Fun in the Backyard

So here it is the middle of July and I just realized I don't have a single picture or video of my kinds playing in the backyard. This is where we spend most of our time these days. I love our backyard in the summer. At this time of year I am so glad we did not buy a new home. I love our shade. Walking from the front to the back you definitely notice a drop in the temperature.

Anyways the kids love being back here. When it is time to go in for a nap James just cries as I drag him inside. They love to play in the sandbox which we got to keep them out of my garden. It is the tiniest thing but they love it. We need something we could keep a lid on because of all the cats in the neighborhood. They also love the swing set. Emma is quite the acrobat and James is trying his best to keep up. They also love playing in our kiddy pool (pictures to come). We are loving summer for the most part. I am getting used to putting sunscreen on daily, sand in my house and little kid body odor. Gotta love it.

Sand!

My garden is looking good - just had to boast a bit. Picked our first cucumbers and zucchini this week. Can't wait for the tomatoes to ripen.

Just big enough for two!

Yes that is my 16 month old boy climbing to the top of the slide. We can do this but still can't say Momma. He is trying so hard to keep up with sister.

Emma being nice and pushing James for me.

Dinosaur Park!

Two weeks ago we headed to Ogden to go to the Dinosaur Park with my Mom and my Aunt Liz and her kids. We had a great time. It wasn't too hot and the kids had fun. I think they enjoyed the playground and digging for dinosaur bones the best. Looking at the big dinosaurs there was not much fun. At least the ones at the zoo moved. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Happy 4th of July

We started out 4th of July weekend by watching the West Bountiful parade Saturday morning. It was perfect. We left our house 30 minutes before it was supposed to start. We had no trouble parking and found a spot in the shade. We were close to the end but the parade reached us 10 minutes after it started. They threw tons of candy and just when Emma said she wanted to go home it was over. It only lasted 50 minutes. It was great. A lot better than the Bountiful parade we went to last year. I think we will stick with this one.

Emma insisted on wearing her dress up skirt. She is just getting into dressing up a bit.

Waiting for the parade to start.

Yeah it's starting.







On Monday the 4th we had a barbecue at Danny and Melissa's new house. It was fun to get together with friends for a change. The kids had fun playing in the pool and on the slip-n-slide. Then we did fire works. The new aerial ones are really fun.

Snowbird

June always means a trip up the canyon to Snowbird. Grandma joined us for the day. It was a good thing the pool was very warm because it was a cool day and there was still plenty of snow.

Grandma and James in front of the snow bank.

Emma loved every minute of the pool and I had to drag her out.

She still has no fear.

James tolerated the pool. At least he didn't cry the entire time and let us put him in the boat for little while.

Hogle Zoo

James was given a day pass to the zoo for his birthday and we finally found a Saturday to use it in June. The zoo was hosting some rather unusual animals. Dinosaurs are back. They were actually pretty cool. some of them moved and spit water at you. A lot of them made noises. Emma loved them all except for the T-Rex which was really big, moved and growled. It was making most of the kids a little nervous.

Emma with the the one that spit water.



Emma studying the map and telling us where to go next.

James loved his first ride on the Carousel.



As we walked up to the window the gorilla decided it was time to come to that exact spot for a nap. He sat there all peaceful and looked at us for a while then closed his eyes and went to sleep (after picking his nose).





A stop at the ball with water is a must for Emma. I don't know how we were able to get by it when we first walked in but then it was on to the playground.