July 2013

July was another busy month filled with lots of fun and vacations.  I usually try to go out of town during the 4th of July because it is so hot in Gilbert during the summer but we weren't able to this year.  So we spent the day swimming at Becky's and doing fireworks over at Ryan's parents house.  It was so hot that I didn't stay outside for the fireworks for very long.  

 Isn't Alexis cute in her 4th of July outfit.

 My 4 little firecrackers.

Here is the best picture I have of the fireworks we shot off.  It was smokey and dark.  We didn't stay up late enough to watch the big fireworks and since it is so hot I would not want to go sit outside anywhere to watch them.  (Once again, I can't stand staying in the Phoenix area for 4th of July!)

Hailey had the opportunity to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in July (I can't get these pictures to stay the right way, if anyone knows how to do it please let me know).  It was such a great day filled with lots of love and support from family and friends.

We are so proud of Hailey and the choice she made to get baptized.

We had a small party after her baptism with all of the family who could attend.

Hailey competed on the Val Vista Lakes summer swim team again this year.  This is the only picture I took and it is from the end of the season party.  Her friend Emma also participated in it.

We were able to travel to Laguna Beach for a short 3 day trip to visit Ryan's brother Scott.  They live in an amazing beach house that has a swimming pool that overlooks the ocean.  The girls enjoyed swimming in the pool every day even though it was a little too cold for my liking.

Scott's daughter Aurora was able to spend most of the time with us and she joined in on all the swimming fun.  Here the girls are jumping in together.

Thanks Scott and Erin for inviting us to stay with you.  We had a great time.

The day after we got back from Laguna Beach we took off for a week trip to Pinetop, AZ.  My sister-in-law Amber has a family cabin up there and invited us to stay with her.  The kids love going there and playing in all of the wonderful things nature has to offer.  

Alexis and Brennen enjoyed jumping on the trampoline together.

 Hailey tried out a little archery.

 We spent some time at the park that is near the cabin.  Addison loved swinging in this fun swing.

 Alexis enjoyed swinging also.

Peyton is such great help with Addison and that definitely makes my life easier.  Here she is going down the slide with Oakley and Addison.

Koda and Addison enjoyed getting in to trouble together.

Peyton loved catching lizards and other bugs.

We ate a few lunches at the local fast food places so we didn't have to cook every meal (our husbands did not take this vacation with us so it was the 2 of us with 8 children.  We got a few interesting looks when we all went out together.)

We had such a great time and can't wait to be invited again.