Memorial Day

Hanging out around the campfire...one of our favorite things.

So, you all may think I'm a little strange cause I'm posting a blog entry from 'May', but my OCD won't let me miss an entry...I'm trying to catch up.
The last weekend of May has become a family tradition to go camping at Alred Flats campground in Wyoming. There are always other family members that meet up with us there. We're never sure what kind of party we're in for until we get there. This year was very rainy and cold, but fun. We always drive over to the cemetery in Afton and typically have lunch at the park one of the days we're there, but it was too cold this year. We've been camping so much this summer that our trailer is literally becoming our second home. Braxton absolutely loves it.

Bear Lake Trip

This was our second camping trip with the Vernon's to Bear Lake. We actually camp at Beaver Mountain and then drive down for a day. We had a lot of fun with them and the day was perfect. Braxton loved the water. I didn't think he would go for it since it was so cold, but he proved me wrong.
My favorite thing about this day was watching Braxton try to imitate James in making a sand castle. James would fill up a bucket with sand, pack it down, and then turn it over so it made a little sand castle. Braxton would put a few shovelfuls in the bucket and turn it over expecting it to come out the same.

Lunch on the beach

Hangin' with Dad

Bloomington Lake Hike

Braxton was not a happy camper for this little excursion. He burnt his hand on our trailer right before we left. We hiked up to the lake and watched some people on the rope swing for a while and then headed back. The Vernon's hiked around to the other side of the lake and found a log to climb on. They brought their new dog Lucy on this trip and we had a lot of fun with her.

The Vernon Clan

On our way out

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

This summer we took the opportunity to see all the airplanes we could. We went to the Logan Airport for their annual open house. Braxton got to climb on some of the airplanes/helicopters so he can see more of what dad gets to do. We were able to see some friends that we don't really see any other time of the year that fly in to help or those who just show up for the airshow. And...lunch on Leading Edge made it even better. They did a great job putting the open house together. Thanks!

Braxton standing on the runway at Logan Airport.

Braxton and Jacqui standing on one of the planes.

We also went to Hill Air Force base for the airshow. The crowds were amazing. We had only been there about 30 minutes and Braxton asked if we could go back to the car. He's not a huge crowd lover and was basically done the minute we got there. We drove to Ogden with my parents and Aunt 'Ashee' then took the front runner to Clearfield. From there, they had a bus we could ride up to the base. It worked out great and Braxton got to ride on a train too.

Our first experience on Frontrunner. We thought it was pretty fun...and convenient too.

Things were crazy loud. Braxton wasn't too sure about all the noise. And we kept telling him when the planes flew over to cover his ears. I think he just kept his ears covered most of the time. We walked through this plane, which I think was a G5, and then we set Braxton up on on one of the engines. This plane was HUGE. We didn't make it to the finale with the Firebirds...everyone was too tired to wait it out.

Father's Day Weekend

Here are my boys! Aren't they cute? Father's Day this year more consisted of the whole weekend. We were able to go to Ogden and celebrate both Father's day and James' birthday with his parents. We always enjoy going down and hanging out with them. Braxton played in the backyard and we ate at Olive Garden...our favorite. Our little family went to Bluebird to celebrate on Saturday. James loves this place and I don't agree to go there very often. Sunday, I had to give a talk in church. No, not about Father's, but about being 'Spiritually Born Again'. I was very intimidated by the topic, but grew to love it as I sifted through 50 pages of Conference talks. James is on the grave shift, so he missed out. When we got home, I made him his favorite breakfast, French toast. Later that evening we went to my dad's house for dinner. Braxton LOVES being at their house. I think he'd rather live there. James offered to leave him there for a few weeks, but I quickly shut him down on that idea. All-in-all we had a great Father's day. Braxton is so proud of his daddy and wants to be just like him one day.

Mother's Day Weekend

For the last couple years, we've gone camping Mother's Day weekend. This year we stayed at the Provo KOA. There was an awesome jogging trail that took us on quite an adventure where we ended at a park. The picture of me and James standing in front of the water is actually right under the interstate. You can see the road above us. We also got to stand under a train that went by...that was a loud crazy feeling...but now we can say we did it.
We went to Thanksgiving point and walked through the gardens and to the Dinosaur museum. Braxton didn't like playing in the sand there...he said he needed to wash his hands. I still don't think he fully grasps the idea of dinosaurs...with skin and without. We toured Cabela's...and the next day we went to the Living Aquarium in Sandy. If you haven't been, we all thought this was a cool place to visit. It was a beautiful weekend...we always love our first camping trip of the year.

Wow! It's been a month since I posted and for some reason I think I have to have a picture with every post. So...I have lots of fun pictures, but they haven't ever made it on here cause it's more work to load the pics. I took pictures of our family in green for St. Patty's and Braxton eating his ALL green dinner. Lots of pictures of his and his niece's birthday parties. We have more than enough Easter and baby animal days pics...so one day now...maybe I'll even get around to scrapbooking them. At least blogging helps keep me more updated...or at least an intention to do so.
Spring is finally here and we are having so much fun playing and working outside. I figure we'll get it out of our system before it gets too hot...then we'll move on to the pool...right? This will be the most challenging year with Braxton, by far. He has hit the independence stage and wants to go off by himself to play. However, I think this will be the most fun year yet. He is so excited about seeing different things and he is SO excited for camping. We can't even say the word without him crying because he wants to go 'RIGHT NOW'. It got even worse when my dad came out this week to de-winterize his trailer and get it ready to go for the summer. We are looking forward to a summer full of fun activities and trips with friends and family.