GIVE ME AN A!

We are helping Ady explore her talents. She tends to be a perfectionist, and if she doesn't know how to do something, she won't try it. So when we were at Sam's Club and the Kaysville Sportsplex was there promoting their summer camps, we asked Ady if she wanted to try the cheer camp. To our udder surprise, she said yes! The only week they were doing it was July 5-7. Yup, a three day camp. But she was excited, and we love it when she gets excited about something.

As the weeks got closer to July, we realized that because of the 4th falling on a Sunday, Kaysville was celebrating on the 3rd, Provo the 5th, and the observed day was the 5th. I tried to cancel or see if they had another day, but it was a no, so Ady missed the first day. When she found that out, she was stressed! She doesn't like to miss a day of school, let alone day one of a camp. So I had to convince her to go the next day. While the other 35 girls were waiting for the teacher, they were doing cartwheels. Not Ady- she found a basketball and was playing basketball- she did find a friend to play basketball with, which made me happy. I realized that I had a sporty daughter. She is not a girly girl! I stayed just to see how she started, and I felt she would be okay, so I left.

When I got back to pick her up, she was so happy. She was excited to tell me she loved it! (That's a big deal!) She then asked me to teach her how to do a cartwheel, so when we got home, we practiced. She does really good, except for she bends her leg when she comes out of it. We will work on it, but she felt much more confident.

Day 3 (well, two for Ady) I dropped her off and she seemed happy, so I left. I came back a little later so we could see their performance. I was such a proud mom! I couldn't believe what she had learned in two days! Furthermore, for a little girl that had never had dance lessons or anything closer than playing soccer, she did great! My favorite thing of all was when she told me she loved it and wanted to do it again. So I think she found something she loves as much as soccer, and that makes me so happy. We love you Ady!!

Fourth of July Fun

I think 4th of July is an amazing holiday. I don't think I understood the real reasons for celebrating the 4th until I got a little bit older. One thing I have really learned from Dale is how to love my country. That is important considering where he has come from and what his country had gone through. I love to watch his patriotism and I have learned so much!

This year the 4th landed on a Sunday, which means we had a full weekend of celebrations! We started Friday by doing fireworks that Dale picked up on his way home from work.

The Ellis's came out as well as Caleb and Colby Neville, our fun neighbor boys. We had so much fun shooting off fireworks, and the kids thought it was the best.

Saturday we worked around the house, and then that night we picked up some pizzas and treats and found a spot for the Clearfield fireworks. The kids had so much fun eating and chillin'. The craziest part is, it was quite cold outside. What a weird feeling for July!! The fireworks were amazing, and the kids loved all of the fun colors. When we got back, we did some more fireworks. Scott had picked up expensive fireworks, that were truly amazing! They were so loud and just awesome! Again, kids got in bed at midnight for the 2nd night in a row!

Sunday after church we packed and headed down to Provo. When we got there, Milo was there, and the kids had fun playing with their cousin. Later on, we all went up for a hike up in Provo Canyon. It was super duper busy, but I guess it is a holiday weekend.... the kids loved walking up the trail.

The whole way Clayson was collecting whatever rocks and sticks he could find. Luckily Granddad donated his hat to hold them all! We had a nice reward when we made it to Bridal Veil Falls and we could kick off our shoes and dab our feet in the water. It was quite cold, but very refreshing. The kids loved the cold for some reason, and didn't want to get out!

Soon it was time to leave. On the way down nature was calling to Brayden and next thing I know he's found himself a little tree and I saw myself some little white moon. It was so funny because he could have cared less that there were people everywhere... we need to work on the privacy with him I see. What a nice little Sunday adventure. We bathed kids when we got back, decorated Brayden wagon for the parade, and went to bed.

It was an early Monday morning, starting at 5:00 am. It was only 50 degrees. We luckily had packed jackets.

The kids were not too keen on being up so early, but by the time we got to park and saw all of the hot air balloons from flat blankets to full on balloons on the ground, and then taking off, they changed their minds, except Ady.

She was so cold she couldn't enjoy it. We stayed by the fire of the balloons, which was giving off hot air when they needed it to, but other than that, it really was a cold morning. Clayson loved it most.

He was so excited to see the different balloons, and wanted Dale to take pictures of everything. There was even a Coke Bottle balloon, but our hopes diminished when it never took off-- I don't think it actually can fly!

After balloons, we went to McDonald's for some breakfast. It was crazy with people, but we got some food, then walked over to University to find a place to sit for the parade. I couldn't believe how busy it was- last night when we came home from the canyon, the streets were completely lined.

This morning there were plenty of tents and people still sleeping. Luckily we found ourselves a nice square of grass in front of Provo High.

It was the beginning of the parade, which has become our traditional place to sit. The men got the cars where they were suppose to be, and then brought Bradyen's wagon so we could get it ready.

Tresca and Milo arrived, and they sat with Ady and Clay and Grandma and Granddad while Dale and I took Brayden to the staging area for the parade.

All of the baby contest winners decorated their own strollers, wagons, etc. Parents were very creative. I wish we would have thought about doing a sign with Brayden's, but I felt it turned out great. Lynette and Sorrel had designed it and Brayden loved it!

Dale had been asking him all week to show him how he was going to wave, so he had been practicing. It was hilarious!

We started the parade, and there was that wave! He was excited to see the family, and didn't stop waving until the end- 350,000 spectators. 3 miles, and one hour later!!!

I loved watching how people reacted to him. They would see him waving and then I would see them mouth, "Oh cute! Look!" and then wave to him. Others would yell out and wave at him. Since he was one of the older "babies" he was fun for the people to wave to because Bray would wave back! We had so much fun!!! I loved watching him... and yes, we were the proud, vain parents, but who wouldn't be?!!!

After we finished, we pulled him back so we could be with Ady and Clay. He fell right asleep as soon as we were on our way back. It wore him out I guess!

 

We got back just as the parade was finishing, so while the children enjoyed 2 hours of parade, we walked for two hours! I figured by the time we were done we had walked about 7 miles, thanks to Map My Run. WOW!

We went home to enjoy a nice lunch that Lynette had prepared. I think everyone was worn out, because all but Clayson and I took a nap! It was nice being able to be a part of the 4th of July celebrations! It was nice to be able to spend some time with Grandma and Granddad, too. The kids just love being able to go down there and play with their cousin Milo, and all of the animals!! What a wonderful holiday!