Having the Brightest July

We have been out doing so many things! I don't think we could have packed anything else in and stayed sane (but maybe we're not?).

Once again, here are the highlights of the month: The Fourth of July, Swimming lessons, Lagoon and Chad's birthday.

On July 4th, the kids ran in a 1K kids' race - then they rode their bikes in the neighborhood bike parade, then we joined with Brad's family at Mona Lake for a little swimming and boating. We helped the kids complete their first triathlon! Just kidding, but it is funny that we did all three events in one day!

July has been swimming lessons for the kids. I always see so much progress, it is fun to watch. Audrey's class was learning to do the strokes well enough to do laps in the pool. It was challenging, but she learned a lot. Carson class was learning more about the strokes. Whenever he could, he would do the back float, which he loves. Kate loves to jump in and then "swim". She motors around the pool, face in the water and "swims".

Lagoon was a great adventure, as always. We arrived as it opened and stayed until close - and then bounced back the next Saturday! The kids and Chad did all the big rides they could, Kate did every thing she could - and even rode them alone at times. I did the Rattlesnake Rapids, Wicked and Rocket for the first time this year. Favorites this year: Audrey - Wicked, Carson - Colossus, Kate - Tidal Wave and Dinosaur Drop, Graham - Train and Carousel. Fun, Fun, Fun!

July is Chad's birthday - and as Kate describes it - it was a "short party". He considers Lagoon his actual party. So was fun to celebrate Chad for an entire week.

We can't believe school will start soon, and we only have a few more weeks to finish off our kid requests. One thing new this summer is our Park Adventures. I have a list of parks we have never been to before, and we drive to them, play a little and search for new amazing parks. We have actually found a few treasures!

Here is our 5 month old! Can you believe how big he is getting? He has started rolling, sitting up (with his hands supporting him), and wanting to walk while you hold his hands. He still is a champion smiler and makes friends with everyone! He doesn't mind if I leave him with new people and is always so pleasant people comment on his cheery disposition. We love this little Graham!

By the way . . . . our basement is almost finished - we hope to move everyone in soon!

Full Speed Ahead - It's June!

Lots of fun things happen in June - and here are our favorites this June - Kate's birthday, Chad's 1/2 Ironman and Chad's 20 year High School Reunion (can you believe it!)

This is Kate, celebrating her fourth birthday! Her best friend Emily is in this pic with her - and she wanted a Jasmine cake. We have done so many princess parties over the years, but this one was the easiest. By Kate's request, the girls played tea party for most of the party. Chad and I watched and just enjoyed. Very cute and fun. She is very proud of being 4 now, and she desperately wants to be as old as her siblings. She is already counting down the days to kindergarten, though she still has a year of preschool left.

Chad did amazing on his triathlon. His 1.2 mile swim in open water was as good as he had hoped - which says a lot since last June he couldn't swim 2 laps without stopping. The bike ride was windy - so he was pretty tired by the run, but he finished and we were so proud of him. It was pretty cool to see all of the finishers and remember what a grueling event they just FINISHED! Chad, you are amazing!

Chad's High School Reunion was very great. It was fun to meet "Peanut's" classmates and interact with their wives. It was fun to see the close ties that seem to bind all Davis High School Graduates. This is Chad standing up to reenact his senior year of high school football - at the request of his friend and student body vice president, Gavin. Believe it or not, Chad was the center - and he is about to spike the ball to the quarterback in this pic. What a fun weekend.

Graham is 4 months old now! He is growing quickly and is still the sweetest baby you have ever met. A very common comment for those around Graham - "I have never heard him cry". And, though he does cry occasionally, he is very content most of the time. And his smiles - well, they are irresistible and freely given. What a cutie!