Hanging out with my monsters

Monsters University was awesome, especially because ALL of my little monsters were together when we saw it. We followed it up with dinner at Spaghetti Factory (thumbs down food, but hey, I didn't have to cook) and called the evening a success.

This week has been full of getting B off to high adventure camp, rearranging bedrooms (B is coming home to a SUPRISE--his own room), and other little things that make up summer, mostly hanging out with 3 of my favorite peeps,

going bowling,

taking silly pictures on our way to church,

and finding this treasure at Hobby Lobby and thinking hey, I've got it all!!

Seven Peaks and Backyard Camping

We braved the heat and the crowds and got wet at Seven Peaks SLC. I chaperoned 7 kids and nobody drowned or got sunburned, yay me!

 Of course, all that sunshine and chlorine means one thing: we all needed a nap!

Then later these 3 convinced me to sleep in the tent with them in our backyard. It was really so much fun. We watched a movie, had popcorn, laughed, slept a little, and were very aware of how noisy the neighborhood birds are at the crack of dawn. Somehow I managed to sneak out at 6:30 for my morning walk (why are tent zippers SO loud?) but by the time I returned 3 sleepy faces drifted indoors for breakfast. 

I love love love the relaxed, unstructured feel of summer.

Even Tyler the cat got in on the slumber-party action.

R and B (not the music genre) stayed inside to watch Back to the Future and sleep in their own beds. Chickens.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my favorite person. We celebrated with homemade cinnamon rolls and some presents and cards. We are so proud of Rich, who released his first app this last week. It is called Chart My Numbers and I think everyone should buy it because if we sell 7 million of them we will finally be able to go to Hawaii. Seriously, though, I am so proud of Rich and his hard work. He is such a hard worker and has such an entrepreneurial spirit about him. He is full of ideas and I love all of them. He's also a great dad and husband and good guy. I'm a lucky girl.

Besides being Father's Day, it was just an awesome Sunday all together. I played Candyland with Sam, read books and ate popcorn in our reading nook with Garrett, did paper crafts with Cass (mod-podged clipboards), and beat Ben at ping pong (best 2 out of 3). I got rave reviews for my cinnamon rolls, took a short nap, enjoyed a dinner that I didn't have to make, and went to bed early. And church was great, too. I sure do love attending Relief Society after so many years of being in nursery and primary.

Battle Creek Falls

I love that hiking is free (relatively), wholesome, healthy, fun, camera-friendly and perfect for all ages and attitudes. Mostly.

We spent some time in PG hiking to Battle Creek Falls. I love that it is a short drive to the trailhead, and a short hike to the falls.

There were lots of things to climb...

There were some quiet moments too..

and lots and lots and LOTS of butterflies...

Sam is amazing. He hiked the entire way, even the really steep uphill part.

Nice views of the valley and lake.

Even though the water was down this year, the falls are still impressive.

Cassidy was especially glad to have her friend Alisha along, as we went on the hike with two other families who only have boys!! (For now I'm grateful that boys are still gross, but I know those days are numbered.Then again, the way her brothers act, maybe I have longer than I think.)

Sometimes I can't think of anything clever to say. We hiked, we had some fun, there were some problems, we worked through them, we got out and enjoyed nature, I forgot to bring the camelbacks, the inside of my car got all dusty because my kidlets repeatedly put their dirty shoes on the black leather upholstery, we ate some snacks, some people in my family are moody, I took some pictures, I got in trouble for doing so, and we came home. 

We are the Kings, and this is how we hike/play/live.

Go Cubs! and Go Canyon!

Hooray for Garrett and the Cubs, who made it to the playoffs and even won their first playoff game. Game 2 is tonight---Best of luck, G-dawg!

Also.....

Tuesday night we enjoyed dinner at our favorite spot in AF Canyon, Mile Rock. It's tradition and holds many warm family memories for us. The last time we were there my mom was there with us.

This time it was fun to have my father-in-law's friend Norman with us. Norman and Dick went to pharmacy school together way back in the day. They've been friends ever since. Norman came down from Idaho to pay a visit. We really enjoyed his stories from his navy days and other adventures. We are always glad to have anyone join our micro-family, but Norman was a special treat.

The three musketeers....

Rocks...

Cuteness....

Adventure...

Monkey see monkey do..

Messy face....

Posers.

Pinewood Derby

Garrett participated in his first Pinewood Derby on Thursday. I love Gdawg's enthusiasm for EVERYTHING. He is awesome.

The boy, the car, the legend.

Each scout got to race their car 12 times, 2 times in each lane. So fun. Garrett had plenty of 2nd places, 3rds, and 4ths. That first place spot was too elusive.

Sam LOVED watching his brother's car race. He won the prize (had there been one) for Best PW Derby Cheerleader.

Even though our car didn't win, Rich and Garrett had fun making it together. Garrett loves cub scouts.

In other news last week, we....

--saw the movie The Croods. So cute.

--celebrated Rich's birthday

---drove 48 times to Provo and back for BYU soccer camp for C and G

---got 42 free report card donuts at Krispy Kreme

--played/watched some baseball

---had a sleepover at Grandma's

---enjoyed our first week of summer

BYU soccer camp!