July and August

We had a lot of fun this summer. So much fun that I have completely neglected our blog. We took a trip down to California in July for the biannual Miner Family Reunion. This time, my parents found a beach house that was located right on the beach. The kids had so much fun with their cousins and it was so relaxing to spend a week at the beach with my family. Here is the group picture in front of our house.

While we were in California, we also spent a day with Danny's brothers and their families. It was fun to see so many members of our families.

Shortly after we got back from California, Danny and I went on a weekend getaway to Portland. It was nice to celebrate our anniversary with a couple of kid-free days.

While in Portland, I got to spend some time with one of my childhood best friends, Gemia. It was so good to see her, meet her kids, and catch up on life.

After we got back from Portland, grandma and Grandpa Miner came to visit for a couple of days. We had planned to go to the children's museum the first day, but discovered shortly after arriving that admission was only $2 that day, drawing in crowds from all over Utah and Salt Lake Counties. We quickly changed our plan, deciding that cheap admission was not worth the crowds. We went to the aquarium instead. Here we are waiting for our 4D movie to start.

We returned to the Children's museum the following day. Grandma even paid for the girls to try out the high ropes course. They thought both days were awesome and can't wait for Grandma to come visit again.

I took the kids up to temple square last month. We toured the conference center and went to the church history museum. They loved it and asked if we can go back soon.

I knocked something off my bucket list by taking the kids on the Timpanogos Cave Hike and tour. They did great for most of it. Ashley and Tyler both got bored while inside the cave.

Afterwards, we sat on a bench on the trail and had a snack. This squirrel wandered right up to us, begging for food. We gave in and gave him a couple of orange slices.

Then the girls started school.

It has been quiet with just Tyler at home, but a nice break. It's just nice to go to the store again without hearing complaints the whole time.

A New Look

My hair has been getting really long and super annoying. I finally decided to chop it off and donate it. Here is the before picture, right before the stylist chopped it.

And here is the new look.

I'm still getting used to it. Hopefully it will feel nice to have the hair off of my neck, and for it not to take so long to dry. I will probably miss ponytails, though.

Bridal Veil Falls

On Thursday, we went with Danny's sister, Shannon, and girls to Bridal Veil Falls. The water was really cold, but it was plenty hot outside to make the kids not care. We let the kids wear swim suits so they could play in the water. Tyler even got in for a bit. 

If only he didn't want to eat all those little rocks. The girls climbed up the rocks. I was a little concerned about how they would get back down, but they finally made it. If you look closely, you can see them in the picture below.

It was a fun afternoon and the kids were sad when it was time to leave.

4th of July

We had a very relaxed 4th of July this year. Tyler is at a difficult age to be out late, so we didn't even try. Danny had Stadium of Fire tickets, but neither of us felt like going far from home and fighting crowds. So we spent the day at home visiting with my sister, Marjorie, and her family. Then when they headed out for Stadium of Fire, we went to a park and played Frisbee golf. As it got close to getting dark, we headed home and put Tyler to bed, and then took the girls into the front yard to shoot off our own fireworks. We have never done our own fireworks before(besides sparklers) and the girls loved it. They especially loved the ones that shot up high in the air.

Bobby, Jesica, and Breanna Visit

A couple of weeks ago, we got a surprise visit from Danny's oldest brother, Bobby, and his family. His wife, Jesica, had never been to Utah, so we showed her around. We went up to Sundance and rode the ski lift up to the top. Alyssa loved hanging out with her older cousin.

Here is a shot of Alyssa on the ride back down.

It was fun to see them and to get to know Jesica a little better.

Splash Days

We went to this family carnival for Saratoga Springs Splash Days on Saturday. The girls got to do some really cool activities. They got to joust(although those sticks were way too big and heavy for Ashley).

They got to zip line. They said it was super fun.

They got to go inside of these huge balls and roll them around.

By far, the favorite was this walking on water bubble. I wish I could figure out how to post the video of it because I have never seen anything like this.

We went with the intention of staying for a couple of hours. I was finally able to drag them away after 4, only because everything closed down. They asked me afterwards if we could get one of those water bubble things for our backyard.

Tyler's First Birthday

Tyler had a great first birthday. It took him some time to understand how to unwrap presents, but he caught on by the third or forth present. He loved his new gifts(this sports court, a new book, stacking cups/ balls, a leap frog talking puppy, a ball popper, and a miniature chair).

I made him his own personal cake to dig into, and that is exactly what he did. I posted the series of pictures to show his progress.

I felt bad for him when he got it up his nose and in his eyes. Here are the three kids in their chairs.

He has his doctor's appointment tomorrow, but I would guess he is around 20 lbs and about 24 inches. He is a little guy for one year old. He has his two front bottom teeth, but that's it. He is crawling and standing up to stuff and getting into plenty of mischief, including this cupboard

We have had such a great first year with him. He is such a good baby and so fun to have around. We sure love him.

Thanksgiving Point Children's Museum

Last week, I took the kids over to the New Children's Museum at Thanksgiving Point. They had a blast! I just wish it wasn't so expensive or I'd take them back often. Tyler enjoyed the baby areas...

and the baby water table.

Ashley loved the water room too. I love the boots she is wearing.

She also had fun building and knocking over this tower.

And Alyssa built her own personal house.

It was a fun day. My only regret being that I should have allowed like 3 more hours to really give them enough time to explore everything.