can make this a family tradition as long as we live in this area.

Jace took this picture...not too bad!

My two little hikers...Yes, Mckelle made it to the top all by herself and pretty much the whole way down, except for the really steep parts.  She is an amazing hiker for an almost 2 year old. 

Amazing views of the city. 

We made it!

The temple is almost hidden by all the other big buildings. 

 When Brett wears this shirt...he definitely gets poked A LOT!

Just had to add this one because it is just fun!  Me and my little minnie me!

Bear Lake Camping trip!

BEAR LAKE!!!

We decided with our friends, the Wollenziens, that we wanted to go to Bear Lake for at least a day trip.  Well, they ended up doing a day trip and we decided to camp for 2 nights.  It was so much fun.  There was great weather, scenery, food, lots of dirt and fun memories made.

A few pics of our day on the beach with Shauna, Sam, Tate, Brylee, and Loch.

The girls eating cherries!

Burying Jace in the sand!

 TRUCKS and more sand!

They were SO EXCITED about the jet ski...it was so thrilling for all of us!

The GIRLS! 

The BOYS! 

Building sand castles...

 Enjoying being in the water and the sand...

The time went by so fast and we were sad to see them go home.  The next day we got up and went on a hike (limber pine trail...about 1.3 miles).  Mckelle almost made it the whole way.  It was absolutely GORGEOUS and breath taking.  I can't help KNOW there is a GOD when I see the beauty here on Earth.

The next few pics are of the rest of our time at Bear Lake...enjoy!

It was the prettiest sunset and there were HUGE waves at the time.

 More swimming and beach after the hike!

Overall, it was so FUN...but after about 36 hours I was SO done with the sand and dirt.  I am so thankful that Brett has a flexible summer schedule so that we can go and do fun things like this whenever we want.  I guess that is just one of the perks of working for a school district!

As for a side note...there are only 18 more days until I see my parents after being on a mission for 18 months.  We can't wait!!!!



Kennecott Mine and Sparklers

So, the Kennecott mine was doing free admission for a week or so and we thought we would take the kids and go...since last year we drove up middle canyon from Tooele and saw it from the west side of the mine.

It is seriously amazing stuff!  My brain doesn't comprehend all of it, but that isn't saying much.

My kids look REALLY tiny compared to that huge tire. 

One of the old mine carts...thank goodness for technology!

And of course, since it was free...it was super busy and so they bused us into the visitor center.  My kids LOVED the bus ride.

SPARKLERS!!!

Getting Started!

Mckelle was a little nervous to, but warmed right up after figuring it all out.  Jace remember how much fun it was from last year.

The MAN behind all the fire! 

I couldn't get a pic of Jace because he was moving around so much, but I did get this cute one of Mckelle and the two of them together. 

This video will show you how accidents could possibly happen so quickly when a 2 and 4 year old have fire in their hands.  But honestly, it just makes for GREAT childhood memories.

A little bit of everything...including the 4th of July

This was just too cute to not post!

Kite Flying!

We have been doing this more, since it is so windy out here...like all the time!

Benson Grist Mill - fun times for my birthday!

I am not sure if calf roping is what this was called, but seriously it was so cute to watch the kids do it.

Brett, Mckelle, Ashlee, and Jace

Barrell racing

4th of July - Cedar City, Utah

Mckelle demanded that she carry her chair the whole way to our spot...and she did!

Everybody being silly!

This was probably the kids favorite.

The kids with all their LOOT after it was over.  They each got a frisbee full of candy.

Of course this post wouldn't be complete without giving a shout out to the two people who do so much work while we are there, but never complain and really show they love us by all that they do.

CLYDE & KRIS

We love you so much and ENJOY every minute we get to spend there with you!