Four years

Tuesday the 12th was our anniversary. To celebrate we left the kids with grandma and grandpa Russell, and enjoyed dinner at Olive Garden, we went the dollar movies to see Iron Man, and then we sat outside the temple remembering that wonderful day that started the rest of our lives.
This has to have been the most wonderful and trying four years of both of our lives. From two pregnancies, learning to be parents, to five moves, many job opportunities, day dreaming about where we'd like to spend the rest of our lives together, buying a new car together, and I don't even know how many majors we've been through and so many other things, to growing more in love with each other as time goes on. (That has to have been the worlds longest sentence:)
Luckily these have been the most trying years of our lives, because even then, they've been full of so much joy. I love you Richard. Thank you for the wonderful man you are, and all of the love and hard work you put in to our marriage and our family. I've never seen children who adore their daddy so much.

Salem Days Parade

Salem has the best parade, it's short, and they throw lots of candy. But this year was even better. They were throwing otter pops, and one float was even handing out potted plants, to every one. This year their were a few more floats because it's the first year we'll have our own high school. So the new Salem High Schools football team, cheerleaders, drill team, and band were all there.



After the parade everyone ran to the ballpark and waited for a helicopter to drop down ping-pong balls, then everyone took their balls to redeem their prizes. This is the first year they've done the ping-pong drop so that was pretty exciting.

Fun Filled Week

Last week we had a little summer vacation we planned with James and Becca. We just stayed around here. Richard and James took off work and we just hung out for the full week. Monday we all went to Seven Peaks. Which was a blast! This was the first time this summer I think my boys really Loved the water. Landon even built up the courage to venture off into the wave pool on his own, he and his infant tube about half way while the waves were off and just played happily. The big kid slides were definitely his favorite. They kept him busy for about an hour. And for Richard and I, Boomerang was the very best.
Tuesday was James' birthday so we had breakfast together and a BBQ and Becca's parent's house.
Wednesday we had a picnic at the park, and played Frisbee. Afterwards we stopped for snow cones. That night James and Becca went out to dinner while we watched baby Grace.
(We don't even have pictures of any of this)
Thursday we left early in the morning to find a campsite.

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Camping

This is the first time we've been real camping (not in my parents front yard) as family. I've put it off as long as I could for the fear of taking the kids and the lack of sleep. I don't know what I was so afraid of. The kids loved it, and we all had fun. Yeah the whole night sleep wasn't the best but not near as bad as I had imagined it. Carson's unsteady walk up and down the hill was the cutest thing. And Landon was so into the fire that's all he talked about besides the bugs. Camping was perfect with little boys, and I never thought I'd say it, but I can't wait to go again. Are you up for it James and Becca?
My boys setting up the tent for our good night sleep:)
Carson and Mommy
Daddy and Landon heading out for a walk.
Carson and Landon playing baseball with a Landon's hiking stick and a mini basketball:)
James, Grace, Becca and Landon sitting around the worn out fire.

Yummy, now this is what you go camping for. I think it's done Landon.
James Becca, Mindy and Landon all fixing breakfast in the morning.

On our way home from camping we took a little detour to Squaw Peak. Amazing isn't it?

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Boating

Uncle Rick and aunt Julie took us out boating and wave running Saturday morning. I got to try out the knee board and then they brought out the tube. Sadly none of the pictures turned out of Richard but his ride and bifts were awesome. After Richard, Kristine and I got on. We were so beat up from such a rough ride I know I'm still feeling it. But no amazing bifts, shucks. So much fun.

This is the only picture that worked out. Kristine is the one leaning off the edge, Jaquelynn's in the back with Kayla on her lap then it's Landon and me. Kayla loved it but Landon was ready to get off as quick as he got on.
Saturday night was also mine and Richards night to go out while James and Becca watched the boys. We stopped by Panda Express and took our food to an outdoor amphitheater and watched Pride and Prejudice. What a fun week!