Family camping in the Uintas

How to begin to explain all the adventure we had this week?  To begin, we had a fun time at Cabella's geting all of our camping gear... we should be all set for the next few years as far as that is concerned. we left Tuesday and drove a little over an hour to our campsite in the soapstone campground. once there we set up camp

and headed to find the river to cool off. it wasn't that far but it was a little tricky to find.

For dinner we enjoyed a nice watermelon, especially Kyle, he loved it so much

We were pretty exhausted and all slept pretty well that night. The next day we went on a two mile hike to Ruth lake. The whole hike was so beautiful and the boys all made it to the lake like champs (Kyle's legs apparently turned to jello on the way back down and he refused to take a step) 

While at the lake we taught the boys how to fish. they enjoyed that though we didn't get any fish

Other activities included eating wonderful meals, playing horse shoes and visiting the fairy forest. Adam and Kyle were excited to find their names among the thousands of painted rocks and fairy houses.

I think Colin's favorite part was when we let him play in the dirt, and the water.

On out last day we went to lily lake and went fishing again

And the boys loved the water

Adam got hooked on an old hook while he was changing into dry clothes (in the few seconds he didn't have his sandals on, but he was a trooper.   

By the time we got back to camp Colin was so tired he slept right through packing up. On the way home we stopped in Heber to go to Granny's for some shakes... yummy.

After that we stopped at bridal valise falls. All in all it was an awesome camping trip and the boys did really well. Mom and Dad both got some altitude sickness but it passed quickly. Now that we have all our stuff I cant wait til the next camping trip.

Colin's first hair cut

It might be because he still is obsessed with his binky, or because he still hasn't taken his first steps and seems like he is still an infant, but it is most likely because this little kid has never really had any hair that we waited until he was 16 months to give him his first haircut. He did a great job but by the end he was trying to avoid the clippers.  My baby is growing up!

super date night

While mom and dad have been so happy to spend so much time as a family, we really havn't gone on very many dates lately. So yesterday we went on a super date. we started with dinner, then went through a free car wash. then we went bowling (dad won two games, mom won the last) 

 and after that we went to the puppy barn to snuggle some puppies

after that we got a free snow-cone and then went to the movies to see insurgent.

It was such a fun night and I loved spending that time one on one.

New look

Adam went to the eye doctor a couple weeks ago and found out that he needs glasses to see at all through his left eye. Today he got his new glasses and he loves them. he keeps telling me all the things he can see now, like letters on street signs, wording on buses and ants on the ground. Both his eyes are far sighted his right eye is 20/80 and his right eye is 20/200 (legally blind) we hope his glasses will really help strengthen his eye. We love the way they lookl

mommy got glasses too

Mesa Verde

This year our first vacation was with Grandma and Grandpa Cook with the rest of the Aunts and Uncles. We had a fun time exploring cliff dwellings and going on hikes.

 All but Kyle that is, he does not like hiking and insisted someone carry him most of the way.

 Colin had a great seat and was such a trooper. 

In the campsite we were staying in there was also a pool and play grounds.

we took some time to practice out archery skills and went into town to watch a cultural celebration.

One highlight is that because Kyle wasn't excited about a long hike, he got to stay behind and help Uncle Jared propose to Donna and she said yes! we are so excited for them. 

Adam was our fearless leader on many of the hikes and he also carried the adventure pack that had the first aid kit and snacks. He had so much energy and was so happy to be involved in everything the adults did.

 Dad and mom both had favorites of the balcony house and long house. 

Some of the wildlife we saw included a bear, collared lizard, wild turkey, wild horse, deer, squirrel and all kinds of birds, as far as I can remember. 

It was such a fun time and it was facinating to lear about a culture that is so different than our own.  Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for bringing us along!

Timp falls

In preparation for the hiking and camping trips we are planing this summer, this weekend we climbed up to timp falls. It was a little less than two miles round trip and the boys did great. Kyle hiked all the way up and part of the way down when Aunt Milla helped him. The weather was perfect and the flowers were in bloom.  we had a picnic up at the falls. It is so great that we have mountains and trails like this pretty much in our back yard.

This, that, and exciting news

I think that the view from our front porch is the best view in the valley. I may be biased but can you blame me? I love just looking out the front window and seeing this beautiful mountain. It really makes me feel like I am home.

 A few days ago Kyle decided he wanted to be a pirate for the day. He also decided he would try to go without a nap. I let him try both but the action of the morining got the best of him and he conked out, right on the stairs.

Grandpa Gleason had his 65th birthday and we were able to celebrate with him. we sure love you Grandpa!

Sunday afternoons we typically have quiet time when we all try to rest, this Sunday we also watched a movie together. I love seeing the boys all getting along and sitting together. It warms my heart

I also love how they can all play the piano at the same time, and now for our exciting news....

We are going to have another baby! The boys are all super excited and mommy and daddy too! we have been wanting another one since the new year and by the new year we should have him/her!

Adam really wants a little sister, and has informed me that he has been praying to Jesus for one. The rest of us are not so opinionated. Kyle would be fine with a little brother or sister and Colin wouldn't mind a truck. Mom and Dad just want a non eventful pregnancy and a healthy baby. We cant wait to welcome this little one home!