Summer Fun

We have so many fun memories from our summer this year.  I don't think we have ever had a busier one! It was literally one thing after another all summer.  I think we had maybe one or two down weeks the whole summer.  Despite the craziness it was a blast and we wouldn't trade it for anything.  I have to admit I wasn't the best about always having my camera with me so my pictures are limited.  Here are a few of the highlights we captured. 

Scout camp

 Motor Speedway museum with Drew and Chelsea

 Paddle boating the canals with the Carson cousins

Our kids had a blast doing this! They had wanted to do it for a long time so it was a great activity to do with their cousins.  They will remember it forever. We miss you guys! 

Utah...

The rest of our trip out west was spent at my Parents house in Utah.  It was so great to be there and spend so much time with everyone.  We did so much and the pictures don't even begin to show it all.  It was a more low key time and I usually forgot to take the camera with me.  We were able to have a reunion with my moms side of the family, visit the Thompsons in Ephraim, go to Park City, have an outdoor movie and more.  Here are a few of the pictures I have.  

Chuck E Cheese

 4- Wheeling in Ephraim

 A day at the Alpine pond.

We love our time in Utah and are always so sad when it comes to a close.  It is amazing how fast 3+ weeks can go by.  We miss you all so much already and can't wait to see you again. 

Island Park cont'd.....

We spent nearly a week up in Island Park playing and having fun.  In addition to a wonderful 4th of July here are some of the great memories we made...

After a day cooped up because of rain the kids were super ready to go outside and burn some energy.  Never underestimate the excitement of a puddle..... or the mess!

Tanner I am in agreement :) Eeew!

The kids had so much fun in the evenings with sparklers, campfires, smores and Grandpas scary stories. 

On a whim, mom and I bought some silly string at the dollar store before we left.  It was probably one of the best 5 minutes we had! We broke into two teams....
1) Grandpa  2) Everyone else

Thanks for being such a good sport...we love you!

 

Every night when everyone else was asleep some little elves would come out and put something in front of Grandma and Grandpas door.  They woke up to a forest, toilet paper door, a gathering of critters and more.  I must add that it was very late...the little elves were overtired....and it all seemed really funny at 1:00 in the morning :)

 

I think all the kids saw more huge fish in this one week than they probably ever will again.  Little boy heaven!

We had such an amazing time in Island Park! We can't wait to do it again in 15 more years.  So many laughs, smiles and good memories.  I think this was always my favorite sight I saw though.  

After all, it is all about spending time with those you love... no matter where you are. 

We love and miss you all!

4th of July

What a wonderful vacation we had.  We were able to go to Utah for almost a month this summer.  It was amazing and we had such a great time.  We got to see almost all of our extended family in Utah and Idaho.  Our trip was jam packed with all kinds of activities.  There is so much to post that I am going to have to take a few days to do it.  

The first week we were there we drove up to Island Park in Idaho.  My parents rented a really cool house and it was full of all my brothers and sisters and the kids - minus a few working husbands and Bostonians who we missed... :( 

We spent the 4th of July in Yellowstone. Here are a few highlights of our day...

It can't be a Lords family trip without a crazy hat picture!

 The kids loved Old Faithful!

 There were all kinds of fun geysers throughout the park...

 Yes Kaden...follow the rules...

 Waiting for Old Faithful...

 It is not Yellowstone without a buffalo sighting!

 We miss our cousins already!

 Grandma and Grandpa bought all the grandkids matching shirts....how cute!

 I think Jacksons face here sums up our whole day....

Yes... it was that fun!

Sugar and spice and everything nice....

Our family was so excited to have a little girl when Brooklyn was born.  After two energetic boys I was excited for a little pink and frill. I hoped that my little girl would be one who liked dresses and girly things and didn't sway towards her brothers interests.   I can say without question that Brooklyn has not disappointed on the girly front.  I don't think she could possibly be any more girly. Here is some evidence that I have had fun documenting. 

This is how I found her asleep.  This is actually pretty common.  If it isn't a tutu..it is sparkle shoes or jewelry. 

 Did you notice the shoes??

 What is a girl without a little attitude?

 Going shopping...sorry Tim! This might be bad when she is a teenager :)

 We recently re-did her room all cute and girly.  She loves it.  

 Those flowers are actually night lights!  Cool, right?

We love you cute girl!!