Our Fourth

As is tradition, we made our way up to Idaho Falls for the 4th of July.

We started our festivities with the parade - probably got the best viewing spot in family history. Notice Norah in this picture - sirens were going off!



This kiddo found the best spot to watch the parade - on Grandpa's lap.



In the afternoon we had our annual Croquet Tournament. Is it just me or do we look like the Sandlot?

After two grueling games, these 2 came out as victors.

My cute patriotic baby.

 We went down to the Snake River to watch the fireworks. Not the greatest spot or finale this year, but still fun.

We also went up to Heise Hot Springs to cool off in the summer heat. This was my first time back there since probably high school. The place hasn't changed one bit.

Logan was a little timid of the water for the first 5 minutes. He got used to it fast and loved swimming and kicking in his tube. His favorite games were "blast off" and "motor boat".

This was Norah Girl's first time swimming! She absolutely loved it. The water temperature was perfect and there was even some shade. Here she is with Grandma.

Uncle Andy is always entertaining.

We also enjoyed a picnic lunch and a quick dip in the big pool. The big boys went down the slide a few times. Maybe we'll get Logan on it next year. 

Another big event happened over the 4th - Norah's first tooth! Let's take a closer look:

Still a happy girl! It was such a fun week to spend with family. Happy 4th of July!

Norah at 7 Months

Here's a 7 month update on our sweet Norah girl!



 This month Norah has mastered the art of army crawling. She's getting fast . . . too fast. And she always goes for the things she shouldn't, like shoes, Logan's sippy, or an outlet.

She continues to be very social. She'll often raise her arms while playing. I think she's saying, "Yay for me!" I could swear she's already clapping, but I don't know it its on purpose. 

Norah has also learned how to "talk". Well, as in use a consonant sound. We thought we'd hear mama or dada, but she has a fondness for rrrrrr's. So its ra-ra-ra-ra-ra over and over. Maybe she's saying her name. 

Her favorite place lately is in the infant carrier. We go on lots of walks to the park and its easy to just strap her on. I swear she could stay in it all day.



No teeth yet, and that's ok with me. I love that toothless grin. Doesn't she look so much like Benj in this picture?

We spend a lot of our afternoons on a blanket in the shade. What a great stage and wonderful time of year. 

Happy 7 Months baby!

Bird Watching

Last week we went to the Tracy Aviary. It was our first time visiting and wow, I was impressed! It was a beautiful day and the birds were a lot of fun to watch, like these golden eagles.

Logan had a lot of fun running around, usually not staying within sight and me calling or running after him.

Baby girl was a peach. Its funny, I take a lot of pictures of her in her car seat to document she was there, but you wouldn't know where based on looking at it.

There was a really cool wall where children from all over the area had drawn different kinds of birds. Logan loved it.

I especially loved the peacock.

Logan being a parrot.

Getting to know different owl sounds (he pressed them all at least a dozen times).

After the aviary, we had a picnic in the park with our playgroup (I haven't asked permission to post pictures of them on this blog).

Norah and I watched Logan play in the water after lunch. Note to self: bring the beach ball everytime we  go.

 His favorite thing to do was to chase the ball down the little canals.

Yet another fun day! I love summer.

Family Times

We were able to go to Idaho at the beginning of the month.

Mostly to witness the blessing our my sweet niece.

This was the first time we got to visit the Rexburg temple. It is beautiful.

We did a lot of playing while we were up there. Logan has a special bond with my brother Andy.

Logan also found a sprinkler head and turned it into an airplane. Best imitations are done without clothing.

(photos courtesy of my dad)

Yes folks, even Idaho Falls can get hot - here's Logan's first time running through the sprinklers. He thought it was great.

It was my idea to get some family photos taken at the park. My dad has a great camera and was the willing photographer.

This was probably the best shot of the family. Logan is itching to run and Norah is fascinated by the trees.

Daddy trying to get the wiggles out (didn't help much).

Another fabulous outtake. Norah especially fascinated with the trees in this one.

And again - this time losing a child to the playground.

At least this one can't run away from me yet.

And this guy knows better than to run away.

My whole family.

Cute brother and family.

Cute parents too. :)

Logan thought he'd take a turn being photographer.

Some frisbee fun.

Rolling uncles is fun too.

Love this shot of Sam and little Marlee.

Trying to pose the little cousins.

Not too sure about it . . .

definately done!!!

Haha. Always a fun time in Idaho.