4th Week of June

 Here are some highlights from the 4th week of June.

Our pretty flower in bloom.  Steve and Nyles working on taking out the grass in our park strip to use less water going forward.  Silly Hudson sitting on Nyles' head.  And our Lillies starting to bloom.

On Monday, June 20th, I had the day off.  It's a new Holiday called Juneteenth, in honor of ending slavery.  After working outside, we went swimming at the rec center in the afternoon, which was lots of fun.

At the library, drawing w/ chalk, and Hudson can't help but get into water whenever he can.

Hudson also got his first Covid vaccine shot now that they're finally available for kids under 5 years old.  We're so excited for him to have some protection going forward.  He is such a wiggle worm, even while sleeping.  Nyles and Carter took more swim lessons this week.

Hudson in the water again!  Carter helping Hudson down the slide.

Nyles and Carter working hard during martial arts.

Nyles breaking the board at martial arts.

Nyles has been learning to dive off the high dive.  He accidently did a big belly flop once, but then his teacher pulled him aside and helped him to correct his mistakes.  He didn't let it stop him and has getting better and better.  Good work Nyles!

Cute Carter w/ his swim class going down the slides and diving board the last day.  

Later Hudson just relaxing in the cart at Costco.

Thoughtful comments from Nyles' and Carter's swim teachers.

Pretty flowers in bloom around the yard.  Thursday evening Steve went out fishing w/ Rob and Nyles.  After playing outside we went inside and it started to downpour!  We definitely needed the rain!

Raining hard.

Rob and Nyles holding catfish they caught.  

Ironically they didn't get any rain down there way like we did at our house, just the wind!

Fun times and beautiful sunset!

Friday afternoon Nyles had to do a fitness test in order to pass off and earn his next belt in martial arts.  He had to run a mile in under 12 minutes (he did it in 10.5 minutes), then do so many pushup and sit-ups in 2 minutes, which he did also.  He did awesome!  Some of the kids didn't pass the running test, but since this was their first time doing it, their instructor said they are ok this time, but next time they have to meet the minimum standards.  Good work Nyles!

Another pic of the sunset.  Nyles doing his running test at the park (it was a really hot day also).

On Saturday morning, Steve went and helped w/ a service project.  That afternoon we took the kayaks out to Utah Lake and strolled up the river where the water was really calm.  It was a lot of fun!

Getting started, cute ducks on the logs.

It was very peaceful rowing down the river.   Carter got tired though, so we connected him to Steve's kayak and let him paddle when he felt like it :)

There were ducks everywhere!  Lot's of baby ducks too.

Hudson tried to help Steve row as well.

After we got back, Nyles and I rowed out to where the river met Utah Lake.  The waves were definitely higher out there.  It was a fun stroll down the river w/ hardly any wind or current.  We'll definilty plan to do it again soon.

Sunday I had the opportunity to share my testimony about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  There is so much to say, but I am ever grateful for it in my life.  I’m thankful for the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ for not just protecting me from past mistakes, but helping me become the person I dream of becoming.

Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy spoke of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to help us change.  “The atoning sacrifice of the Savior is what makes perfection or sanctification possible. We could never do it on our own, but God’s grace is sufficient to help us. As Elder David A. Bednar once observed: “Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are obedient, worthy, and conscientious and who are striving to become better.”

On Sunday afternoon, we decided to go up to Silver Lake where it was cooler since it was in the 90s in the valley.  We brought up a little dinner as well and enjoyed the evening.

We set up the hammocks while we boiled some hot dogs for dinner and enjoyed the cooler temperatures.  The boys LOVE playing in the hammocks.

Sharing the hammock w/ Hudson and Carter, then sharing some watermelon and pineapple w/ Hudson.

Beautiful scenery.

After dinner, we packed up, then walked the rest of the way around the lake.  It was awesome!  I love Silver Lake.  Steve and I went up here when we were dating, so it holds a special place in my heart.  It's always beautiful to see the trees, lake and flowers.

Taking in the view.  Silly Carter w/ his Minecraft sweater.

Our cute boys!  It was a wonderful Sunday family activity.

Great quotes about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

3rd Week of June

 Here are some highlights from the 3rd week in June. 

Silly Hudson making noises before bed.

The boys are in their 2nd round of swim lessons.  Nyles moved up to the next level and is now doing laps on the deep side.  Carter is repeating his level in order to get more comfortable swimming on his back.  He's gaining his confidence and is doing really well this round.

Nyles and Carter working hard at martial arts.

