The Art of Wrestling

Samantha's cousins taught her how to wrestle properly.
Conner, Ethan, Issac, Grant and Garrett.As you can imagine, she's pretty good at it.

She's got the carpet burns all over her body to prove it.

Thanks Guys. Hopefully she'll remember when it's ok to wrestle and when it's time to play nice. A mother likes to dream...

Park City Cabin

It's amazing that many people can fit comfortably in one place...at full house there were 6 adults and 16 children. Thanks Ginger (and Kent) for letting us stay! Gail and Andy were staying in Westgate at the Canyons, so we had access to swimming anytime the kids felt the need...which you can imagine was often.

I took Sam and Kenna on a nature hike. We basically walked down the dirt road and cut over to the lake. Those 2 could have thrown rocks in the water all day if I would've let them.We grilled steaks and built a fire...Sammie's first smore!

The kids played a lot of games and I got some time to read. The book I was reading is a children's book that is read in schools (The Giver by Lois Lowry). I had great book club chats with my pre-teen nieces Dawna and Jessica. Without them I would never had know it was the 1st in a series!

It was near impossible getting in and out of the cabin, but well worth the life-threatening drive! They were digging up the roads for new water lines...of the 3 routes, this was the only option. "You want us to go under that!" Add tons of rain and you've got a cabin full of scared women and a boat-load of kids...not a great combo.

Seven Peaks Resort Water Park

For the record: I hate water parks. I'll let this picture do the explaining...and to think this was taken at the end of the day.For Sam and her cousins, I will go. But, I refuse to admit it was fun...even though it kinda was.

Discovery Gateway - Children's Museum

We spent the afternoon at the Children's Museum at the Gateway. When we lived in Utah, Samantha was much too young to enjoy something like this. But now?! Add a dozen cousins, and we had a great afternoon!

Sydney spent a lot of time helping Sammie explore.

Grocery shopping is so much fun!

Sam has a toy called a Busy Ball Popper...this is the giant version

Up, up and away! What a fun crowd...Jessica, Gage, Dawna, Sammie, Brooke, Kenna, Sydney, Ethan, Issac and one complete stranger on the end.Wait a minute! Grant & Garrett are flying...quick, everybody out!

Kenna's Birthday

Being around cousins gives anyone a reason to celebrate! Kenna has been lucky enough to celebrate her birthday twice! Once at Disneyland in March and again this weekend. This time around it was the real deal! As always, Sam is there to help...like it or not.

Can you see her little finger...I blame Aunt Gail entirely for showing her how to take a taste!

All those years of teaching her kids to be naughty is finally catching up to us. Look at all the snitchels!Now, on to the pinata!Tons and tons of candy....hooray!This little scardy-cat hates loud noises...she stayed safely indoors with a view of the fun.But of course, when the candy came...she came.

Happy Birthday Kenna! Thanks for sharing your special day with us!

Astros vs Brewers

Ray's work treated us to great seats at the Astros Game last night.7th row on the field along the 3rd base line.Games are much more fun up close!

Growing up is Exhausting!

Now that Samantha sleeps in her big girl bed, she can't wait to wake up in the morning! As most of you know, Sam used to sleep from 9pm-9am everyday with a 3 hour nap from 2-5pm. Well. Times have changed, and we are adjusting. She now pops out of bed at 6:45am! This household does not wake up that early...there is just no reason. Blake is still home, so he gets Sam and hauls her into bed with me. No getting out of bed until the alarm rings at 7:30am. Except for books. And potty. And juice. Well, you see where this is heading...

If we're not out playing all afternoon, Sam is tired by about 1 o'clock. Today was no exception. She laid down to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with her pillow and blankie. When it was over I told her she could lay on the couch for 2 minutes before she had to lay in her big girl bed. Well, 2 minutes later, this is what I found. And, yes...that is a ponytail in her hair.