Pre-Pioneer Day

Sorry, Kelly and Luke, that was a bright, sunny day!!!  Everyone else looked so cute though, I had to post it!

PRE-PIONEER DAY
So we found out the morning of that the Bountiful parade and fireworks were on the 23rd, not the 24th this year!  Which I think they do a lot, but somehow I always forget.  So we quickly adjusted our plans.  We had been watching Mason Scott in the morning, and jobs weren't done yet anyway.  But we had also had plans to go see Mega Mind at the free matinee at Kaysville Theater.  It was nice that everything still went according to plan.  I loved that Jack totally got into the movie :).  He thought it was funny with me and we laughed together.  I think the kids had a good time.  We came home and Nate and I both took naps :) funnest parents ever, right?  Then headed down to Bountiful for some pizza and parade.  We have mastered the parade.  We found the perfect shady spot to eat our dinner, on the library lawn, next to the driveway that we knew would eventually be blocked off and we could snag seats as they did.  That went well, we had a really awesomely close parking spot so there wasn't a long walk from the car... it was just perfect!  And we did have a nice spot once they blocked off the driveway.  Unfortunately we were in the blazing sun the entire time.  The only downside.  We will have to remember to get the other side of that driveway next time, the shade from the trees reaches that spot towards the end of the parade.  We were fine though!  Nobody died of heat stroke.  The kids loved the parade.  We got a little worried as the first 10 minutes of the parade went by with no candy at all!  But soon enough, there was candy.  I don't think our kids would like parades as much if it wasn't like Halloween.  There were some fun floats this year and we got to see our old stake's float again with the quails.  Very cool.  I love that theirs had so much meaning.  Jack was super picky about which candy he would pick up :).  No taffy.  Made me laugh.  And he had this tiny little purse of Kelly's to hold his candy in.  So funny.  He seemed to enjoy most of the parade, but did lose interest towards the end.  Poor guy was hot and tired I think.  Plus our water situation wasn't in line with his every whim.  Erika was off getting candy the whole time.  She got very excited about the cheerleaders and their free coupon and the giant sticky hand :).  Noah was a busy little guy.  Didn't get as much candy as Bradley apparently, but had a good time.  Plus he was our water guy and would fill up the water bottle at the library frequently- that was nice.  I loved his orange bandana the whole time :).  Luke was the one I didn't really see the whole time.  He didn't come back to show off his goods, I'm sure he worried about missing something if he did.  He had fun.  Who are we kidding, if there's candy he's happy.  Bradley would hold out his bag, just like a trick or treat bag if you ask me, when people would walk by and they would just dump tons of candy in it!  I couldn't believe it.  I loved seeing him sharing with little kids around him though.  Good boy.  Kelly had a lot of fun.  She was cheering really loud and making things exciting.  She always shares a lot too.  She caught a cool shirt from Pizza Pie Cafe!  Charity danced and screamed and cheered the whole time.  Even when she had a hole in her bag :).  Luckily we had a back up.  Nate and I enjoyed staring at the bumbs of the ADULTS who chose to stand directly in front of us.  We only got a small window to look at each parade entry.  Kind of annoying, but what's a parade without someone to be annoyed at.  We did have fun making jokes about them and imagining throwing things at them.  They sat down for part of it which was nice, I wish we'd had the courage to go stand in front of them, that would have been funny :).  HAHA.   It was fun to remember past parades and things we did.  We realized after looking at the blog that we don't remember things as well as we think we do.  Kinda funny.  I kept thinking about next year and how we will have an almost one year old with us by then... kinda crazy to think that this big belly will be a fun little person in the short span of a year.  It made me happy that I could think about this without feeling discouraged too.  This is a fun tradition for our family though, I hope they keep passing out candy so we can keep it up :).  We came home and crashed in front of the tv.  7-23-15

Someday I will make a collage of all of my fire truck in the parade pictures... someday.

