our june at a glance

 :: family bike ride ::

 :: chocolate milk and donut run + summer and icecream go together ::

 :: I can't get over this picture ♥♥♥ + reading and lunch at the park ::

 :: our friends opened a donut shop here in k-town + ♥♥♥ ::

:: just strolling through the parking lot + day camp!! :: 

:: this is childhood :: 

 :: skate park to ourselves,  but I failed at bringing helmets, so we didn't last long ::

 :: causey reservoir ::

:: hamburger stop + doctor's visit - tested positive for strep, but you can't tell :: 

:: fiiz with friends :: 

 :: friday night games + legos are the best and the worse ::

:: selfies are on point :: 

 :: 90 percent of our lives are spent here + lunch with sisters ::

 :: this girl loves her brothers ♥♥♥ ::

 :: ikea run ::

:: garden walk + onions and lavender :: 

 :: fresh garden raspberries are the best way to eat raspberries :: 

:: june night, full moon, trampoline jumping = ♥♥♥ :: 

:: lunch with friends ::

soaking up these summer days

This first picture makes me so happy and may be one of my favorite pictures of Justin and I... even though the camera lens on my phone was extremely dirty! :) And any time pictures are being taken in our home, the younger two always want to jump right in :)

Summertime has been so good so far. We have found a really good balance of laziness and adventuring. Last year we found ourselves in the mountains, a lot. And as summertime approached this year, that was the first thing on our list. It's just as good as I remember! Take me to the pine trees, aspens, wildflowers, streams, and lakes - and I'm one happy mama.

I meant to write out our '2018 summer live list' on paper and we're already one month into summer with no paper hanging up on the fridge. We've managed, but I still want to put one up. Why does summer have to go so fast?!

We still have lots of fun planned, but for today we are home and relaxing. There is a lovely overcast sky so the kids are outside building a fort under the stairs. Our sweet neighbor brought over popcycles for the kids and wow were they excited! We had one fight this morning where four kids were leaving out one of their siblings. He cried, they felt bad, and now they are all playing together. Every summer for the past few years I keep thinking this is probably the last summer it will be like this, but somehow I keep lucking out! 

We are planning on wearing red, white, and blue all week. Tonight Justin and the older boys are heading up to the mountains for a quick overnight backpacking trip. They'll be home in time for our city's parade, a bbq at Mandi and Jon's ♥♥♥, fireworks, and a review of The Declaration of Independence. This time of year is my favorite!! 
(along with Easter, Memorial Day, Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas) :) 

I have lots to catch up on, but in the meantime we're going to keep on soaking up these summer days! ♥♥♥

a day in provo

 Mandi and I took the kids and spent the day in Provo (we missed Hunter so much!) We checked out the Bean Museum which was even cooler than I thought it would be. The kids were fascinated by the animal statues, we saw a live animal show, and they had an exhibit of their great Uncle Boyd's artwork. It was amazing to see even more of his talent.

Afterwards we headed over to the BYU creamery for some icecream and since that wasn't enough sugar, we went to the Provo bakery for some extra treats. It was such a fun day with some of our favorites!! 

family hike - green pond

Our first local family hike of the season was to Green Pond. We had planned to go hike up Snow Basin, but as we passed the sign for this hike, we decided to check it out. We fell in love instantly. Beautiful flowers along the way, gorgeous greenery, pines and aspens, and the most amazing June weather. 

I love watching the kids running around to finding sticks or walking along talking about their latest interest with each other or playing games along the trail. The mountains are the best place to reconnect and explore to our hearts content. 

his way to celebrate

On Justin's birthday, he only had a few requests: spend time as a family, a massage from the kids, steak for dinner, and a great big hug. He got everything he wished for. And of course he deserves much more because he is everything to us. Happy Birthday Daddy!!!! ♥♥♥

welcome summer!!!

I wasn't sure if I was going to throw an end of summer party this year, but sort of last minute we decided to go ahead with it. Corbin didn't have to be at school the last day, so he helped make the sign and got things ready. It was a simple party...although the cake did take a bit of work, and the flavor wasn't totally worth it (watermelon flavor) but it was still fun and I loved how it looked. :)

But the VERY best part...school's out!!! No more schedules, late night studying, packing lunches, signing papers, deadlines - lazy summer days are straight ahead for three months!!