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Olympic party in the neighborhood. Lots of fun! I love Jarom's first race with a big wheel and arm floaties. (He came in last place, but he did get some points for style!)

The big kids, much more serious!

We have Olympic fever! The whole family has been cheering for Michael Phelps! What a stud! I don't think we will be out of the basement for another week! I never understood how my husband can watch football on TV and cheer and yell. I now get it! It's really fun. In four more years I think I will watch lots of sports on TV again.

Boat Surfing

I finally went water skiing after at least five years for not even one little drag behind a boat. It is seriously a blast!!! I think I am coming down with boating fever! Some friends of ours have a very nice boat that creates a wake you can surf on behind the boat. I had so much fun trying to surf with trying being the correct word. Some of my favorite memories growing up are from "the lake". Great times with my family, friends, and the Scott's. I do hope in a few year we finish our house and take our own kids out on the lake! Right now we are so grateful to have friends that share, thanks!

P.S. I am back on weight watcher so consider this a before picture! I am going to go work out right now!

The Same Car!

I finally did it! I know many of you are relieved! I bought a newer car! We have been looking for about two years. I found a great deal, and the air went out in the old van. I new the time had come, after swim lesson I took all my kid and went and bought a car. Since I got such a great deal, I think Steve is getting happier about it. I started laughing so hard when Steve looked at the car and said, "You just bought the same car we have". I really did! I loved my car! It's like sweat pants- comfortable and cheep! I do have to admit it feel great not driving a beater! I did order a new turtle sticker, I guess I want to make sure it is my same car!

Aspen Grove

I know many of you have no idea what Aspen Grove is. It is kinda EFY for families, and Paradise for all true BYU fans! (Steve stayed true to the RED, they couldn't get him to cross over). I will have to say it is definitely still one of my favorite vacations. You don't cook, clean, or even have to buckle your kids in their car seat. All day the kids are entertained by adorable counselor while you can choose a variety of activities. I have to admit I mostly sat by the pool, slept, shopped in Orem, and talked about parenting with my cousins. Oh ya we had about 75 cousins at the Reunion and I think I was able to talk to almost everyone of them with out my kids needing me. The worst part of the trip is the last day when your kids are exhausted and trying to convince you to get a job at AG so they don't have to go home. We truly had a great time, and I feel so blessed for the opportunity to strengthen my family. (oh ya I am back for almost the rest of the summer lets play!)

The kissing cam is a fun thing for family reunions! Try it!

Jellystone

Trina and Ray thanks for the summer camp! We had a great time! It looks like Ray is Fishing? Could it be?

Maggie says HI!

summer time

Last day of school! The year went by way to fast. It is time for the "Summer Job Chart". I am going to update last years chart, it worked well for my boys (and it cost about $20 to laminate). . They liked the structure (which is something we need more of), and my boys liked knowing exactly what was expected of them before friends and television! I let them set their own goal. We also matched the money they put into savings for college and missions. Marrilee Browne Boyack wrote Parenting Breakthrough, I love this book! I got most of my ideas from her, and my sister in law. Marrilee has great ideas on teaching your children about money and how to be successful adults. I also picked great scripture stories from the Gospel Art Kit, I would teach them to the boys and hang them up around the chart. I think I taught my boys more last summer than they did this whole year. I love the change of seasons, it is such a great time to reflect on what you want to accomplish, and the best way to do it. Here is to a clean slate and a great summer!