Pool Party

THE HATCHES
Sarah and her kids flew in on Tuesday and so we got to hang out with them Tuesday night.  We all got together at my moms for some pizza and playing in the water.  The kids had a lot of fun running around together and acted like they hadn't missed any time together.  That's the cool thing about cousins.  It was fun to sit and talk with Sarah too and hear about their new life in Tennessee.  Sounds like they're living it up.  Makes me miss our adventuring years :).  We got to go to the Splash park with them Wednesday afternoon as well.  Good times.  It's so fun to see our kids together again.  Hopefully we get more time with them as well.  They leave on the 6th of August. 7-22-15

Stowell Family Reunion

STOWELL FAMILY REUNION
Saturday was the reunion.  I thought it went okay.  I was slightly disappointed with it, just because it wasn't like they used to be.  We were in charge of the fish pond, the kids did a great job, but they said the prizes were lame so it wasn't as fun as they thought it would be.  Kinda funny.  Nate made his smoked wings, everyone loved them.  We had John run the auction and he did a great job.  I only wish we could have done the homemade silent auction that we've done in years past.  Not sure why my mom opted not to do that.  Weird.  It was fun to see everyone though.  I enjoyed making the rounds and visiting with everyone.  I'm glad we cleared up a misunderstanding with Jeff and Kirstin- they thought I actually LIKED being pregnant.  They couldn't have been more wrong.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm happy I'm having a baby, I just dislike pregnancy immensely.  I am not one of those people who loves being pregnant.  Now they know that.  I was glad Steve and Jauslin showed up even though it was just for a bit at the end, with the water fight.  Poor Jauslin sprained her ankle and spent most of the reunion in the ER.  Stinks.  But it was good to see them.  7-18-15

Things to Remember Week of 7-26-15

34 WEEKS
These bi-weekly prenatal visits really make things feel like they're moving along.  It's nice.  I don't mind having the excuse to sit and visit with my honey for an hour and then go get sushi together either :).  It's kind of fun.  We heard her heartbeat again and as always, could hear her moving around like a little acrobat.  She just goes and goes.  Not sure what she's doing in there anymore- seems abnormally active, but I'll take it!  I actually feel like it is the hugest blessing to have her moving all the time.  I think I would worry about her too much if she didn't.  I'm a worrier this time around.  I'm probably kidding myself if I think I wasn't the other times, but it does feel worse this time.  I'm very grateful for every little kick and the timing.  I get this overwhelming sense of my Heavenly Father's love.  The fact that He blesses me with that constant reassurance is proof to me that he knows my heart and my thoughts.  He knows what is stressing me out right now and is doing everything in His power to calm my troubled heart.  It's awesome.  I'm not sure I've ever had this kind of an answer to my prayers- this constant reassurance- feels like He knows I'm maxed out right now.  Even when I may not.  I assume she's measuring right on, we were busy talking about Dr. Thackeray's sons on their missions.  I can't believe His son and one of the other doctors in the practice's sons are on the same mission- even companions!  Holy moly.  That's just too cool.  We found out that we are officially scheduled for September 1st at 7:30 am!  Wahoo!!  Makes it feel really real all of a sudden!  I really hope that's not Erika's first day of Kindergarten, I don't know if I will be able to reschedule!  Hopefully it will all work out.  It's very exciting!  Did I mention the sushi was great too??  7-27-15

CHARITY
Kelly taught us about Charity tonight for FHE.  She did such a great job!  I know it was one of her Personal Progress requirements so I know she had some "help", but I was just so proud of how well she seemed to understand and grasp it all.  It was a great reminder to be more Christlike.  I think it was good for our kids who almost none of them even knew what Charity means!  Crazies.  We played four corners- Erika's activity, and ate Dippin Dots- Noah's treat :).  It was a great FHE.  7-27-15

