Memorial Weekend Camping Trip

Chad and I have been dying to go on some sort of vacation since early March. So, we weren't about to pass up the opportunity for Memorial Weekend! (Even though there were flood warnings and bad weather forecasted for our entire trip.)
We actually decided to skip most of the crowds and leave the Wednesday before the big weekend.  We found a great little campsite, near Causey Reservoir.  There were some small pools of water scattered throughout the campsite due to the swelling water from the river, but nothing big.  The girls actually loved throwing rocks into the water and digging sticks into the mud.  Kinsie couldn't get enough of the dirt and mud!  If I didn't know any better I would say I have two little boys on my hands.
The girls had a rough time getting used to sleeping in the trailer, so we ended up taking a few late evening drives in the truck to help lull them to sleep.  While driving around we were able to get our fill of the wildlife.  Chad saw a good number of elk, we both saw several deer, and we both ended up seeing a grand total of 7 moose.  The one in the picture below actually decided to walk right by our trailer on the first morning.  HE was no more than 20 yards away.  It was pretty exciting.  The girls loved seeing him and every time we got out of the trailer they thought we were going to see the moose.

The weather was actually pretty amazing the entire time we were gone.  We spent most of our time walking throughout the camp grounds, relaxing in the trailer, walking by the river, and trying to get the girls to take naps. 
Friday night our friends came up and joined us for dinner and dessert.  The girls (because that all we have in our two families) loved exploring through the trees and bushes.  Kinsie loved having friends to play with and followed the "big" girls all over the place.  Our friend Rob hung up a rope and made a great little tree swing that everyone took turns on.  Then, we ate dinner, sat by the fire, enjoyed some yummy cobbler, and struggled once again to get our girls down for the night. 

It was so nice to finally get outdoors again as a family.  We both love camping and we were so glad to see that our girls love it as much (if not more) as we do.  We have high hopes of having a busy summer full of camping with friends and family!  If only we could get it to warm up a little.

Kinsie turned 2

So, we took her to the Zoo!

(And fun was had by all!)

Kinsie loves the movie Tarzan, so the gorillas were a big hit!

 She got really excited about the peacock that was roaming around the walkways!

 Britnee had too much fun and was out like a light for a good hour.

 Up close and personal with a Falcon/Hawk and an owl...it was so cool!

 Playing in the water fountain before we headed home.

Then we opened presents and had cake and ice cream.

The next weekend Kinsie's birthmom Dannie (and Dannie's mom Michelle) came by to visit and give Kinsie her gift.

 Kinsie loved it.  She has a thing with dresses and can't get enough of them.  This was really the perfect gift for her.  Dannie and Michelle stayed for dinner and we spent the entire night enjoying Kinsie, talking, and catching up.  It was so nice to have them come and visit.  All in all I think Kinsie had a really great birthday!

(I love this picture!!!  It is absolutely priceless and makes my heart burst with happiness.)

Mother's Day Weekend

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day weekend, because know I did! In fact Saturday was one of the best days I've had in quite awhile.

Our weekend actually got started on Friday. Chad was out of work a little early, so we celebrated by doing some good ol' fashion yard work. I strongly believe that there is nothing like yard work to bring a family together. Chad mowed the lawn while I planted some additional flowers in the beds. After the lawn was mowed and trimmed the girls were able to help daddy trim the tree and haul the branches to the garbage.  They were such good little helpers!

The rest of Friday night (after the girls went down) was spent sewing, wrapping, cleaning, and exhaling.  After a good nights sleep I got up Saturday morning and finished some of the cleaning.  Then (per my request for my Mother's Day gift)we got the girls ready and the car loaded and headed to Utah County to spend the day hiking, visiting family, and barbecuing.

We arrived at our destination Battle Creek Canyon  and started our hike...wagon and all.  The girls did a great job, and yes they did get out and hike too.  Before we had the girls Chad and I did a lot of hiking and some backpacking.  It was nice to get back into it and start up the tradition, plus the love of the outdoors with our girls.

Me and my girls enjoying a little break on the bridge.

After our little hike we headed to "Mama" and "Papa" to visit.  (aka: Chad's parents)  We spent our time there riding Uncle Kyle's motorcycle, playing with toys, reading books, and talking.  It was nice to see them and the girls loved being there.

Then, we headed over to my brothers place for a family BBQ.   Here the girls were able to see their cousins, "Mama" and "Papa" (my parents), Aunts and Uncles, and even my Aunt Teresa and cousin Heather came over for the fun. 

First thing we were sure to do was eat some yummy food.

Then we played some ball...

...and did a little swinging.

Finally, the girls got to see their very first cat up close and personal.

Yes, his tail was pulled several times by Kinsie.

Sunday was spent at church and at home with my family.  This was especially nice since we don't get to see much of Chad on Sundays.  I really had such a great weekend.  It was nice to visit with family and not feel rushed.  It was great to get out and enjoy the beauty of the earth with Kinsie and Britnee.  It was great to see our wonderful Moms and express our love to them.  And, it was really nice to get my fill of these.

I hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day!