Summertime=Paradetime

Aren't parades a little strange?  We line-up along the street and wait for floats, politicians, baseball teams, and local businesses to come by and throw us candy.  Strange or not, Jackson and Bowen enjoyed two fun parades this summer:  Draper Days Parade, and Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Parade!

Family Fun at Draper Days Parade.  Draper Days is in the middle of July, so it was a little toasty, but I wasn't complaining!

Jackson and Bowen anxiously waited for their treats, while Alivia wasn't too happy about her Firehouse Subs hat.  Alivia wasn't too sure about this parade stuff.  It was loud and hot, and even the candy didn't make it better for her.  Maybe next year!

We went to the Spanish Fork July 24th parade, just like I did every year growing up.  We missed Grandma Hanson so much.  It was so strange to not go back to her house after the parade for a yummy lunch and visit with her.  But we did gather for a great lunch at a park and played with cousins from the Hanson-side of the family. Each time one of these major traditions comes along, I realize how much I miss and love my Grams.

Zoo Time

What summer would be complete without a visit to the Hogle Zoo?  Our favorite animals to see are the elephants, the giraffes, and the gorillas.  Teylor is always nice to get us in for free with her Membership discount.  And cousins make the zoo so much funner!

We always stop for a little carousel ride on our way to see the giraffes.  Alivia had so much fun this year.  She was just a baby last year, so it was fun to watch her get excited about the animals and the rides. 

Check out Bowen's gorilla face!

The Hogle Zoo Train

I'm sure we'll end up back at the zoo this year, but the first visit of the season is always the funnest!

Bo-Bo

I definitely need to spotlight my cute Bowen, who is turning into a little boy right before our eyes! He started walking last month, and since then, has turned into a little guy who attracts messes---and "owies" on his head! He is a pretty mellow kid, with a little "spunk" when it comes down to getting what he wants. We love him so much!

"What! You haven't seen a kid play in dirt before?!"

I couldn't find Bowen one day when we were out working in the yard. I ended up finding him here! This is a little "cave" made by two big bushes we have in our backyard. He wasn't visible unless you actually crawled behind the bushes. I guess he just needed a little snack!

We have been loving summer! Most of our afternoons are spent outside with the neighborhood kids, either playing in the sprinklers or eating popsicles.

I try to feed Bowen while I cook our dinner. I turned around one evening to see why I should keep a closer eye when I serve him Ravioli!

Just two of the many injuries he has sustained this summer. Walking is tough work!

Cute Cousins at the Fair

The fun from the Fair this year came from watching all the cute Mauss cousins enjoy the craziness of the Fair! Jackson and Annie ran from ride to ride like they were at Disneyland! Seeing Jackson so excited on the carnival rides made me realize that he is going to have the time of his life when we go to Disneyland later this year. Bowen just loved being outside and being held by Aunt Joanna! We did see some crazy people--I'm pretty sure I saw Santa walking around wearing boxers! All in all, we had a great time!

Only at the Fair--a donkey wearing a hat that says "Don't take my hat off!"

Co-Pilots!

The highlight of the night--two great friends having fun.