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS
Heidi invited us and the Hatches to go swimming last night.  We had so much fun!  That pool is really a lot of fun!  Jack Jack was so brave and did so many new things.  Spent most of the time doing his own thing.  He liked the frog slide and then when we went over to the 3.5' area he loved jumping into the pool to me- that was a lot of fun.  Erika was a fishy the whole time too!  She was slightly disappointed when she found out that they don't let people help you swim to the side after jumping off the diving board, but she tried not to let it ruin all her fun.  We practiced swimming a bit- she's still got it- although I wish I'd put her back in lessons this summer like I'd planned.  Maybe we can do an afternoon one once school starts- who knows.  She made up a dance with Kelly and jumped off the side to Mom.  She was busy :).  Noah was just barely too short for the water slides which was a total bummer, but he made the most of it.  He had "SO MUCH FUN" and wants to make sure we go back to that pool!  I loved how inhibited he was- hanging on me and swimming around in the pool where he could barely touch.  He sure did have a lot of fun.  It was fun to have Charlie there to play with as well.  Luke spent the majority of his time going on the slides.  It was funny to look over and see his cute face coming off the end of the slide in a big splash.  He enjoyed teasing his siblings as well.  And wrestling with Dad.  Bradley WOWed us all with his bravery on the platforms!  I couldn't believe how brave he was!  Just kept jumping off them.  I couldn't believe he did the RED platform! TEN TIMES! What a cool kid.  I didn't love watching part of me flying through the air helplessly toward the tiny, little pool, but I did love the look of satisfaction and confidence on his face afterward.  It really was huge.  I'm glad everyone made a big deal about it.  I should try to post the video.  He had fun on the slides and shallow pool too.  Kelly kept herself busy the whole time!  She loved watching people brave the platforms.  She attempted a few dives off the low dive and lots of toe touches- that's fun to watch.  She played a lot with Erika in the 3.5', making up dances and having fun.  Charity was pretty busy too.  She enjoyed cheering for everyone on the platforms and the slides.  She seemed to just enjoy being with everyone and watching everyone else have fun.  Just very content.  That was nice.  I think the pool helped with her hip a little too- not sure how that will feel today.  So Nate's big news!  He went off the RED platform too!!!  Holy moly I was so scared for him!  I think even more so than for Bradley just because we adults scare easily.  I knew he'd backed himself into a corner telling everyone he would do it- I knew he wouldn't back down- but I was scared for him!  But he did it!!  So cool!  I love that he demonstrates that courage for our kids.  I think he's part of the reason Bradley was brave enough to do it.  Cool stuff.  I spent a lot of the time in the kiddie splash pool with Jack, but had a lot of fun in the 3..5' area too.  I did a hand stand and a flip which totally sent my brain spinning, holy moly!  I couldn't believe how nauseating one little flip could be!  Luckily it went right away.  I loved cuddling with Jack Jack, trying to warm him up.  It was a pretty cold day- I don't think it was even over 75 out.  Kind of weird for July.  I liked helping Erika to swim and letting Noah hang on me to his heart's content.  It was a fun FUN evening.
Heidi invited us over for dinner as well, which was very yummy and so much fun.  The kids can't get enough of John and Heidi and their cousins they've been enjoying for the past couple weeks!  Good times.  7-28-15

CAMP CERTIFICATION
We finally had our camp certification night.  It was a relief to have it over.  I had volunteered to help with it to lift some of Jami's load, and found out it really is a big job!  Things went pretty well though, I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly we got so much done.  I have to say, I loved hearing Kelly talk about how cool the First Aid stuff was and that she was happy to learn a lot of that.   7-29-15

THE WALL
I don't know if I've mentioned this yet, but Nate got a stone job from a guy at work's parents who live up on the other side of HWY 89 that he's been working on off and on all summer.  He always takes a few of the kids with him and it's ended up being a lot of fun for them.  They love helping Dad and they love being part of that with him.  They went to work on it today and even Erika went this time.  The people he's working for are really nice and especially to the kids.  The woman let Erika come in and make herself a necklace using buttons :).  She sounds really sweet.  Plus she made us a cute quilt for the baby and sent it home with Nate last time.  Just a really sweet lady.  Anyway- Nate, Bradley, Luke and Erika all did that today.  I can't wait to see it!  When they got home, Jack ran up to them giving them all hugs and telling them that he missed them :).  So cute.  "Ga-ka!!!!!  You home!!  Miss you!!!"  7-30-15

SNOW CONES
We met up with Sarah and her kids and Grandpa Hatch at our snow cone place tonight!  It's been so much fun to hang out with the Hatches!  I love that Jack says Alvin :).  They've all been getting along so well and having such a good time together.  They all climbed in the trees and gave us all heart attacks, being so close to the road on 200 North, then we came back to our house for some trampoline fun.  I wish we'd gotten a picture of my Dad jumping on the tramp with them.  He's a fun grandpa.  Our kids are all so lucky to have him.  I've been really grateful for all the time we've been able to be together.  It's going to be hard to say goodbye again!  7-30-15

