Brown reunion

End of July, until the first week of August we had a Brown family reunion in Wyoming, just outside of Thayne.  It was a really fun week and it was nice to spend so much time with family and not have any distractions.  

We all vanpooled up together and made a stop in Soda Springs, Idaho so my SIL could reminisce about the good ole days of her youth.  Our cabin was very rustic.

hanging out in the pavilion.  This is where we ate meals, shot guns, watched a movie, played games and made a mess with rocks. 

my one year old nephew was so excited when grandma let him hold the pellet gun.

playing card games in the cabin.

evenings spent around the fire.

we spent a day up in Jackson Hole.  Our family walked around the shops and then went to the rec center and swam.  For dinner we met back up with everyone at The Bar J Wranglers. 

Charlotte with her new cowboy hat in Jackson

this was the extent of our wildlife spotting.

waiting for dinner

Bar J Wranglers

Ryan and the three older kids took a 4 hour horse back ride with cousins and Ryan's parents.  They all loved it and said it was so gorgeous up in the back country. 

stopped for lunch

Charlotte got to ride around on a horse before the older kids took off.

We spent a few days playing in the river near by.  because of the current, we tied a rope to the boat so the kids could still float around.  

The boys fished one of the days but only Gavin caught something.

Ryan took the kids on a hike to a natural spring while I sat down by the car and waited.  They each got to take a drink where the spring came out of the mountain.  

making tie dyed shirts.

a camping we will go

Back in July we went camping for 2 nights.  We found a big spot that was right by the stream for the kids to play in.

 Over by the bush where Abbey is, the water got deep enough to swim but was cold so the kids earned money from Ryan by going under.

 we pretty much had a fire going constantly.  That's what big and little boy do when they camp, play with the fire.

 we shot the bee bee gun until we were told "no fire arms".  boring. 

 Ryan had the genius idea that we take up 2 of the extra mattress' in our garage to sleep on, so everyone slept great.  That was probably the latest my kids have slept in all summer.

7/4/12

We went up our canyon for a BBQ with my family.  We got there about 2 and didn't end up leaving until 8:45 because the kids were having so much fun playing and I was having so much fun relaxing.

Grandpa read from the Declaration of Independence and gave the kids a brief history about it and why we celebrate the 4th.  

 Grandma Allen made sure the girls all had something cute to wear.  She made the little girls their cute tops. 

 Grandma Allen made sure she brought plenty for the kids to do.  From relay races to an American pop quiz.  Their favorite was playing frisbee.  

escaping the heat

it has been a pretty hot summer, not the best summer to be pregnant.  Of course.  Luckily we can always escape to our local canyon to cool off.  We went for a little hike.  Seriously, LITTLE.  We went like 1/2 a mile because I lack the ability to hold my bladder when things get too strenuous.  The creek was a perfect spot to stop and play.

 I soaked my feet in the freezing water, thought it could help prevent any swelling.

 see Brody in the water up to his neck?  I told him I would give him a dollar if he would lie down in the freezing water.  The kid likes money.  

we love our Dad

bright light.  breakfast in bed.  he can be a little dramatic

 Cloe and Brody put this together, I was quite impressed with what they came up with.

 cards and presents.

 we love Dad and we had fun making sure he knew how much he was appreciated and loved.  

more summer

I'm trying to keep summer as fun as I can in my current state....

Spanish FOrk reservoir is always a good idea, I sit in my chair, the kids play for hours.

 Cloe and Abbey went to their first overnight Girl Scout campout.  They were gone for 3 days and 2 nights.  I was very nervous while they were gone and didn't sleep well because I was worried they were freezing.  Ends up, they had a great time and slept just fine, nice and cozy in their sleeping bags.

 Finally home!  These girls were filthy!  But bought all kinds of fun stuff with their cookie credit "money" and had all kinds of crafts to show off.

 We are trying out a new sport, lacrosse.  Pretty cool, I'm clueless to the rules but Brody seems to enjoy it.

 Saturday mornings have been spent at swim meets.  ANother fun sport to watch my kids improve in.  Abbey before one of her events (in the blue suit and pink cap)

 and this is why our activities are far and in between, 33 weeks pregnant.

 Charlotte jumping off the diving board at her first swim lesson.  she loved it.