Last of the Utah/Idaho posts

Braden became obsessed with my camera while we were on vacation. He managed to get my camera and take some very interesting pictures for me. Since he didn't look at the screen to aim the camera and everyone was giving their cheesiest "cheese" face, there are actually some pretty funny ones. It made me laugh because instead of saying "say cheese" to us he would say "say smile!"

Since it was Braden that was the culprit for breaking my last camera I found a cute little $3 Disney camera at Walmart that doesn't actually take pictures but does make a clicking noise like a real camera does. That worked just as well for him, and I didn't have to worry about another broken camera. Especially since we were going swimming and Braden + cameras + water = very unhappy momma

Ironically we had our first water trip of the year in Idaho.

We did get a thunder storm and rain after an hour of swimming so we had to leave the pool a little early.

In Utah we visited the "This is the Place" Monument/Park.

It was actually really neat. It was a 19th century town that you could walk through that had all kinds of things you could see and do at each of the buildings with a train that travels around it.

Braden LOVED the little wood snake he got at one building. We colored it together and then he lost it about 30 min. later. Short lived fun.

(holding the toy snake)

He also really enjoyed this mini town inside the town

and little stationary train for kids to play on.

The girls thought it was great too!

I also was lucky enough to visit with my friend and college roommate, Merrily, and our good friends, Dennis and Ann, who Jason originally met on his mission in New Mexico. We had so much fun spending time with everyone. Before we left I think we convinced Glenden and Patty that they should have another baby soon. After all, they may have their hands full but there's still some room....

The Ballerinas

Patty made these adorable tutus and I thought it would be fun to take some ballerina pictures of our little girls. We used the dining room at my parents house and a pole from the closet. I think it was cute, even though the lighting wasn't so good, the girls weren't cooperating & the pole wasn't long enough.

Introducing

THE BALLERINAS:
AUBREY, NAOMI & MACKENZIE

THE TYPICAL ROUTINE--

Being a ballerina requires a lot of dedication and hard work to keep up with the rigorous dance moves that it involves. Remember to always stretch before beginning your training.
As you can see from the picture below Naomi has began warm-up with stretching, while Mackenzie and Aubrey do a little meditation.

After meditating...Aubrey and Mackenzie decide that it's best if they do some stretching before getting started.

The typical touch your toes warm-up works great for Aubrey

While leg extension works best for Mackenzie.

Finally, the girls are ready to demonstrate some of their classic steps:

A very elegant move by Naomi

Aubrey joins in by continuing with the classic moves in the next two pictures:

Bravo!!

Unfortunately Mackenzie began experiencing a rare case of stranger-anxiety and did not want pictures taken. Her manager/mom decided to intervene. Seconds later or maybe before that Naomi decided she too had had enough and no longer participated in the shot. Aubrey, decided to steal the spot light!

Finally, a kiss for all the fans!


(Photos and commentary by Patty )

A trip to the Park

I was also able to see my cousin Sharon while I was in Idaho. She lives in a neighboring town to my parents so we met up in the park to let our kids play. Sharon's hobby is also photography so she gave me and Patty a quick tutorial on cameras. Only problem is that I don't have a camera like the one she was demonstrating on so I am still clueless. Here's some pictures she took of the day.

Her oldest, Lan:

He is only 5 but he looks and acts much older. He is a BIG kid. As in tall. And tough.

Here's Ryley. A snack machine. Look, I think there is even a smarty candy in his hand in this picture. :) He is so sweet and lovable.

Here's Braden with Ryley. I love the two completely different styles they are wearing, coming from two completely different backgrounds. There is only 5 month difference in their age, but you'd never guess. Ryley is so much bigger than Braden!

Braden with the boys. I need to get him in playgroups with other boys more often. Poor thing is with us girls all the time.

Mackenzie. Isn't she cute. :)

I love this picture of Mackenzie and I that Sharon snapped.

Too bad Sharon and I are states away from each other. It would probably save our phone bill if we weren't. I'm glad she didn't move too far from home because its nice that I can visit a couple times a year when I travel home to my parents house.

Pictures!

After a delicious Mexican BBQ and Glenden and Patty's, Patty and I decided it would be a great time to go for a "walk" (take pictures, we had to trick them into it somehow!) Clint had been on an airplane for 24 hours and needed to stretch his legs anyway. There is a gorgeous trail right by their house.

Patty managed to get a few pictures of the group:

With the jerseys on that Clint brought back for us:

She also snapped a few of Mackenzie and I that I thought were cute:

(Braden was there too, but uninterested in posing for pictures. He wanted to play with his Uncles)

Welcome Hom

Then the next morning we headed back to the airport to welcome Clint back home from Brazil. But..... we missed it. His flight arrived very early and even though we were there 20 minutes early he beat us there. My parents had these shirts that they planned on all of us wearing to spell out "Welcome Home Clint!" But the "Clint!" and the "e" in home didn't show up on time.

Oops. Clint seemed happy to be back and looked like he had maybe lost some weight?

Hard to say since I hadn't seen him in a while. We were all curious to see how he would act since he had been gone for so long... AND.... because he oddly signed (typed) his last email "Smiling, Br. Robinson" What the heck? Did he develop a split personality while he was gone, complete with a 2nd identity? Apparently it is a mystery to him how that ended up on his letter too. In the end he seemed to be the same Clint that left us 2 years ago but did surprise us a few times. Like when he started washing dishes after dinner when no one had asked him to.

This is something new. We like it. :)

It will be fun to see what he does next with his life.

Mayan Dinner

What a fun and eventful trip! I was able to see lots of family and friends that I don't get many chances to see anymore. My brother Glenden and his wife Patty put up with me invading their house 4 of the 6 days we were there and chauffeured me around all of Utah and Idaho. It was fun spending time with them and their cute little girls. The first night I was able to see my In-laws, Chris and Traci and their 3 little energetic boys. We went to a Mayan restaurant that was really cool, it reminded me of one of the themed restaurants at Disneyland.

The inside looked like a jungle and there were big waterfalls and cliff divers that entertained the guests.

Our table was up high so I kept worrying about kids jumping over to imitate the divers.

But we managed to keep all of our crazy boys from doing anything TOO crazy. Braden sure enjoyed having boys to play with and I had a good time catching up with Chris & Traci with Glenden & Patty.

Other than the waiter being TERRIBLE and not bringing the bill until the kids were practically jumping off the tables with boredom we enjoyed our Mayan Adventure!

Teaser

Recently I went to Idaho with Mackenzie and Braden. I have been neglecting my loyal followers (all 4 of you) for too long but haven't had the time to update you all on our exciting adventures. Here is a quick teaser. More to come soon!

(Aren't these tutu's adorable? My crafty sister-in-law made them all and took these pictures with her awesome new camera)