Summer Fun 2010

First of all, I'm in complete denial that we only have a couple of weeks left of summer, before the kids go back to school. Seriously, where has it gone?!  I'm not going to lie, it's been a crazy few months, many pros & cons; but, when it comes down to it...it's al about the memories created along the way, and what you make of life & your relationships. Fortunately, we're amongst the best support group one could ask for. We're just one big huge happy family! And what's better, in Utah, than spending a day up in our beautiful mountains?! So the family decided to head up Millcreek Canyon to enjoy a nice summer afternoon together. Of course it was a fun time because we ALWAYS have a fun time together! :}

Of course the kids always love getting together. As we continue to watch them grow, we see the bonds they share, grow as well. We not only appreciate our own friendships; but, know we've created more friendships to last a lifetime. Lucky them! :}

The Dylan's (or Dillan's). However you spell it, we know which one is "The Villain" here. I think the picture says it all! :}

Me & My Man

Just givin' some love to our fellow sisters!

Tracy's Brandon, who is looking forward to a big adventure living in Australia for a year with his dad. We're going to miss him! But, glad he gets such a fabulous experience just the same! 

"The Twins", Bailey & Kaley (who was otherwise known as "Pinkalicious" this day, after one of her favorite books! :})

We thought it would be fun to share a round of our new favorite game: Left, Right, Center. 

A game entertaining for all ages (though since they got their one's they were playing with from mom and/or dad's wallet, shouldn't mom or dad get the winnings if they win? :})

Cute little Maddy had to sit in too :}

Pinkalicious must have had lots of pink cupcakes, even her hair turned pink! No more pink cupcakes for you young lady! :}

Dylan was on a roll...and enjoying having cash in his hands! It came down to him & Nakia for the winner of the pot. Which, with 19 people playing, makes for $57...not bad! :}

Silly Dylan! The excitement of possibly winning was too intense! (oh I love his cute smile/laugh! :})

And the winner is.......

Chris & her girls. It was especially good to all be with their family at this challenging time. We know that our extended family time is so important for them, and us, in getting through this rough bump in the road!

C-Hawk & B-Dawg, best friends since birth! :}

The kids are always good at keeping themselves entertained!

The boys were determined to hike up that big hill. 

That was quite a hike for them!

And then they had to go one more time!

And wonderful memories is exactly what we created, just as we planned! :}

Celebration of Father's Day & 18 years together!

Meanwhile, besides all the happenings of Mexico, there was plenty else going on back at home & summer was in full swing. I got home in time to celebrate Father's Day & our 18th Wedding Anniversary (Wow, 18 years...that's crazy!). We thought a fun day at the pool would be a good place to enjoy it. Dylan here is getting much more daring in his diving board antics, now that he is doing flips off the high dive. The only thing that surprises me about this, knowing Dylan, that he didn't try this when he was 5 years old! :} 

Also, to no surprise, Kaley had to give us a dance performance as part of the celebration. She was excited to make up a new routine using her new maracas I brought home (and of course, to be able to wear her new dress I got her as well! })

She was very excited to give Daddy her present she made him at school & has been "hanging on to without him seeing!"  

She sure loves her Daddy!!

Good to be back home with my cute family...I missed them!

Mexico Adventure: Chapter 12-The Final Chapter, Miscellanous Moments That Bring Me A Smile!

Of course, this whole trip, in itself, brings a big smile to my face, as it was more than we could ask for. But, I thought I'd end "the story" with a few moments that will always make me smile when I think of them. Now, they may not be funny to anyone else, other than the ones there; but, either way, gotta share. Let me start with our dessert the 1st night. First of all, I was on the menu planning committee, and I swear everything had some fancy name. Maybe they had to change something, I don't remember what was ordered for this night; but, this was so tasty & I just HAD to know what it was called. After asking, she gave me a funny look, and in her best English she said "Strawberries & Ice Cream" (needless to say the ice cream melted fast; but, still very tasty! :}).

OK, again, maybe doesn't sound funny; but, it started this hysterical laughter that got everyone going. And oh how I miss Chautel's cute laugh! :}

....probably 10 minutes later, still laughing.....

It was so good to be with my Telly again, just love & miss her! :}

Tina being her fun self, singing to us

We enjoyed many good laughs in our pool time

Attempting the Leach Family "Squishy Face" pose (not so easy with hats & glasses on! :})

If you know Tracy, you know she can always make you laugh! Here's a few of her moments...
(now, I'm only laughing at this first one because we love to catch her snoozing wherever we go :})  

This time, while she was trying to be Ms. Sexy, it was Tina that was cracking me up behind her :}

I'm adding a few from the boat ride since this day we were full of the giggles & we were just having too much fun! :}

Me trying to get a funny pose for Kathleen; but, couldn't do it with a straight face or any coordination!

Tina, "El Taco", dancing for us on the patio

El Taco & El Burrito performing their show

What are they calling us ladies? Dumas?! :}

"Give me an M for Mexico!"

Just being the dork that I am! :}

I'd have to include our mealtimes in this, as we were certainly not used to being pampered like this. It was so nice to just have meals ready for us at all times, and to all sit down & enjoy this together.

Especially fancy ones, like this, which was my favorite meal of all time. It was sooooo good!

I guess that finally summarizes the ultimate vacation. Oh, happy happy memories....ones I'll savor the rest of my life! Now hopefully I can take my family there some day!! :}