Week 16 - 4th of July fun

Sunday June 28th we acted out the story of Ammon saving King Lamoni's sheep for part of our church. The kids had a blast. Quinn and I did some planning for our up coming trip to South Dakota. To help the kids get ready for our trip and because a lot of visitor centers are closed we are pre-working on a few of the Junior Ranger programs. That night the kids did some work on the Pony Express Junior Ranger packet and National Forrest Junior Ranger packet. But first we had to do a puzzle of the United States so the kids could remember where certain states are located.

A very cute Ammon.

King Lamoni and Ammon

A few of the robbers.

Doing the puzzle.

Working hard.

Just a boy and his dog.

Tuesday it was finally cool enough to have a fire in my new fire pit that I got for Mother's Day. I love any excuse to have smores!

By Thursday July 2nd the temperature had climbed back up into the 80s so we planned a fun day at Pineview Reservoir with friends. We had such a fun day with the Olsens and the Dahles. Nicole Olsen was able to get 4 kayaks in her van so we had something fun to play with. The kids really liked them. Mia was even brave enough to get on one by herself. Now we really want some for our family.

James and Mia. I'm sad that I missed getting a picture of Mia on it by herself.

Mia and Lydia

James and Ben

Emma

Emma, Caleb, Malaki, Ben and James

Andy, Lana and Me

Friday July 3rd it was even hotter so we escaped up Muller Park Canyon. We got a picnic spot for the day and had fun with friends. The Reeves came first. It was so nice to visit with them. We hadn't seen them for several months. The kids played by the river and built a lean-to. It was so nice for them to be outside and to be able explore and use their imaginations and not be on screens. Just after the Reeves left the Olsens came. We chatted, played games and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. It was perfect.

With Val and Dan Reeves

The Reeves, Malaki Olsen and the Lavender crew.

Lydia, James, Malaki and Emma

Mia and Lydia just chillin in the hammock.

Scott and Emma working on our fire.

James taking a chance with the hammock again after breaking his arm in the last one he was in. So he takes it up a notch by rolling it and hanging upside down.

Playing spike ball.

Smores!

Saturday was July 4th. We celebrated with a barbecue at Grandma Bibber's. Dad/Grandpa and Uncle Brock had a ribs cook off. They were both great. We also convinced Great Grandma Moore and Grandma Lavender to come too. The kids played in the water and on the bouncy house for a bit but it was really hot.We ended the day with some fireworks at Aunt Annie and Uncle Brock's house. Then we sat on their deck and had a great view of Ogden for all the Ariel fireworks. Happy Birthday America!