timp caves

We just returned from an eventful week in Utah for the Hatch (Traci's) family reunion. It was fun to see everyone, play games, eat food, and spend quality time with Grandma. I always think that it would be crazy, and so cool, to look around as the matron of the family and see dozens of kids running around, your grandkids with families of their own, and realize that you created that. Families are such a wonderful thing.

One day we hiked up to the timpanogos caves. I'd never been there before and it was pretty cool. It's a steep 1.5 mile climb to the entrance. Kaden ran part way, drug his feet part way, and took his turn on everyone's back. I carried chubby Beckham the whole way up and through the caves. He's always so happy riding in the wrap. He slept through the whole cave which was perfect. Kaden was so excited to be in the cave, going through tunnels and exploring something so foreign. On the way down I carried him on my back most of the way because he was being so whiny and clingy, the little stinker. After our hike we had a picnic in the park. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful.

kissing cousins

We went to Utah a few weeks ago for my race and we had the best time. I was waiting to get pictures, but decided to just steal them from Traci's blog instead. It was so fun to see sweet Ruby and smiley McCoy. They are precious. We filled up every minute with something fun. I love going up there because I get to see so many people that I love, but it gets stressful trying to fit it all in. I am glad that I got a little bit of special mommy-Kaden time in. He is used to being the center of attention, but with three babies I think he kind of felt left out. He was in Heaven with those babies though-such a love bug. He could hug and kiss on them all day, but they don't always appreciate his affection.

I really think Kaden might be the happiest little boy on earth.

We went the the Kennecott copper mine one day. It was crazy. I had never been before and couldn't believe how huge it was. The tires on the trucks were taller than a bus. Kaden loved watching the "dumpy" trucks and looking at the little trains in the museum.

We tried taking pictures of the kids one day. It really is impossible to get a decent picture with so many babies. Poor Beckham had the worst allergies the whole time and felt miserable. He had just woken from a nap and wasn't giving us anything.

It was hilarious watching Kaden play with the neighbor's dog. He was giggling and running around like a crazy boy. Man, that kid is awesome.

I love all of the sweet expressions. Well, at least Ruby and McCoy's expressions. I think Becks made the same face in every single picture.

There's a bit of a smile! I hope the next time we visit he is happy and healthy.

hodgepodge

The celebration of Independence Day is one of my favorite days of the year. The fourth of July is the epitome of summer. We got to celebrate all weekend and it was perfect. Bayfield has a fun parade and I can't believe how many people show up. Then it's off to parks and splashing around in the water. It's drinking fresh squeezed lemonade and eating bbq. It's basking in the sun and seeing everyone we know. My camera battery died at the parade, which is really too bad because Kaden was awesome and it would have been great to capture his antics and lovable craziness. My favorite thing he did? While walking down the crowded sidewalk he puts his arms out and while walking through a group of girls says (in the most adorable flirtatious voice), "ExcUSE me, ladies!" I laughed out loud. I have never heard him say that before. Where does he get this stuff?

Sunday we went to church then spent the day with my family. We have so much fun together and it was a gorgeous evening. The fireworks at the lake are always spectacular. Poor Beckham has allergies and is teething so he wasn't his smiley self, but was a trooper. It was a perfect weekend and I am sad it's already over.

i love this town

The other day my mom and I loaded up our bikes and headed into Durango for a ride on the river trail. It was a beautiful day and I loved every second of our little ride. It was so fun to see people out walking their dogs, kids on little bikes with training wheels, people tubing down the river, people sleeping and reading in the park. It was perfect and put such a smile on my face. We did about 10 miles round trip. That's not so far on a bike, but pulling those two boys wore me out! My bike needs some major tweaking and adjusting too. Mom was leisurely cruising, about to leave me in the dust, and I was huffing and puffing. I loved it. I love the feel of this little town we live in. I could be content living here forever.

Sometimes Beckham just gets so overcome with love and excitement that he just has to plant a big, juicy one on me. Despite the slobber, teeth, and scratchy fingernails I love it and will take whatever I can get. The poor little dude got so hot and was totally soaked when we finished riding. We finished the excursion with a little splashing in the river. It was a perfect afternoon.

a cherished role

I cherish my role as a mom. I know I am not perfect and often I don't measure up to what I want to be for my boys. I love the beautiful words of Elder Holland. He is one of my very favorite people to listen to and I felt so touched by his sentiment in this video. I believe that we, as mothers, will be lifted and made strong, enabled to go above and beyond what we believe we can do.