On Monday we had a fun afternoon at Lagoon with our cousins. They have been wanting to go since they arrived in Utah. We had lots of fun. Ellie loves Lagoon! Each ride is so exciting for her. She loved riding with her cousin Megan. Lucky for us, the park wasn't very crowded and lines were short. The kids got to go on lots of rides.
Ellie and Nate were too little to go on the big bumper cars this time.
Rattlesnake Rapids
The aftermath of Rattlesnake Rapids. Ellie and Megan riding The Odyssey
Our cousins headed for Seattle on Wednesday. We've been so bored ever since. Yesterday we decided to try out Lagoon-a-Beach to keep us busy. We just went for a couple of hours in the evening. The boys had had enough after an hour or so. Ellie had a good time. We were grateful that Aunt Alaina came to help us out. We needed one adult per kid!
Each year around the 4th of July we take a long trip to Bear Lake with Eric's family. It is a good tradition. This year we really missed Matt, Erin, and Ben. We arrived at the cabin on Wednesday night. The kids were so excited to be there after the long drive. On Thursday morning we lounged around and just took it easy. Later in the afternoon we headed for the beach. True to his reputation, John LOVED the water. We could hardly keep him out of the lake. David wasn't so sure. It took him a few minutes to get used to the water. Neither one liked getting their face wet. Ellie put her new swimming skills to good use. She wasn't a bit scared of the water and showed her moves to anyone who would watch. She also had some good turns on the tube. All three kids had fun digging in the sand. They weren't the only ones... Bryan, Corey, and their friend Kyle made some amazing and castles.
Ellie digging in the sand.
David and John enjoying the sun.
Bryan, Corey, and Kyle's sand masterpiece.
Eric and David.
Friday morning we got up early and drove to Bloomington Lake. It was about a 1/2 mile hike to the lake after we arrived. The water was greenish and clear and really pretty. You could see all the way to the bottom. It's a glacial lake so the water is very cold. There was a tree with a rope swing that the older boys played on for awhile. Ellie really liked watching them swing, but assured us there was "no way" she was doing that. After returning from Bloomington we spent some more time at the beach.
Ellie about to throw rocks into the lake. Corey's turn on the rope swing.
The boys decided to climb up the snow...crazy.
On Saturday Eric and I drove out to the Paris Ice Cave while everyone was on the boat. It was pretty cool. It wasn't really what I expected. I guess I thought it would be bigger and a harder hike. I was glad I didn't have to go far with David on my back. It felt so good in the cave...nice and cool. There was still snow and ice inside. It was worth checking out.
We had a fun Independence Day. It was a busy weekend. On Friday we went to the park to check out the festivities. Ellie and her cousins had a good time playing in the bounce house and obstacle course. We didn't stay too long because it was so darn hot. We hit the snow cone and cotton candy stands on the way out. Sticky, sticky, sticky... After dark we sat on our front lawn and watched the fireworks. This was definitely a highlight for Ellie. She was amazed by each new firework.
My sticky girl.
Fun obstacle course.
On Saturday we got up early and went to the West Point parade. It's a 4th of July tradition for my family. Eric is so embarrassed of us because we are "parade cheerers." We cheer and clap the loudest of anyone around us. We probably look like fools cheering for all those tractors, but we have a great time!
Here are the boys checking out the parade. They were so excited about the dogs and horses.
After the parade we headed to Grandma Jean's for lunch and to play in the water. The kids had a great time. The boys especially love to swim. The older kids had a good time blowing bubbles out of their hands. It was pretty cool and very creative. Later that evening we put on our own firework show. Grandpa John made Ellie and the kids jump a mile with surprise firecrackers. It was an eventful holiday.
"Sharing" water toys.
Olivia's hand-made bubble. Ellie and David watching a game of kickball.
Ellie has really loved her tumbling class this summer. She goes to our neighbor Joy's house 2 mornings a week with her cousins. They have a great time. She loves doing tripods, back bends, cartwheels, rolls, and jumping on the tramp. She has made some fun friends in the class. We're proud of her for trying everything and doing her best. She's getting to be a pretty good tumbler!
Here's Ellie practicing her cartwheel. The boys also love tumbling. They love to play on the mats! They are both working on their summer salts! They want to be just like Ellie.
Rattlesnake Rapids
The aftermath of Rattlesnake Rapids.
Ellie and Megan riding The Odyssey
