Happy 4th!

Ryon was out of town working for the 4th of July, so luckily we had some great friends (the Darrow's) invite us to spend the day with them. The morning of the 4th we went to the parade in Buhl. We had "front row" seats and the kids each filled a bag with candy that was thrown from the floats. After going home to take a quick nap, we went back to the Darrow's for a BBQ and fireworks. When we finally got home at 10:30 - everyone was ready for bed!

The kids waiting for the parade to begin


Best buds - Hoyt and Logan - showing their patriotism

Jett and Paige

Sparkler time!

Hoyt and his "girls"

When it came time for the "big fireworks" Hoyt had to cover his ears!

Grandma Murray's Birthday

Grandma Murray's birthday was on July 3rd, so it was great timing that we were able to be in town to help celebrate. We decided to go to dinner in Pocatello at one of Kathy's favorite restaurants - Red Lobster. Noelle and Kyle were able to come and help celebrate, and since we were in Pocatello, we went back to Noelle and Kyle's house after dinner for some cake and ice cream. What a fun night!

The gang at dinner to celebrate Grandma's birthday


Hoyt loved being able to "pet" the lobster - I don't think he had any idea that it was about to become someone's dinner!!

Getting ready to light the candles

I do believe that Hoyt thinks every birthday cake is his

Opening presents with grandma

Hoyt and Landon playing outside

Idaho Falls Zoo

The second half of Cathryn's visit, we went to Pocatello to spend some time with Noelle and her family. One of the days we decided to take the kids to the Idaho Falls Zoo....it was lots of fun!

Ready to go into the zoo


Madi, Landon and Hoyt

Grandma Murray helping Hoyt get a CLOSER look

Jett was a good boy all day - and Aunt Cathryn was a big help!

The kids loved the lion....

and had fun taking pictures with the tiger

Noelle helped the kids stand like the flamingos

Could these two be any cuter?

Hoyt and Landon enjoyed riding in the wagon - here they are looking at an enormous pelican!

Visitors!

This week we were lucky to have Aunt Cathryn and cousins Madi and Parker come to visit. We had a fun couple of days in Twin Falls before we went to visit Noelle's family in Pocatello. Hoyt had the time of his life with his two older cousins and I loved having Hoyt occupied ALL DAY LONG!! Cathryn and Madi were also a big help with Jett. I wish they lived a little closer!

Twin Falls biggest tourist attraction - Shoshone Falls



The kids thought the falls were pretty awesome

We also went to the Twin Falls temple. (Hoyt loves to drive by the temple every time we're in town)

The kids in front of the water fountain at the temple

My boys!

After visiting the Falls and the temple we decided to hit Jump 2 It. The kids had a "ball"

The obstacle course was a big hit

I think Hoyt could handle having Madi around every day!

Funny Hoyt

The other day Hoyt was looking at one of Ryon's Cabela's magazines. He saw a picture of a man out shooting and decided to dress up like him. When he came to show Ryon and I he brought the magazine and said, "Look....I'm just like this man!" We couldn't stop laughing, because he did look just like him - right down to the eye wear, ear gear and Cabela's hat!

Home Sweet Home

The day we got home we were so excited to see dad and get back into our routine (Let's be honest.... I was the only one excited about getting back in our routine)! 8:00 reading stories and 8:15 bedtime-hallelujah!! Hoyt decided to read Jett a story, and I just had to pull out the camera.

Headin' Home

After a week and a half of fun in California, it was time to head home. However, before we made the long trek home we had to visit a few parks and see Faith, the kids and big grandma one more time.

Hoyt and Landon....ready to roll


Picnic at the park!


Ava is so cute


Saying goodbye to Isaiah - Hoyt cried when we left (He said he wanted to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house!)


At the park with Grandma and big Grandma


Hoyt loved the water and loved playing with cousin Riley


Landon giving Paiton a ride in the ladybug


The whole gang right before we left for home

Family Time

While we were in California we got to spend lots of time with family. Hoyt loved playing with Isaiah and the rest of his cousins, and Jett enjoyed being "loved on" by everyone. One evening all the adults went out to dinner, while the older cousins watched the little kids. After dinner we went back to Seth and Cathryn's house and visited.

The adults (and babies) out to dinner


Some of the cousins back at Seth and Cathryn's


Jett loved all the attention!


Austin, Seth and "little" Seth. Seth is off to BYU and while we were in California, Austin signed a four-year scholarship with BYU to play football. He will graduate from high school next year and be off to BYU too!


Cute kids!!


Hoyt missed wrestling with his dad, so Seth was willing to step in and tackle him! Hoyt also loves wrestling with Uncle Kyle (Holly's Kyle).


Again....Jett loved the attention from the big boys!

Road Trip!

Noelle and I decided to take a "little" road trip to California with our children. Some might call us crazy to drive 12 hours with children ages 5 months, 9 months, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 but we made it. (Although Noelle swears she is never making the drive again until her children are at least 5!)

Even though the drive was difficult at times....once we made it to California we had a great time. We were able to attend graduations, and graduation parties, play with cousins, and visit Grandma Gilbert. We had lots of fun!

Some of the family after church - Seth and Caleb were ordained as Elders


Graduation party!


The three graduates; Caleb, Spencer and Seth


Jett enjoyed the party


Jett and Ava - hard to believe that Ava is 9 months and Jett is 5 months


Cousins!!