O Pioneer

Our weekend of festivities continued as we celebrated the 24th of July.

We spent the morning watching the parade on TV. I have to say this is by far the best spot for viewing a parade. Cool air conditioning. Mute button on Bruce and Dede. Run into the kitchen for some snacks. About the only thing I miss from my youth and actually attending the parade was my Aunt Kaye's stop by McDonald's for some McMuffins. Other than that, the parade I don't miss so much. I'm a little worried though because my kids really seem to like the idea of attending the parade. I better start a campaign against this and fast.

After getting the lawn ready most of the afternoon, we were ready for a BBQ that evening. My family all came over and Hilarie and Tedy joined in the fun. Garlic burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, all the traditional outdoor food were part of the menu. It was great.

After visiting for a while it was out to the street to light off the last of this year's fireworks. Hilarie had a few leftovers from the 4th and we mixed in a few sparklers as well. I have to say as much as Kennedy hates fireworks, that's how much Alex and Dylan love them. While Dede was watching TV inside the boys had a great time with parachutes, sparklers, snap pops, and some assorted cones. Dylan couldn't get enough of the lights and sounds.

All in all a pretty good holiday. No injuries, good entertainment, full bellies. What more could you ask for?

Swimming and Soccer

We started the summer with swim lessons for Kennedy and Alex and a fun soccer camp for Alex (Kennedy wasn't interested in soccer).

Kennedy of course loved swimming and happened to get in a class with only two students.  She thrived and can now swim pretty much on her own doing some lovely arms and even breaths.  She has her own unique arm style, but it works!

She even jumped off the low diving board in a very nice belly flop and the high dive after several minutes of debating if it was worth it.

Alex, on the other hand, spent the first two days crying and shivering.  Something clicked on the third day and he started getting it.  By the end of the lessons, his swim teacher was using him as an example of how to do things.  I was very impressed with the improvement Alex made and his teacher for putting up with his antics the first couple of days.

Alex also jumped off the low diving board which totally shocked me.  Now, he won't do it again and seems to still be uncomfortable around water, but at least it is a start!

Alex also did a little soccer camp with his friend Adam to start off the summer.  He seemed to like it and did quite well for such a little guy.  I asked him if he wanted to play soccer this fall and he said "No."  Okay then.  I guess we will stick with tee-ball for now.

Backyard Camp Out

Ever since we bought our new tent the kids have been dying to sleep out in the backyard. Due to the fact I had the day off for the holiday weekend it seemed like the perfect time to rough it outside. So we invited over the cousins and to the backyard we went. I don't know how much sleep anyone got, but we had a great time in the tent.

For Your 4th Birthday

Alex,


I'm so excited that you're finally 4!  You're growing up so fast and it's fun to watch develop into such a big boy.  This year you've really made some big strides.  Long gone are the diapers, into the Primary.  Heading into Pre School this Fall, wow - you're getting so old.


I can't tell you how much I love working on projects together.  I know the second I head down to the work bench to grab some tools, Alex won't be far behind.  It's amazing to watch you try to figure how to use all the tools you've collected over the past year.  Thanks for all the help on our projects this year.  From the new bathroom, to fixing sprinklers and doors you've made sure I get the job done right.


You have a special place in my heart and I look forward to spending more time doing our Father - Son activities.  Whether it's riding the ATV, camping in the mountains, watching the Dragon movie, and wrestling in the back yard - I can't get enough time with you.  I love you Alex Boy.  Happy Birthday.


Daddy

Alex's Birthday

Our little guy had a jam packed birthday to say the least.  This has been the summer of the pool and Alex's birthday was no different.  We headed over to Hilarie's pool and spent the morning enjoying the cool water.  It was fun to have a bunch of cousins, aunts, and grandparents sharing in the fun times.

For his birthday Alex really wanted to go play some games.  For a while we've been wanting to try a new fun center called the Incredible Pizza Company.  Everyone packed up and headed out to Draper for a night full of fun.  We got a little nervous however when the parking lot was completely empty.  A note on the door confirmed out suspicions, it read - "CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE."  With that the party's venue took an immediate shift to the next best place - Chuck E. Cheese.  I don't anyone was too upset and the kids had fun playing all the little games.

After the games we headed home for cake, ice cream, and presents.  Alex didn't want a lot for his birthday. In truth I think he only had two requests: a dragon cake and a fire truck.  Somehow we managed to come through on both items.  Although we also found Alex a Wiggle Car,  so the kid can ride in style.  I think some of the cousins enjoyed this present more that Alex did, but I'm sure it will grow on him.

After a marathon birthday celebration the day came to a close.  We had a great time and our little boy deserved a great birthday!