Don't go chasing waterfalls

I convinced everyone to go do something touristy for the day. So we went up the mountains to go visit a waterfall. It was beautiful scenery on the way up. We drove through part of the Alpine loop to get to the hiking spot (Cascade Falls). It was a little overcast and drizzly in the mountains which made for a cool day for hiking. When we got there, we had picnic lunch in the back of the car since the kids were too cold to eat outside.

They loved the alternate accommodations for lunch though.

We hiked the mile or so loop around a bunch of small cascading waterfalls. The kids wanted to get lots of pictures not he bridges. All the cray cousins got in this one together.

Miles wanted to punch the wagon instead of riding in it (which would have been the preferred method of hiking with him).

Allie loves her cousin Brooke and they were basically inseparable for the whole hike (either way out in front or way back behind).

The majority of the merry hikers are pictured here.

Miles loved leaning out over the waterfalls to see everything. I got to carry the awesome Minne Mouse hiking pack (since the girls no longer wanted to carry it).

At the top of the trail we got another picture of the group. 

Hadley and Kaylee got to hang out with each other and spend time exploring along the trail.

They are also becoming great little cousin friends.

The hike was fun, cold, and long (took a little longer than expected to get there, oops). That night the girls and their cousins all wore the same pajamas and had a party before bed. It has been great to spend time with our cousins. We had fun on our family adventure.

We are family!

For this vacation, we decided to not worry too much about doing things, but instead about being with people. So we did a lot of sitting around while our kids played with cousins (and as I now know, that makes everyone happier). Today we spent time at the park and in the canyon.

Miles found a new buddy at the park. 

Jordan would go around with him and help him on all the obstacles. It was awesome.

In the canyon we got a little bit wet (and naked).

Got real close with our cousins.

We explored the creek.

We got close to the wildlife (at least Aubrey got close enough for the whole group).

We played games.

We explored new places.

And we captured one grandpa.

Fourth part 1

This year we made the annual pilgrimage back to Orem, for a Shaw fourth of July. We (basically me) decided we needed some more fun stuff to do before the fireworks start at night time. So this year, we got a bounce house with a water slide! It was great fun and the kids enjoyed it for most of the morning. It was a good way to get out lots of anticipatory energy.

The kids mostly just liked the water slide portion. 

The bouncing was limited to preparing to go down the slide.

Our girls had so much fun with the bounce house, but more fun playing with their cousins.

They both had fun moments with the slide, but different reactions to the whole thing (Allie - more cautious, Hadley - a little tornado).

It was even better because we got to sit in the shade and relax instead!

Miles was a little unsure of the slide, but he really loved the popsicles afterward!

They also liked the tattoos they got to put all over themselves (watch out for our little firecracker).

4th of July

Oh Independence day, how we love you!  This year was a blast because we (Rachel) decided that we needed to be in Utah for the celebration because Mesa just didn't cut it last year.  It was so fun to get together with a bunch of our cousins and celebrate!  

To start off, we went swimming and then Aubrey did all these girls' hair in matching fashion.  

As we were setting up the dinner, these two cousins decided that the flags were good swords and were fighting each other. 

 I think I counted at least 7 snow cones for this kiddo, not including the ones he stole from unsuspecting people.  But, it was the 4th of July, and you can have as many as you want!  

 I think I have this picture of every year we have been there with these two girls.  We might have to make it a tradition.

 After dinner, we have the flag ceremony and these kids took their jobs seriously.  I also have to note how much Allie has taken to patriotism, wanting to know more and show her pride.  Makes my heart jump for joy.

There were lots of parachutes which almost always followed with this scene.

Hadley wasn't so sure about the loud noise, but got used to it by the end.

 We of course had to do the traditional sparkler shots....

Until you fail as a mom and your son touches a hot sparker.  Sorry bud!  He was fine and didn't even have a blister, but Mike just happened to be taking a picture at that exact moment... awesome.

Kaylee is a girl after my own heart- not wanting to spill your snow cone but still wanting to cover her ears.  Genius.

How I love this day!