Maile's 11th Birthday

Maile turned 11 (what!!!) on July 25th and she wanted to celebrate with a red, white and blue party. I didn't have any complaints there, any reason to keep up my 4th decorations longer and I am game. We went to Flipping out Extreme during the day to just have a little pre-fun and then my house filled up with a bunch of tween girls and a lot of noise. 

Pretty excited to open up her new phone. Daddy sure spoils his girls.

 These non-tweens crashed the party. Little cuties.

The highlight of the night was probably watching all these cute faces get covered in whipped cream during our first game of Pie Face. Everyone was good sport and I have some pretty funny videos to watch for years to come.

Park City Fourth of July

 This summer we decided to take a year off from our tradition of going to Boulder City for the 4th of July and instead headed to Park City along with my sister to spend the holiday with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins who live there. The amount of patriotism we witnessed not only on the drive up but the whole day was unlike anything I have experienced before. As we went through Provo the night before, the party has already started with the main street lined with people setting up camp and barbequing and just having a good time. On the actual 4th in Park City we just about missed the parade because we had no idea the amount of traffic and people who would be lining the parade route in Park City. These people mean business!! Lesson learned, but we finally made it to the spot my Aunt had claimed early in the morning and we had a nice view for the parade.

 After the parade we walked through Park City to find some food, we ate at this awesome pizza place that just happened to have these cool blue doors nearby. Perfect for an impromptu photo shoot with everyone looking good in their red, white and blue!

 After having a BBQ we went to a pretty fun party in my Aunt and Uncle's community. They had lots of activities for the kids to participate in and of course a lovely view. We left just in time to get home to watch the fireworks from the deck at my Aunt's house. It was a really busy and fun day celebrating one of my favorite holidays.

 The rest of the trip we relaxed in the spa with this incredible view, went hiking, did a little fishing, went bowling, stopped at this is the place and just enjoyed the beautiful summer weather they have in Park City.

 I got to hike with my cousins without the kids and they took me to Jupiter Peak which had some pretty amazing views. I got a pretty bad headache from going up in altitude so quickly but that was a small price to pay for such stunning beauty. I thrive on moments like this. I can feel it healing my soul.

So long Park City, until next time.

Zion

To celebrate my Mom's birthday this year we took a trip to Zion for two days. We stayed in this awesome condo with beautiful views and lots of space for everyone. Day one we swam and had a BBQ and day two we spent hiking and exploring Zion. It was a great trip and the kids were extremely well behaved even during the hot and boring parts waiting for the busses at Zion. We all really enjoyed playing in the river and when we hiked the narrows through the river. So much fun! If I had a complaint it would be that Zion was packed with people. The lines to get to each stop made it feel slightly more like an amusement park than a national park (nature). I would really love to go back in a less busy season.

 

I would travel again with this group anytime. Such a fun weekend! And happy birthday to the most kind, generous, amazing MOM!