Movie Fun

Grandma Margie invited us to go to the movies with her and Cortnie, Brennen, and Gabe.  She is watching them while their parents are in DC.
We went on Tuesday because tickets are cheaper that day.  We went and saw "The Incredibles."
Allie really wanted to see the movie but once we got to our theater she started crying and did not want to go in.  I had to make her go in and had to calm her down.  I think she was afraid it was going to be really loud.

She held her ears for a little while but then lowered her arms and started to relax.  It didn't take too long for her to then ask for popcorn and she was enjoying the movie going experience.  She did really good for the rest of the show and said she really liked it and wants to go again.
The rest of the kids really liked it too and did a great job.  Going to the movies with cousins and Grandma is the best thing ever.  Grandma Margie is so good to us!

Bear Lake - Sunday: Clean up & Go Home

On Sunday morning we woke up to the yummy smelling breakfast being made by Boyd.  After we ate the yummy breakfast we starting to clean up the house.  We packed up our cars and did all the required cleaning.
After everything was done we drove back home.  It was a nice drive and we made good time.  We were glad to be home (even though it was super hot).  We unpacked the car and all of our stuff.  We then got Koda from the Kunzler's and he was so happy to be back home with us.  We sure love Koda and the Kunzler's for taking such good care of him.
We had a great time at Bear Lake and look forward to this family reunion every year!

Bear Lake - Saturday: The Greatest Show "kid" Show

Averee had been planning to have the kids do "The Greatest Showman" for the adults up at Bear Lake for months.
She gave everyone a character from the show and then they performed the songs.  It was so adorable.  Josh was the main guy and announced each act before it started.  Tyler was his partner from the show and he and Averee did a dance together.  They both did a good job dancing together.  Megan was the singer and got to sing and dance.  She was super cute.

All the kids did very good and I was glad that everyone got to participate and had a great time.  Allie didn't want to dance so she played in the background on the chairs.  We all enjoyed watching the show and I am so proud of all the kids for participating. 

Bear Lake - Saturday: Riding the Tube on the Boat

This day was tubing day.  Boyd took Tyler and Averee first to go on the boat and ride on the big tub.  Tyler said it was fun and terrifying.  He had a wonderful time.
Instead of switching off the kids on the dock they had Tyler and Averee jump off the boat by our house and then Hayden, Conner, and Logan swam out to the boat and climbed on.  It was pretty entertaining to watch.

Julie and I wanted to ride on the tube as well.  We took Kimball, Averee, Tony, and Allie with us and met Boyd at the dock.  We didn't want to do the swim and switch like the younger kids.
Julie, Averee, and I started on the tubes together.  We were too heavy all together so the boat wasn't able to go very fast.  So Averee got back into boat and just Julie and I went on to ride the tube.  We had so much fun.  We held on so tight and got some really good air.

After a while Julie got off and let Averee have another try on the tube with me.  We had tons of fun and got some good air too.  I almost talked myself out of going on the tube because I didn't want to get wet or I worried about being to scared, but I had a wonderful time and I am so glad that I did.  I can't wait to get to go again!

Bear Lake - Saturday: More Water Fun

Sometimes we used the water tubes for playing in the lake and other times they were used as fun hangout seats.  The girls enjoyed sitting in the tubes watching shows and coloring.  They were pretty cute in them.
We really loved that we could go into the lake from right in front of our house.  My parents brought a big floating flamingo and the kids loved it.  All floating toys were a big hit.  Everyone loved playing in the water and they didn't let the cold water stop the fun.

Bear Lake - Saturday: Fun Family Hike

We wanted to do something fun to get everyone out of the house on Saturday morning.  It was pretty windy and a little chilly so we wanted to wait to go into the lake.
Boyd found a hike that was about 1.5 miles and looked very family friendly.  So we all got ready and went out for a family hike.  It wasn't very far to drive to the parking lot of the hike, maybe 10 minutes.
It was a beautiful mountain hike.  It wasn't too steep on the trail and was a perfect hike for families.  Allie did really good for most of the hike and just asked to be held a few times.
Megan complained a little bit about walking the whole time, but generally only when she saw Allie was on Tony's shoulders.

The boys loved every minute of it.  They love doing anything with their cousins, but being in the great outdoors where they can explore and be noisy is just the best thing.
It started out a little cool, but quickly warmed up.  It was a big difference in the shade versus the sunshine.  Allie and I took off our sweatshirts after about 15 minutes.
We read the signs that talked about the trees and plants and then Grandma Kim pointed out even more about the trees and plants.  It was a fun hike and I am glad that we all did it together.

Bear Lake - Friday: S'more Time

You gotta do S'mores at Bear Lake.  The men made the fire and the kids had a wonderful time making and eating S'mores.  A fine tradition that everyone enjoys!

Bear Lake - Friday: Boating Fun

Boyd came up Friday afternoon with his boat.  He got it into the water and then took turns giving us all rides.  I got to go with Julie, Kimball, Hayden, Tyler, and Allie.  Allie was so excited to ride the boat.  Josh and Megan didn't want go on the boat, so they stayed back.
Allie told Boyd that she wanted him to go fast and then when he did she laughed and squealed with delight.  She had such a wonderful time, we all did.  Good times on the boat with Uncle Boyd!

Bear Lake - Friday: Fun in the Park

Some wanted to get burgers and shakes for lunch so they went and picked them up and then we all met at the park.
We had food at the house so our family ate there and then we met up with the others at the park.  When we got to the park their were a few booths with fun activities.  I asked what it was and they said it was free activities for kids so our kids were super happy about that.
They had a bounce house, face painting, fishing for prizes, bubble machine, and a huge Jenga game.  All the kids loved doing all these things.  Allie, Megan, and Josh got their faces painted, but Tyler didn't want to.  I never pay to do this since it just washes right off, so they were happy to finally get it done.

Tyler loved playing the huge Jenga game.  Megan's favorite was the fishing for prizes game.  I had to cut her off after so many times.
Josh loved the bubble machine.  He started out just getting his legs covered in bubbles but by the end the kid was soaked from head to toe.  He loved rolling around in the bubbles.  It was pretty funny.
The library was having a rummage sale in the pavilion and we checked it out and found us a few good finds.  We got Megan a necklace (.25). Allie some bubbles (.25) and me a case full of CD's for $2.00.  Some good deals.
The kids did play on the playground at the park for a while (the reason we went to the park) before we went back to the house.  The kids were ready to play in the water again. 

Bear Lake - Friday: Wet Sand Play

We woke up on Friday morning to a very wet backyard.  The sprinklers were on and totally soaked the sand volleyball court.
Julie, Kevin, and I decided to go on a walk/jog before everyone woke up.  It felt so nice and cool and it was so nice chatting and getting exercise with my siblings.
When we got back Tony had breakfast all ready and the kids all fed.  It was perfect timing for us.
After eating breakfast the kids thought the wet sand looked super fun to play in so they all went out and started the messy fun.
The older kids made mud babies and even started a sand baby orphanage.  Julie and I loved this because we used to make mud babies when we were kids.
The kids got wet and dirty and had a wonderful time.  It was a lot cooler this day then the day before but the kids didn't seem to mind and it actually felt really good to get a break from the heat of Salt Lake.  It was the perfect way to start the day before playing in the lake.