HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

Let me just start by saying that this is probably my favorite holiday. I look forward to it all year and it is always gone too fast. That being said, pardon the length of this post, but, I love America and the chance to celebrate our freedom!!

Since we moved back to Utah 4 years ago we started the tradtion of going to the ballon fest the day before the 4th. It is such an early morning, but so fun to see all of the balloons blow up and then take off. The kids love it, and they hardly know where to look first. As cheesy as it sounds, I find myself teary eyed every year as I watch the kids so happy as we do something that can only be done once a year. In fact, I find myself choked up a lot on this day as I will explain farther down the page.

This balloon went right over us; I had to duck so I wouldn't get hit by the basket. It was awesome!!

Parade

No 4th of July would be complete without the Provo City parade. Again another early morning, but there is serious competition to get a good spot. This year Ricky tried something new. If you notice the tent in the top picture of this post you will realize that people actually sleep out to save there spot for the parade. Crazy? This year Ricky joined those crazy people and took Brax, Burke, Ellie and Ash and they campled out all night on the side of University Ave. They actually did get some sleep despite the rain at 1:00 in the morning. This is one of those things I get teary about because the kids will never forget the year the slept on the side of the road to get a good spot. So Fun!!

Ellie loves these little crown things they sell every year. Since she is the only girl she gets one without having to ask more than once.

At the beginning of the parade they had all of the emergency vehicles with their sirens on. Holy Moley it was so LOUD!! For like 5 minutes you coudn't hear anything but sirens. It was great! Ashton was in heaven and we could barely get him to sit down for this picture. He jumped and pointed and yelled with joy at sight of endless fire engines.

Annual BBQ
After the parade we always head to my parents for a BBQ witht he neighbors who are like family which ends in a water fight without fail.

Before everything got started we had a snake cathing party in the backyard. There are two garden snakes that live under the patio and all the grandsons wanted my dad to catch them. To do what with I don't know. So, my dad put the hose under there to force them out. All of us womenfolk thought it was mean and that they would drown for sure. But as you can see it worked and the both came out and were terrified I am sure.

This was the highlight of the afternoon for Braxton. Since he has a broken arm he couldn't play outside with everyone because he couldn't get wet and the kids are so crazy. He actually fell on the stairs and hurt his arm, so he opted to stay inside and watch a movie. Thankfully he made the most of the snake situation which he totally enjoyed!

Bradley was a hoot to watch. Ther was a slip n slide fort he kids and he thought it was the neatest thing. He would walk on it and slip and then he woul laugh and laugh at himself. He is a water baby and could't get enough of everything going on.

This is a perfect picture of summer to me. Sitting on the sidewalk eating popsicles. Does it get better than that?

Stadium of Fire
At the last minute we decided to go to the Stadium of Fire. I love going to this and go as often as we can. This is one of those times when I am emotional the whole time! My favorite thing about the Stadium of Fire is when the F-16's fly over. I love seeing them because it means that we are free and there are people protecting us. There is nothing that can immitate the noise and the rush that comes with those jets. It is awesome to me!

This is just us waiting for the show to begin. So much anticipation!

The main perfomers for the night were the Jonas Brothers. As they are on the Disney Channel all the time the kids were excited. We pummed up for the concert by listening to their popular songs all week long in the car. It was so fun to know almost every song they sang and the kids loved it. Ellie was singing and was thirlled when they played her favorite song "Year 3000." This is her with Joe Jonas in the background.

The neatest thing they did all night, to me, was the retirement of a giant flag that nearly covered the football field. The had probably 20 soldiers each carrying an American flag walk in and line either side of a pathway. Then they had another 20 or so soldiers slowly walk in this ginormous rolled up flag which they walk to a big torch to burn. It was dead silent as they slowly walked in; you could have heard a pin drop. All of my kids, even Ash watched reverently as they waked it in and placed it in the torch to burn. As you can guess, I was nearly a puddle. Thankfully the lady next to me was just as emotional. As soon as they lit the flag on fire, a choir started singing patriotic hymns and the fireworks started and were unbelievable! It was grand if that can even describe it. I love fireworks, and even watching them I get emotional. I have such a deep love for America and the freedoms we enjoy. Simple things like watching fireworks with my family. We are so blessed to be Americans. God Bless the USA!!

Summer Bummer !!

We have had the first broken bone in our family. Braxton broke his arm three weeks ago and it is a major bummer for everyone!!! He fractured his arm right above the elbow playing football. Boys will be boys! We are very grateful that he did not have to have surgery as it was a pretty bad break. He even got by without having a hard cast on it so he is much more mobile. He has been really good about it and the good news is he only has three weeks to go and then we will be back at the pool 3 days a week. Fun times!!

T-BALL

Burke had his first t-ball game last week and he did great! He loves being part of a team and of course running the bases. I am pretty sure he is the biggest kid on the team, but he doesn't care. He is shaping up to be a ball player!!

Last Day of School-YIPEE!!!

On the last day of school I too the kids on a hike up to Stewart Falls. This area is one of my favorite places! We had lots of fun and the kids did awesome! They all made it to the top with very little complaining.

I love the mountains and want to teach my kids to love being outdoors. They seem to have lots of fun and enjoy it.

It was a beautiful day and the kids had fun exploring finding walking sticks and throwing rocks.

Ashton was very proud of the sick he found.

Bradley was so good. He sat in the pack and kicked his feet. He was happy to be carried along looking around at nature and watching the other kids.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Ellie had her first dance recital this week and it was darling!! She looked so stinking cute in her costume I could hardly stand it! The theme for the whole thing was the Wizard of OZ and she danced to somewhere over the rainbow. She loved it and did great!!

