Epic Summer of '15/Part 3

With Ethan visiting the Bangerters in Virginia, we took a trip to pick him up. We went to Busch Gardens and faced our fears on some terrifying rides. (Well, not me. I was with Owen most of the time. The scariest thing we went on the the Grover coaster.)

We visited Colonial Williamsburg, a place rich with Revolutionary War history...

And beautiful gardens...

And efficient methods of child management...

This is Randal's earnest attempt to make sure I was in one picture to prove I was there that day. 

It's - Owen + Henry. Given it was so hot and humid we were grateful Amy and Rich offered to keep Owen in exchange for one of theirs. Because we purchased an exorbitantly priced drink mug with unlimited refills of root beer, all three kids bore the discomforts of heat and loads of walking pretty well.  

Two days after returning from Virginia, we loaded back in the car and headed for the Indianapolis, Indiana temple open house. All that travel was toughest on Owen. He was a champ...mostly. The fountain helped him forget his troubles.

It is a beautiful temple full of architectural detail specific to the area.

I managed one picture with absolutely no one else in the shot. It felt great to be there with so many other members of the Church, a feeling we don't get too often around here.  

So that was our summer. This last picture is for all of you who housed us, and fed us, and entertained us during our summer travels. Thank you. We love you and can't wait to do it all again!

Epic Summer of '15/Part 2

Ethan turned 12 this summer. That means no more cakes with characters. (*Sad face* because he's growing up. *Happy face* because I didn't have to decorate one.)

He had his friends and cousins over for a party--an outdoor movie, which turned into a garage movie because of rain. Still fun. And super easy as far as party planning goes. He was excited to show his friends the original Jurassic Park, his new favorite movie. (He admitted after seeing the movie the first time he figured he wouldn't like it because it had been released waaaaaaaaaaaay back when I was a teenager so graphics technology were sure to be ancient.)

He was ordained a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. Dad and Uncle Rich ordained him. And Christian welcomed him as a fellow deacon. So proud. And nervous at the responsibility of helping him know what it all means for him here on out. 

Amy and I with our handsome boys. 

Then this spunky pack.

 And the loves of my life.

We pawned Ethan off on the Bangerters for 2 weeks in Virginia and put Adelaide to work. She joined Randal for a day at Corning and learned how to make all things glass. 

Next....Round 3....

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...