Gibber Gabber

For the last year Sam has been really into rhyming. So when Brandon would say Jacksone, Sam would rhyme batbone. And for some odd reason it has stuck as a nickname.

It is a good thing he is learning to talk, because apparently I can't.

Detour to Pasco

On the drive home we dropped by Tim and Haley's in Pasco. Sorry for waking you up with our honking. The boys love their cousin Athen.

PS Brandon flicked the bee off Jackson's face before he was able to sting.

Last Splash

Just before leaving Utah (literally) we visited the swing park again to let the boys cool off in the fountain pools. We were able to meet up with my Uncle Will, Aunt Mischa and cousins. The boys had so much fun splashing and squirting others with the water guns. They just didn't appreciate it in return. Brandon left the park drenched. And as an added bonus I saw the sign, "No swimming, wading. Untreated water." Yuck!

And we got to hang out with this cutie. My cousin Dylan. Need I say more.

Sisters

Rafting the Provo

Brandon and I were able to go white water rafting when we were first married. Ever since Brandon has been wanting to go again. We had heard a lot about Provo River. Some said it was too dangerous and told stories about kids who had recently drowned in the river. We had also heard of a couple rafting tour companies that would take you down the river. It sounded scary, but Brandon convinced us all to go.

It wasn't so much the out of control torrents as a calm stream with some small, no tiny, rapids we pretended were bigger. Sam had fun, but stayed close to dad. Jackson screamed the majority of the first run, anytime someone screamed, bounced the raft or he got wet. So no splashing Jackson's raft. He did better while Lola was holding him. Otherwise so much fun.

Swing. Swing. Swing.

We found a fun park in Orem with a gigantic carousel swing. Makes for hours of fun.

Goblin Valley

My brother, Christopher insisted that we visit Goblin Valley on the way back up to Provo. There are three valleys full of sandstone rocks in increasing size sticking up out of the ground. We got sidetracked playing sardines, so we didn't venture farther than the first valley. But this will definitely be someplace we will visit again.

Brandon saw a lizard and decided to catch it. Classic chasing scampering up a hill after a lizard. But he got it and was excited to show the boys. Jackson was a little skeptical and then decided it was ok and went to either give the lizard a kiss or bite his head off. We didn't wait to find out. Apparently Sam inflicted more pain as he squeezed the lizard almost to death. Poor thing went running as soon as we convinced Sam he wanted to go home.

Activities:

1. Catching lizards

2. Sardines

3. Photo Shoots (we really like taking photos of ourselves)

4. Night Hike

5. Star Gazing

6. Reminiscing about elementary schools and peanut butter and banana sandwiches

Arches National Park

After graduation we headed down to Moab, Ut to hike around Arches National Park. Since one of the arches fell down last year we figured we better hurry before the rest of them fall.

Sam loves exploring the rocks. He found "Sam-sized caves" and Rachel taught him how to be a rock runner.

On our morning hike we were able to see quite a few, but it was so hot we decided to get some lunch, check into our cabins and take a dip in the pool.

Jackson was so cute trying to drink out of the faucet. We let the water trickle and it kept him busy for a while. Cooling his face and refreshment all at the same time.

It was much nicer when we came back that evening. The sunset was beautiful.

Our favorite part was driving out of the park. All the Arches and rocks along the side of the road. Windows down. Perfect temperature. Blarring "Life is a Highway." And seeing Sam rock out in back seat.

The next day we hiked to Delicate Arch, the one on the Utah license plate.

Around the World.

Our Favorite Streadbecks

We were able to spend a couple of days with our friends the Streadbecks. We had fun flying kites, celebrating Jonah's Birthday and taking a tour of the foundry. The kids loved playing together and the big boys loved playing together even more. Just like old times. Brandon and Scott were great to get the kids in bed so Brooke and I could go shopping together. Yeah for clearance sections!

We also visited the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. Jackson loved wandering around and touching all the hands on exhibits. Sam on the other hand, was very hesitant at first. He kept on asking if the dinosaurs were going to come alive and attack us. He lightened up a little when he got to play in the sand.

Thanks for the great time and being such awesome hosts. We love you guys! Can't wait to see you guys in Seattle or on our cruise, which ever comes first.

Graduation

On August 12th we headed down to Utah for my brother Jeremy's graduation from BYU. The festivities lasted two days. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was the commencement speaker. He urged the graduates that they not apologize for their beliefs or take a defensive posture when discussing their religion.

After commencement we headed to the park for a game of wiffleball. Just as we started playing, it started pouring buckets of rain. So we surrendered to a nearby shelter and made our dinner.

Well atleast most of us tried to stay out of the rain. Sam had fun racing his aunts and uncles across the field in the rain. You can see the huge raindrops in the background.

So the second day, after graduation, we opted for an inside venue at Brick Oven. How many families do you see bring their own fudgesicle appetizers while they are waiting for a table?

Q: What do you get when you mix a lemon and a Jackson?

A: Hours of entertainment.