Wheeler Farm

 I've really enjoyed the last couple of weeks of summer vacation.  We were all finished with lessons (swimming & tennis) and Hailey has become a little more flexible with her naps.  Some days she still takes 2 naps, but she's to the point where I can push her to just 1 long one.  So, it's become easier to take the kids out in the morning to do something.   We've gone to the new City Creek Mall and played with Misty & Sophia and the fountains, we've gone school clothes shopping and one day, I took all the kids (except Emily - who I think was still asleep :)) to Wheeler Farm.

Some cute ladies in my ward had done a playgroup over the summer and had decided to meet there.   The kids had a fun time playing on the tall playground they have there.  Then, we fed the ducks and walked around to see the other animals.  All in all, a fun morning!

 Someone has finally figured out how to walk - at 16 1/2 months!!!

 

 Lindsey was really sweet to Courtland (a little boy in our ward) and helped him with everything.

 

I thought this rooster (or whatever it is) is hilarious! 

The beginning of soccer...

 A couple of weekends ago, Jon was gone on High Adventure for several days and Emily, Lindsey & Jack all played with their Murray Max teams in the Max Cup soccer tournament.    Between the three kids, they had 11 games in 3 days!  11!!   And no husband to help!!

Thankfully, I had the help of my older kids (when it wasn't their own games) and Annie Cowden came over both Thursday & Friday afternoon to watch the little kids.  Lifesaver!!  It was hot and sunny and would have been miserable to have the little ones at all of those games.  They certainly did come to several games and were good sports about it.

Emily's team did great!   They are a mix of two teams and have meshed together really well.   Emily played offense most of the time and scored a goal in each of the first 2 games.  She was so excited!   Her team won the first 2 games and lost the 3rd one 1-0.   They barely missed playing in the championship game. (I was dumb and didn't get any pictures of Emily playing :(  ).

Lindsey's team did great as well!  They won all three games and then played and one the championship game, getting 1st place in their age division!  Way to go Lindsey!

Jack's team also did great!   They are a brand-new U9 team and they also won their first 3 games and in the championship they lost, so winning 2nd place.   He's still got a lot to learn, but he had a great time playing. 

Here's to just the beginning of another fun, yet busy, soccer season!

(This is a pathetic picture - I finally gave in and sat way out of the way, so that I could have all my little ones in shade, so this picture is with my best lense)

 



Being a good sport about the whole thing!!

Bowen family reunion

The first weekend in August, we headed to Union, OR for Jon's family reunion!   We had a great time!   There are a lot of people in the Bowen family, but we all squished together and it was fabulous!    

The kids had a great time playing with cousins, we had beautiful weather and just enjoyed being together!

A couple of times, Hannah fell asleep from being so tired.

 



A swimming night at Uncle Jerry's pool!  Emily was so sweet to hold onto Hailey for the entire time Hailey wanted to be in the water.

 



Jack was all about throwing the football around.

 



Kyle has grown up so much and was a good little swimmer

 



This is Lindsey (in the red) being flipped over by her older cousins.

Saturday morning was the Catherine Creek Classic.   Emily, Lindsey & Kate did the 1 mile run and Jack & Jon did the 5K.   I stayed at the finish line with Hannah & Hailey to take pictures.

 



Hannah was sad to not be going on the bus.

 



Emily - got 3rd place overall in the mile run.

 



Lindsey

 



This is Kate & Kyle on the sidewalk.  I got teary-eyed when I saw all of my kids as they crossed the finish line, but these 2 especially were so sweet.

 



They are best little buddies!

 



Jack did great in the 5K!  He wasn't even sweating when he crossed the finish line.

My brother-in-law, Bob, was manning one of the water stations and apparently Jack thought that you stopped at the table and took a drink.   So cute!



Once again, Hannah too tired to stay awake!

 

Thank you to all the Bowen's for a great vacation!

Patriotic pictures of the Sorenson grandchildren

 We surprised my parents and took all of their grandkids to get their pictures taken.  They just got the package a couple of days ago, so I can post these now.  Becky & Misty were good sports to go along with my idea and I love how all the dresses look on the little girls and how cute Jake & Jack look in their matching shirts (and of course how grown up Emily & Lindsey look).

We met everyone at Kiddie Kandids and the kids did great for the photo shoot.  We cracked up as each one displayed their one little personalities during it. 

All 9 grandchildren

 Jake slept through the whole photo shoot

 Sophia was just happy to be there!

 Hailey wasn't amused by any of the tricks to get her to smile.

 And this funny girl....I'll let the pictures do the talking.

 (my favorite!)

 Hannah teased until it was her turn and then turned on the angel moves!

 Kate was sweet the whole time!

Jack hated being there, but in the end, was happy to smile for the camera.

 Lindsey was great - and looked so grown up!

Emily was the 4th mother there and is beautiful!