Funtivities with Cousins: Part 3. Or Maybe Part 4. I've lost count.

I was trying to decide which sweater to wear to church. Nate said this look was good.

My newest niece, Lydia Mae Williams, was blessed on July 5th. I took pictures of Kate's pretty hair before we left, but I didn't take any pictures of the baby or of Grant's family. Funny story: while we were at Grant's house after the blessing, I was holding Lyddie. Matt Averett, one of Grant's best friends, asked, "Who's baby is that? Is she yours?" I laughed and said it was Lydia, dummy. Matt was embarrassed and asked me not to tell anyone he said that, so I promptly announced it to everyone.

My brother-in-law Caleb and his wife Heather went on a 12 day trip/cruise to Alaska. Tia and I watched their kids for the first week they were gone. We went to the reservoir...

And we went to story time at the library...

And we went to a magic show at the library...

And we went to the splash pad. Whew. That's a lot of fun, my friends.

Colin trying to photobomb Bryant.

We had to leave the splash pad early on Friday because a storm rolled in with a lot of lightning. The kids had a picnic lunch and watched the storm out the window. Then they pretended that they were watching a show and would get up periodically and change the channel.

New friends moved into the ward! For the first time in like 5 years families with young kids moved into the neighborhood. And one is even close enough that the kids can walk over to play without me having to chaperone them! Huzzah! This is Lily. She is Colin's age, but Kate's gender, so the kids kind of fight over who gets to play with her. She also has a 4-year-old brother who is friends with Gray. Huzzah again!

Painting rocks is fun! And it doesn't make a mess in my house!

Jude thought it would be fun to play keep away with the zucchini. He was very pleased with himself.

Nope, those aren't cheese sticks from Zubs. Those are cheese sticks from my oven. Because I am awesome. And they were delicious.

I had to get a picture of Kate's stellar outfit. She tucked her shirt in because she was hanging upside down on the trapeze.

We went to the dentist on the 14th. Everyone did great, but I didn't get a picture of Kate. Jude didn't go. I have one tiny dang cavity. No bueno.

After the dentist we went to primary presidency meeting, then ran home and quickly put together some cow outfits and drove to Chick-Fil-A for a free meal. It was busy and getting the costumes together was a little crazy and last-minute, but it was totally worth it. I love Chick-Fil-A, and I never get to eat out.

This was the only picture from bath time that didn't show parts. Which is a shame, because the one of Gray and Jude showing their little bums with tan lines was adorable.

4th of July. #merca

Another 4th, another parade, another Nate no show. But that's okay. It's more fun when Grumpy Gus doesn't come. We watched the parade (and pre-parade) with the Hiatts, Hannah, Granny, and Papa. There was some cloud cover at first, and then it got hot hot hot. We ate donuts and snacks and had a grand ol' time. And our parking spot was only 3 blocks from where we sat. Not too shabby!

Grand Marshal LaVell Edwards.

Some famous quarterbacks who came to the parade to support and honor LaVell. I cheered for Brandon Doman, because I knew who he was. I think Steve Young might have been there too.

Gray got super excited to see a trolley. He said it was just like Daniel Tiger!

It makes me so happy that my kids love Star Wars. Which is pretty impressive, especially when you consider that they haven't actually seen any of the movies. I'm just a remarkable parent, I guess.

We love missionaries!

Princesses are the best!

Nate brought home 5 dozen eggs from his camping trip that needed to be used up. He asked me to make an angel food cake, so I tried. It wasn't the best, but it tasted good. I don't like making these fancy things that I have never attempted before and that his mother and Granny are the best at. Too much pressure.

Before the 4th

On July 2nd, Lenna texted and asked if we wanted to hike to the Grotto with her family and Granny and Papa. I got the kids all ready to go, got in the van, and started to back down the driveway when something felt wrong. I stopped, got out, and noticed this. Yikes! Thanks for the warning, Van-That-Is-Supposed-To-Warn-Me-When-A-Tire-Is-Flat. Instead of going hiking, I got to get a new tire. Sam and Scott Hiatt helped me change the tire, then my big kids went hiking with cousins while Jude and I had an adventure at the tire store. 

Thankfully we got finished with the car in time to join everyone at the Lindon Aquatic Center. We love that pool.

Jude actually played in the water this time! Right away! Without clinging to mom! And without crying! Success!

Since Nate was still camping, we called Nana and met her after work at In'N'Out on our way home. I felt a little weird going to a restaurant in my swim cover up, but the food was good and I didn't have to cook. Win!

Brothers!