We decided to dig out our park-strip in order to lower watering costs and to try to discourage the neighbor's dogs from pooping on the area.  Steve has been working on it this week.  

Nyles and Carter helped where they could.  They also took the branches he cut down and used them to "build a fire" and pretend they were camping.

Wednesday night Steve and I were able to go do an endowment session at the Temple.  After we put Hudson to bed, our neighbor Jacob came over and watched Nyles and Carter.  It was great to be in the temple!  

Hudson watching Steve shave.  Steve and I at the Draper Temple after our session.  

Cute Hudson in his PJs in the morning on my Pilates mat, before starting my exercise.

Thursday Steve went and picked up more mulch to put around the flowerbeds.  Nyles and Carter worked really hard and helped Steve get it done, all while Hudson was down for his nap in the morning.  It was a REALLY hot day too! 

Nyles and Carter both helped to scoop the mulch from the trailer and spread it around the flowers.  Awesome job boys!  I'm thankful for their help to Steve in general and also since I was working and couldn't help.  I am so proud of them!  

My view from our bedroom window as I was working.

Carter helping to scoop up the mulch.  Later that evening the boys out watching Steve use a tiller he borrowed from a neighbor to help cut through some of the tree roots.

After we got the mulch laid down, we felt like we needed more color.  So we went to Home Depot on Saturday and picked out some new flowers.  I love them!  

Different types of Tickseeds and Petunias.

Out Stargazer Lilies are coming in bloom also.  The colors are so beautiful on all the flowers!

Later Steve working on the roots while Hudson and Carter eat a Popsicle. 

The many poses of Hudson as he sleeps :) 

Hudson being silly before going to bed.

Hudson grabbed his book about baby Jesus before bed on the chair, then started 'reading' it.

He loves this book and always points out the pictures of baby Jesus.

Saturday night, we had a neighborhood BBQ put on by our ward.  Both Friday and Saturday we had REALLY strong winds, sometime bursts over 60mph.  Steve was to help set up tables and chairs, so we went over to the church and got them and brought them to our neighbors front yard to set up.  It was still REALLY windy at the time, but we were all hoping and praying it would die down by 6pm when it was to start.  Miraculously there was almost no wind from 6-7pm.  We had a really good turn out, not only from the ward but also non-members in the area.  I took Hudson back home to bed just after 7pm, and by 7:30 it started to rain again and get windy.  So everyone helped to clean up and put things away.  It was a miracle for sure that we were able to have the BBQ outside.  We are thankful for the Lord's tender mercy to allow us to have it and meet more neighbors.

Silly Piper.  Cooking hamburgers at our BBQ.  Hudson w/ a dinosaur saying "Rrrahh."

Sunday was Father's Day.  Since I was released from Primary, I was able to go to Sunday School w/ Steve, all by ourselves.  Hudson has thankfully been going to Nursery w/ no problems (knock on wood).  It sure feels weird being without kids, but it was nice to actually listen to a lesson.

The boys and I are so incredibly blessed to have Steve in our life. He is an amazing husband and father. We are also blessed to have my dad and father in law Dave as their grandparents. They are great examples to us all. Thank you for all you do! We love you all so much!

Steve w/ our 3 cute boys.  Carter wanted a picture w/ our pretty flowers.

Sunday evening we went up to Brandon/Melanie's place in Midway for a family Father's Day BBQ.  The wind had mostly calmed down by then and had cooled off, which felt nice.  It was a wonderful evening.

Nyles and Carter playing on the swings.  Dave opening his Father's Day gift from us all.  Brandon bearing the smoke and cooking the hamburgers.

Nyles and Carter w/ the gifts they made Dave.  Later after Hudson finished his dinner, he went over and sat on Dave's lap and ate some of his watermelon and pineapple.  Silly kid.

Dave mentioned he wanted a new fish finder for his boat, so all the kids contributed to get him one.  Steve researched which one would be good and was able to find one, AND it was on sale at Cabela's this week for Father's Day, bonus!  He then went down and picked it up for him.

Dave acting surprised by his gift :) 

Carter and Hudson jumping on the trampoline.  Hudson on the swing.  Melanie had little questions for the kids to write down things they love and remember about their dads, which was really sweet.  We then read them and read Dave's out loud and tried to guess which kid said what about it.  It was really neat.

Hudson and I went and smelled some of their beautiful flowers as well.  So pretty!

Nyles and Carter swinging.

More swinging.

Very kind words by Dave/Joann to Steve in his Father's Day card.

Great quotes.