Monday, June 25, 2012

Campout June 2012

A few months ago we decided to plan our summer calendar.  We decided that we wanted to do some camping and figured we had better put it on the calendar or it just wouldn't happen!  So we went ahead and scheduled it and I'm so glad we did!  After loading up the trailer and getting it all hooked up to the truck Jake realized the truck needed a break job.  So after going to the store, buying the break pads and removing everything from the front wheels he realized it was the back wheels that needed the pads replaced not the front. SO after another trip to the store for rear wheel pads he got that all taken care of and we were off to find a campsite.  However, about 3 minutes after we left we remembered we needed a lighter or matches so back to the house we went. After leaving the second time we realized we forgot something else and had to go back.  Then finally when were actually heading up the canyon we realized the campsite probably wouldn't take a debit card and had to head back for cash!  At this point we were all about ready to call it quits but we continued on.  Of course by this time it was about 7 pm so when we arrived at the campsite all the spots had been taken and I was starting to wonder why I thought this was a good idea.  On to a different campground!  We arrived at Blackhawk campground and finally had some good luck!  We found the perfect spot...it was even close to the bathrooms with Flushing toilets...something very important when you have a 4 little girls!!!!  Finally we could get set up and get these kids some dinner...thats when we saw it, the sign that said "double site, double fee"...seriously, come on!!!  So off once again to find somewhere else so we didn't have to pay double!  Well about 30 seconds of driving around, and kids whining about being hungry now that its almost 8pm and they haven't had dinner, we decided to just pay the extra amount and take the site.  
 Good thing we planned an easy/quick dinner!  Pita pocket pizza, wrap it tin foil and cook in the fire...YUM!

 When the sun went down we turned off all our lights and gazed at the stars.  This is one of my most favorite things about camping, the stars are amazing up in the mountains!  While Jake was showing the girls where the milky way was they saw a shooting star!  Gracie immediately started telling everyone, " Oh we HAVE to make a wish!!!!"  Then she closed her eyes and said aloud, " I wish our family can be  together forever!"  Oh Gracie, what a sweet girl you are!  I wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time.  It made all the effort to get there worth it!  The other girls didn't feel it necessary to make a wish.  Lydia's response was, " IIIII wish um Nothing!"  and Brynlee just shrugged her shoulders.  But I hope Gracie's wish does come true!!!!

 Lydia mixing up the pancakes the next morning....and sneaking some "smarshmellows"

 Poor Hattie didn't have a very good night and was very tired and a bit grumpy the next day.  Poor girl...camping is hard when you're 1!



 The next day we went on a hike to "the Grotto". I had heard of lots of people going on this hike so we decided it would be  a good one to try out.  I was the perfect hike, short enough that everyone could do it with out a problem!


 It was a HOT day and it felt good to dip our feet in the cold water at the Grotto once we arrived

 We asked someone to take our picture and then saw and very large shirtless man go stand right under the waterfall...I thought it was funny that the lady taking our picture snapped this one of our reaction to such a site!  

 After seeing the man stand under the waterfall, Brynlee thought is looked fun and gave it a try!  I think it was much colder than she expected and it shocked her a bit but she still thought it was fun.  There were quite a few people there and they all clapped for her when she came out...she felt pretty special.


 Of course Jake couldn't be outdone by his 5 year old so he went for it too!  Unfortunately no one clapped for him....and I'm not sure if he felt special..just cold!!!



 Hattie wasn't that impressed!


All in all it was such a get weekend.  It was so fun to make memories with our little family and hope that at least maybe Gracie and Brynlee will remember it.  We were sad to find out the day after we got back that the campground had been evacuated because of forest fires....glad we weren't there for that!!  We are already planning our next campout!!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Hattie Jane is 1!

I can't believe it but Hattie is 1!  This past year has gone by faster than any other year in my life.  Hattie has brought so much Joy into our family.  She is so sweet and happy all of the time.  Even though she had ear infections she was still so pleasant and able to enjoy her day.

Watching her cupcakes bake....in the morning hours, excuse the PJs and bed head!

Presents!  

Ice Cream Cone Cake


 She was pretty impressed by the candle but Lydia blew it out before we made it through "Happy Birthday" :)

 Oh the anticipation! 
 Seriously? Really? I can eat this?!?




 That a Girl!






 Oh Hattie, I'm pretty sure babies don't come sweeter than you. You started walking a couple weeks before your birthday.  You love bananas and your sisters.  You dance, or wiggle I guess, whenever music is played.  You have had lots of ear infections but the only reason we ever know you have them is because you begin to become slightly fussy...you're just to Happy!   We Love You Hattie Jane!
Happy Birthday!  

Friday, June 8, 2012

Camille's Graduation and Fun at Grandma Bennions

As soon as the last day of school was over we headed up to Montana.  Camille was graduating.  She is the last of 7 and the "Valid Victorian" (yes, I know it's Valedictorian...inside joke:) ) so we didn't want to miss it!  
Camille had a cake, although she didn't know she had until she saw the picture!  The poor girl was so busy with graduation stuff and work we hardly saw her...but her nieces sure enjoyed it!  Notice how none of them could even take their eyes off of it to take a picture! 
 Graduation must have been a real nail biter for Brynlee and Lydia!

 Camille was very involved in Graduation.  She spoke as one of four Valedictorian and also sang in two musical numbers.  She did awesome at all of them!!!





 I was certain that my girls would only last a little while at graduation and I was fully prepared to slip out as soon as Camille's part was over, but they surprised us all and lasted through the whole thing and we even braved going down onto the arena floor to find Camille in the crowd.  Camille, someday when you have 4 kids I want you to remember this so you can fully appreciate how much we love you!!!
We are so Proud of Aunt Camille!  My girls think she is the coolest and want to grow up to be a ballon girl just like her!!! 

 After Graduation Jake flew back home to work and the girls and I stayed a week to have some fun!  I'm terrible at remembering to take pictures amongst all the fun, but here are some that I got.




 Lydia enjoyed pushing Hattie more than swinging herself!

 We sure LOVED having Claire and Elsie to play with!

 2 Tired girls!!!


 Stories with Grandma...Grandma just reads stories better than anyone else
 Out in the Summer sun
Hattie even learned to walk while we were there!  She could take a step or 2 when Jake left to come back to Utah and a week later he was back and she was walking around the house!  

We had such and wonderful time and I think we might have to make it a 1st week of summer tradition from now on!  The girls also loved swimming in the "Hot Pool" (hot tub), roasting marshmallows, and doing crafts!