A day in the River

One of our favorite things to do at Yellowstone is to play in the Fire (something) River. There is a hole in the river that you can jump into that will shoot the older kids and adults down the river quite a ways. I guess it is really really really fun. The boys and Ben love it. Rae just loves playing with her cousins in the shallow area. Making mud pies is obviously also a highlight of playing in the river.

I forgot to pack her swimming suit, so alas she had to make due. Thank goodness for bright pink undies!
Just thought I'd throw in a few more pictures... we love all the shady places for picnic lunches.

Rae go's to Kindergarten!

So, my baby's gone to Kindergarten. I really thought I'd be okay with it, but I think I was even more emotional than my Michelle! Raeannen was very excited. We rode bikes to school just for fun. The girls loved it. We went right into their room and took a few pictures and then the girls were off to play with their friends. She was gone! It's final, my kids are all growing up. One in each school, crazy!

A Deacon named Vincent

I can't believe my little Vincent is twelve! He is such an amazing young man. He cares so much about his family and those around him. He really wants to do what is right and is such a good example to me. I love him so much and I am so greatful that he is my son.
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Seamons for sharing this day with us. We love you!
And thank you, too, Grandma Alice and Grandpa Gene for coming way up here to share in Vincent's ordination. We love you, too!

Ben ordained Vincent to be a deacon. Grandpa Gene, Grandpa Brian and Jason all participated as did the bishopric. Very special day!

Vincent's Birthday!!!

Vincent opted for a "Water World" themed birthday party. I have to admit with my school starting (Algebra is a totally different language), I didn't get into the theme as much as usual. I don't think it mattered, the boys had a blast!!! We rented one of those big water slides and filled up a gazillion water balloons and just let them have at each other. What more could eight 12-year old boys want?



After the sun (and the slide) went down, we moved inside and had dinner and icecream cake. Then we opened his gifts and after the Rock Band was opened, they were off to the tv for the rest of the night. Good times.

Stansbury Days

This is the first year we've made it to Stansbury Days. It usually lands on the Saturday that we do Vincent's birthday party. This year we postponed the party a week later and were able to participate in the fun. Michelle helped the girls decorate their bikes and Vincent tyedyed our scooter for the parade. They looked so cute cruisin' down the street. It was a pretty good distance to ride, I was impressed that the girls made it to the end.
After the parade, there were tons of activities. They had all kinds of booths with different foods, arts, crafts and fun things for sale, different races on the lakes, and of course some bounce houses. Oh how we love bounce houses.
We went over to the lake and watched a few of the races. We really enjoyed the cardboard box boat race. There were some really cool boats. The last picture is of the "silver surfer". It belongs to Rae and Bailey's friends. Pretty cool... maybe we can get a boat after all.

Swimming at Stansbury

After the parade and activities, the pool opened up for free swim. The kids loved it, Raeannen wants to have a mermaid birthday now. Hmmmm...

Knot Ninja's summer camp

Ben is the Scout Master for our troop. He took the boys up Stockton canyon this year for their summer camp. They all had a really fun time roughing it... this was true blue wilderness. No toilets, no running water, no nothing. (unless you walked 10 miles west). :)
They call themselves the knot ninjas. Has a cute double meaning. Get it?
One of the leaders brought up a sword, of course one of the highlights of camp for these guys.
As senior patrol leader, Jason has lots of very tiring duties and responsibilities. It just wears him out.

They worked on quite a few merit badges. It was a great experience for all of them. I am glad they got to go.