LAST DAY OF THE MONTH
Things were slightly depressing yesterday for reasons I'm not going to elaborate on, but Nate and I were both feeling it.  We were totally in a funk.  We did manage to clean up the house a little.  I was so appreciative of the clean walls and railings and the dishes that were washed!  It was nice.  I was really glad when Nate suggested that we go get the "coming home" outfit and fabric for a blanket for our new baby.  He knows it's therapeutic for me and it meant a lot to me that he would volunteer to go do that :).  I know it's not as much for him as it is for me, however, he was the one to discover the cutest little dress ever for her to come home in!!  We ditched everyone and went all the way to Ogden for Babies R Us (it's tradition).  She is totally going to love the dress Nate picked out.  I love it!  You should have heard the girls' reaction when we got home and showed it to them!  It's a winner.  We also grabbed some cute onesies (one says "Daddy makes me happy" :)  I thought that was adorable).  It's mostly for me, Obviously.  But taking me to a baby store and letting me pick out new stuff definitely brings a smile to my face :).  Just being with Nate that night was a good thing.  It's been too long since we went on that kind of date.  After Babies R Us, we meant to go to JoAnn's for fabric, but decided to go to a movie and it was starting right then.  We made our way to Station Park.  Unfortunately, Mission Impossible didn't have any good seats left, so we saw Ant Man instead.  I'll admit I didn't really want to see that movie.  But I really liked it!  After the movie (and they have kettlecorn there now!) we went over to Monster Sushi and loaded up on Terriyaki Chicken and delicious sushi!  Twice in one week, hmmmm.  Don't tell Dr. Thackeray.  Anyway- it was a very nice, pleasant evening and I think it was just what we both needed.  I'm always so grateful for my sitters and good kids at home who make those nights possible.  It really is a good recharge.  7-31-15

CLEANING THE CHURCH, LACROSSE CLINIC, SPRAY PAINT
It was a pretty full day on Saturday.  Felt like it was productive at least.  The girls all went to a Lacrosse clinic at the Jr. High, with a lot of the young women hosting.  They came home with big smiles on their faces and talked about how much they loved it.  Kelly is ready to start saving up to join a team!  Even Erika seemed to really like it.  I got a few texts from the YW about how well they all did, how they "rocked it" and "picked it up so fast!".  Charity and Erika both won head bands for doing so well and "winning" on different relays.  Kinda cool.  I was glad they had the opportunity!  I don't know if we can afford a sport like that yet... we shall see I guess.  While the girls were at the clinic, the boys, Nate and I cleaned the church.  Richelle Pearce made it such a pleasant experience, cheering on the boys, talking about how strong they are and how big their muscles are the whole time.  I just love that woman.  It was a good time even though I was dripping with sweat by the time we were done.  Plus, I think the church needs to invest in a new glass cleaner... the glass seemed more streaky after I finished than it had before I started....
When we got home from the church we had a nice, long talk with Noah about his recent ventures over at Corbin's house.  The three stooges got their hands on some spray paint and went to town all over the Clark's backyard.  I felt bad that Noah had done that, but according to him, he had asked Corbin several times if it was okay to be doing, and he reassured him that it was.  Nate and I both felt like Noah was clueless about spray paint.  He really had no idea it was permanent.  I think he still knew better and that's why he kept asking, so most of the lecture was about thinking for yourself and getting an adult's permission rather than Corbin's.  He doesn't have the best track record in my opinion.  So Noah is going to have to take a break from playing with Corbin.  I think the other two boys were grounded, so Noah's basically grounded as well, since he doesn't play with anyone else.  I still didn't feel like we needed to be real hard on him.  He was very remorseful and for the most part, seemed very surprised that they had done anything wrong.  Now he knows though.  I'm shocked that the other boys knew to clean their hands with turpentine and had access to it!!  Mind blown.
We spent the last part of our time with Nate grocery shopping!  Felt good to get some food in the house- we've been putting it off.  We all loved the samples at Costco.  And everyone seemed to enjoy picking out a new toy for the baby and I found a super cheap baby book!!  wahoo!  Paying $6.50 sure feels like a win compared to the $30 ones I saw at Babies R Us.  And EVERYONE has a baby book, so she needs one too :).
The rest of the evening was spent getting ready for Sunday.  Dinner, haircuts, showers, you name it.  I was exhausted.  I was able to muster up some energy to plan my lesson and then went to bed.  8-1-15

Cali

I don't know why it's taken me so long to post about this, I kept wanting to post a picture.  Since Heidi had a perfectly good one, I stole it and now I am finally posting!!  Then in the back of my mind I'm thinking I did post about it, just without the picture, so who knows.  ANYWAY!

Misty had another batch of kittens a couple months ago (much to my dismay... we are procrastinaters when it comes to spaying our pets), and out popped this cute little Calico kitten.  I had always wanted a calico kitten when I was little, and she was so sweet and calm with the kids, Erika loved her, all kinds of good reasons, so we decided to let Erika and Noah adopt her together.  Kind of goes against all the rules we've had in the past about pets... oops... but so far they've done a really good job of caring for her.  Even the litter box.  She is really cute chasing her mom around and wrestling and then cuddling with anyone who will pick her up... she's a sweet little kitty.  Erika loves her :)