4th of July

 The 4th of July was the BEST this year!   Three summers ago, we had just said goodbye to my parents, and started the first of many holidays without them.   But, this year, it was our FIRST holiday back together!   So, so fun!

Jon, Emily & Jack got up early on the 4th and ran the Murray Fun Days 5K.   Jon said both did a great job!  (I was sad to not get any pictures, but I just didn't have it in me to drag the other 4 kids down there).   I guess there was a really rude lady at the finish line when Emily crossed.  She crossed the finish line, went into the port-o-potty and threw up (she gets this from the Sorenson side), then attempted to turn in her number.  A rude lady, in a green shirt, stuck her nose in Emily's business and told the poor kid taking the numbers not to accept Emily's.    If I find out who that lady in the green shirt is, mama bear may have a word or two!

Anyway, the other girls and I got all dolled up for the day!

We spent the day getting ready for a celebration at our house!  My parents were able to come in the middle of the afternoon and we visited and just enjoyed having them there.  As soon as my other siblings got there, we took some cute family pictures!

This is our attempt to get my parents and their grandsons.   Jake & Max were perfectly willing to cooperate.   Jack on the other hand...

 Attempt #1

 

 Attempt #2

 

 Attempt #3

 

 

 

The granddaughters on the other hand, were all perfectly willing to pose...

 



 My cute parents!

 

 This is all of us - minus Pete, Jack & Jon

 

We had the Graf's & Cowden's over too and had a delicious BBQ.   Jon had to work that night, but Mike was the master-griller and everything tasted delicious.   After baths for the little ones, we went outside to pop pop-its, sparkle sparklers & let off fireworks.

 Brooklyn in her cute, new patriotic pajamas.  Her brother had matching ones, but managed to pour an entire can of pop on them.

 

Happy, Happy Independence Day America!!!



Swimming Lessons

 We have done a lot of swimming lessons this summer.  I've never done 2 sessions before, but I decided to this summer and even though it makes for a lot of days, it's been great!

Kate has really taken off with her swimming.   She easily passed her Level 3 during the first session and she's currently in Level 4 and loving it.  She's a great swimmer and it's been so fun to see her become really confident in the water.

And then there's Hannah.  Hannah is very timid in the water, which I am actually very grateful for.  I know that she'd never jump in when the teacher wasn't watching or something like that.   She's done really well though and she's starting to get it.   The one thing that she will not do though is jump off the diving board.  They got her up there once and they had to pull her in.  We'll see what happens this week - this is the last week of lessons.

Jack has done really well too!  He passed Level 4 during his first session and is doing Level 5 this session.  He's a great swimmer, but still has some work to do on his dives. :)

Hailey has been a really good sport during the kid's lessons.  Thankfully, there is Izzy - the dog.  There is snacks.  But most importantly, there is the I-Pad.

Great job little Bowen's!

Santa Cruz - Wednesday

Wednesday was our last day in Santa Cruz - everyone else stayed another day, but we needed to get back to Salt Lake so that Jon could leave for Youth Conference.

What a cute sight in the mornings!

 

 

On Wednesday morning, Becky M., Annie, Becky C., & I found the local quilt/craft store and went to explore.  So fun!

 

Then, after we got back, Lindsey went with Annie, Richard & Misty to go paddle boarding.  They did a great job and no one fell in!   Becky Cowden was soooo sweet and after taking pictures of the paddle-boarders, took Hannah & Kate to an aquarium.  They got to touch fish, stingrays, etc. and had a great time!

That late afternoon/evening, we went back to a favorite spot at the beach for a BBQ.  Richard Olsen was so kind and sat at our spot for several hours so that we'd have a good pit to roast hot dogs & marshmallows over.

 

Again, the weather was gorgeous and the food was delicious!

  

 Me, Jon, Emily & Lindsey

 

 The Cowden's have some really good friends - Jake & Shannon - who we got to meet and see a couple of times.  Jake grew up in Santa Cruz next door to Willie, Becky's husband.  Jake & Shannon were so fun to visit with and so kind to all of us.

 

 A dirty face = fun night at the beach!

 

Baby Max was a really good sport with everything!  Sweet little guy!

 



These 4 loved the hot tub!

 

 

Again, this was such a fun trip!  A huge thank you to Becky, Annie & Jesse for sharing their trip with us!   And to Becky & Becky for letting me have all these pictures!