We're Back!

Last week we returned from 3 weeks of non-stop fun in Utah! I can't believe how fast the time went and how much we did in that time period...I didn't even get to have our yearly reunion with my dear friends, Laurie and Shauna (I'm so sorry - I'll be back soon and will definitely do it then - I miss you guys!). I am so blessed to have such an amazing family I am so close to - it was fun!

The first week Andrew joined us girls for a Kim Reunion. All of Andrew's siblings and spouses were able to make it to at least some of it - it was a great reunion! We were only there for some of the reunion - we were so glad that we could make it to some of it!

Crafts...

Celebrating the 24th of July....




The Pirate Party! We spent a few days at a big house in Park City...this is our Pirate Party there...




Ponka was a great head Pirate in the party! The girls just love their Ponka...Carolyn loves the fact that she is "Ponka's Girl" - and no one else's girl (she'll tell you that). Here the kids are playing with Ponka.



It was so fun for all the cousins to be together! The girls had a blast with them!
The treasure! Andrew's parents put a lot of work into the fun party - there was even a treasure hunt...

Carolyn got her "Arrrr" face down!!! Notice it in all the pics of her :)



"Arrrr"
Giggles...enjoying the loot the kids found (AKA candy :)
One of the days with the Kims, we went to the lake. We played in the sand, had a BBQ, went on jet skis, etc.

A few of these pictures came from other people (thanks!) Janeil took the picture above of the jetski (thanks!!) and Misty took this picture I LOVE...blowing kisses...
There is property close to Andrew's parents where the girls always go with Ponka and Nana to feed the geese and horses... I can't believe I didn't take a picture of Kayla and Carolyn. Carolyn loves Kayla and is always talking about her and asking when we're going to Washington to visit her and the other cousins there.

After a week of fun with the Kims, Andrew took off back to work and us girls stayed in Utah and went to spend two weeks with my family.

One of the days we hiked the canyon close to my home that I would love riding my bike to and hiking when I lived in Utah. It was so fun to bring the girls to share it with them. I was sooo surprised by what great hikers they were!! We made it all the way to the stream!!! Of course, my dad led us in the hike. If you know how my dad, you know how much hiking is a part of his life. I've climbed many mountains in my day with him :) I love his great love and appreciation for Heavenly Father's beautiful creations he made for us to enjoy.

Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point...


We also went to This is the Place...another traditional spot for my family :) Look at that little grin on Angela's face...the girls love riding on Grandpa's shoulders...




Carolyn "in trouble" at school...Carolyn can't wait to start kindergarten so she loved seeing how school went for the pioneers....


Grandpa and some of of grandkids infront of my dad's dream house :) (No joke)
They had several new additions to the park this year...on the little new train there....never thought it would be such a thriller ride for kids...this picture says otherwise :)


Reading with Grandma. Carolyn and my mom grew very close during the trip....she wanted Grandma (or Aunt Andrea) to put her to bed every night....Grandma would spend almost an hour at night telling Carolyn bedtime stories that Carolyn just LOVED....Here Grandma and Angela are reading together. Grandmas are the best :)
We got to go to Michelle's beautiful new home a few times when we were out there! It was so fun! Michelle and I talk atleast one time everyday - but it was so nice to talk in person and all day long together!



Jax and Carolyn reuniting....Best Friends :)



Grandma and Grandpa had a new little addition to the house this year - a turtle. The girls loved Stinky. (Look how long and beautiful Angela's hair is getting..)
Being silly...
My mom passed several things on to Andrea, Michelle, and me. One of them - costumes!!! She passed on old costumes we used for dance and halloween! It was esp. fun to see the girls wear my old dance costumes!
On the swing...
More dress-ups....


Superman and ballerina...

Angela's ballerina pose...I love this little sweety!!!! She really knows how to get into the moves :)

Of course, the girls just fell inlove with Andrea....whenever she is around I wonder how I do anything without her -she is so sweet and helpful!

The girls also just love Uncle Richy!!!! Non-stop silliness when he is around! Angela loved yelling, "Richy!!" when he'd walk into a room and then she'd run away...it made me laugh :)


Swinging at Grandma's house (this is the same swing my grandma had when I was little that I loved swinging on when I'd visit).

Angela was inlove with little Cooper....she just needs to learn how to express that love for him...this picture shows her doing a great job at showing that love, though...we love you Cooper :)

The last day/night we were there, Grandpa put on a Cousin Campout! So much fun! A hike around Silver Lake....

We also made hiking sticks, told camp stories, ate hotdogs/marshmellos around campfire, did crafts, sang songs, played games, slept in a tent, etc., etc. So much fun and a huge high-light for the girls!!!!

The hotdog eating winner! (Although none of us knew there was a competition going on...) this little one year old ate 5 hotdogs. Richard kept making a hotdog for himself and as soon as Cooper would see it, Richard would give up another hotdog for his cute little nephew!! Sheesh! I never knew someone could eat so many hotdogs in one sitting :)
Wildlife at the campout (Stinky the turtle)....
Hiking around with Grandpa....
Grandpa holding a Cousin Camp meeting :) What a fun grandpa :)


What a fun trip!!!!!!!!!!! Carolyn keeps asking when we're going back.