She is willing to pose at just about any time.

I loved this picture so I threw it in.

Kindergarten Graduate

Burke loved kindergarten and he did great!! He made knew friends and enjoyed going to school. He can't wait to go all day next year and eat in the cafeteria.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASH!!!!

Ashton has been looking forward to his birthday for weeks! He would ask me everyday if it was summer and could we go swimming for his happy birthday. Thankfully the weather held out and we were able to have a fabulous party at the pool!

He had so much fun being the center of attention for the day. He asked me a couple of times to sing him happy birthday again, which I did happily! What a sweetie!!

Ashton loves trains, cars and anything that moves. We got him a little train set which he loves and plays with every chance he gets!

Memorial Day
Every year for memorial day we go out to Wellington, UT to decorate graves. Where is Wellington you may ask? It is a bitty little town next to Price, UT and there is pretty much nothing there. However, all of my Pinegar relatives are buried there so we go every year. It is a fun thing to do, and it is a great opportunity to teach my kids about their ancestors. This year however, it was raining and cold, all day. We went to Price for a picnic and the next thing we know all of the kids are soaked, bare foot having the time of their life in the rain. I figured it had to be documented. They will never forget this day in Price.

Mine and Rebecca's kids, minus Brigham and our littlest ones.

Ashton and Lily. They may look innocent, but they are trouble with a capital T and partners in crime!

BRADLEY IS ONE!!!

About a week before Brad's birthday we had birthday treats at my moms for all the May birthdays. This was Bradley's first experience with a cupcake.

He really wasn't too sure what to think of it. He didn't seem to think it was that great.

On his actual birthday he still didn't want anything to do with it. He touched it like it might hurt him, and he would barely take a bite. Silly kid!! I am so grateful for my sweet Brad. He is so good and has brought so much joy to our family. I can't believe he is one, but YEAH!!

Brad definitely had plenty of attention on his special day!! Happy Birthday!

Ellie's Preschool Graduation

Well, Ellie made it through preschool with flying colors! She has a had a great year and learned so much. I am very proud of her!!

Miss Diane has taught our three oldest children and we love her. We are very sad that she will no longer be teaching. We will miss her greatly!!

A New Calling

This weekend we had a life changing experience as Ricky was called to be the second counselor in our new Stake Presidency. It was a very sweet and humbling experience to meet with servants of the Lord. I am so proud of Ricky and know that he will serve with his whole heart and be the best counselor he can be. He will also be the bishop for a few weeks while they wait to call a new one. Crazy? Very!! My testimony was once again solidified of latter prophets and modern day revelation. I am excited to serve and support Ricky in this new endeavor!

Take me out to the Ball Game!!!

We have officially entered the world of sports! Braxton started little league last month, and it has been busy to say the least. Coming from a family of all girls and Brax being the oldest, I had no idea how busy little league is! We are the ball park all the time, but it is great. Braxton LOVES playing baseball and he is doing great and learning a lot. It has been a good experience and now I know what to expect from now on. Burke has also started t-ball so that has added to the craziness! I wouldn't have it any other way though!

California Dreamin!!

Ricky and I took an awesome trip to California last month an it was wonderful!!
He would be proud that this is the first picture for the trip. He LOVES Ronald Reagan and we went to the Reagan Library while we were there. It was very interesting and I learned a lot. I would recommend it to anyone. I have to say that I quite like Pres. Reagan as well.

Ricky is a born Dodger fan! The main reason we took this trip at this time is because it was the world baseball classic finals and they were being played at Dodger stadium. How could we pass that up?

We went to the games with our friends Caton and Michelle and we had so much fun!! We laughed and laughed! I love baseball fields!! They are beautiful and they smell heavenly.

Our trip fell over my birthday and our 9th wedding anniversary. We stayed at the Grand Californian and Disneyland to celebrate. When we checked in we found out that we were the family for the day and they gave us balloons and these papers and they upgraded our room to a suite We were surprised and so excited! What a way to celebrate!

This is the view from our balcony. Pretty awesome!

I think this is probably the best birthday I have ever had! Can it get better than being at Disneyland on your birthday? It was strange to be their with no kids, but so nice to do what we wanted. Ricky treated me like a queen and we had lots of fun!

After a few days in LA we went to San Diego for two days. We went to Sea World which we haven't done for a few years. I love watched Shamu. What amazing animals these are. I could sit and watch them all day! However, I had a major laugh attack at the dolphin show as I got a fin full of water right in the face!

I don't know what this place is called, but apparently it is a popular place to go and look at the seals. They were so cute!

After watching the seals, we hiked down to the beach and looked around in the tide pools. These are things we don't get to do very often, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is the part of the ocean that I like.

The biggest highlight of our trip is that we got to go to three temples. We rarely get to go to the temple together and this was a special experience that may never happen again. I have a firm testimony of the temple and the work that we do there. I am so thankful that we were able to go. This is the LA Temple. We went their the first night we were there with Caton and Michelle. It is HUGE! It has an awesome staircase that makes you feel like a princess when you walk down it.

This is the Newport Beach Temple, and it is my new favorite. It was so beautiful inside and the grounds we awesome. Plus, we went their on our anniversary.

This is the majestic San Diego Temple. I don't even know what to say about the beauty and grandness of this temple. I think this totally represents what heaven will look like. I LOVE THE TEMPLE!