Epic Summer of '15/Part 1

Summer is nearly through. School vacation, that is. The calendar, seasonal allergies and hot, humid weather all say we still have some Summer left to live, but school begins in three days nonetheless. We packed so much in this year, we need to go back to school just to get some rest!

So here goes with Part 1--The Trek West (Or rather a relatively short, air-contitioned flight West. No disrespect to the Pioneers.)

We prepared Owen for the long flight with a sticker book...which he promptly stuck all over his face before we even began.

Our first few days were spent in Idaho at the Nelson Reunion where we reunited with some our favorite people on earth. Especially these lovely ladies! 

Ethan reveled in being "big brother" to his little cousins. (Ethan and Ezra. Adorable.)

And we did A LOT of 4-wheeling. Loved it!

Along with playing a few goofy games because that's what families do--take blackmail pictures (oh, I have more and even better ones).

We love our Nelson family so much! We're all over the place now so it was wonderful to be able to spend time together making memories under one giant, domed roof.

And see the kind of nature you can only find in the Mountain West. Amazing!

The reunion ended on Father's Day with a nod to these seven awesome fathers (the 8th and 9th, Mark and Kurt, snuck out before the picture, yet still just as awesome). We're especially partial to the one in pink!

We then joined the Rimingtons in Utah to play with our latest, adorable cousin, Oliver...and everyone else.

We hung out at the "beach".

Until we were utterly exhausted.

Thankfully, Grandma let us sleep in every morning.

Owen was equally grateful when his "cute-face" finally wore Uncle Kevin down enough to get out his favorite childhood cars to share.

It even worked on Grandma in getting his hands on Grandpa's two special cars tucked in a back-room cupboard. Oh, you've got to do better that that! This kid can sniff out a car anywhere!

We watched an exciting baseball game.

Where this goofball photobombed everywhere he could.

Ethan went to the gun range with Grandpa and earned a merit badge as well. 

We visited Grandpa's work. It was sunny and hot...

But it helps that Grandpa works on shuttles and rockets. 

Speaking of hot, look at these two sweating it out at the 4th of July parade:

Where we had the lucky opportunity to see this cute girl march. And get lots of candy.

Alicia: the one in the middle with the darling, white bow in her hair.

And see one of Owen's all-time favorite vehicles. Up close. 

Lastly, we visited the children's museum in Lehi. It was both fun and chaotic rolled into one so the only picture I could get to show for it was our "peaceful" lunch outdoors and away from the crowds. 

(PS--Mom is one brave Grandma.) 

(PPS--I think the trip aided Tammy and Conley in deciding to hold off on having any children in the too near future.) 

Now on to Part 2...