The Boys of Summer

Warm weather, lush, green parks--nothing feels like summer quite like sitting on the edge of a diamond-shaped playing field, cheering on tanned children with sun-bleached hair.  There certainly wasn't a shortage of opportunities for Jason and I to do just that, with three boys involved in baseball and kickball this season.  I'll admit.  It's a good way to spend a portion of those lazy summer days.

Brevin participated in his second year of baseball in the Mustang league and was one of the older players on his team.  His coach often had him play first baseman, and he was able to see quite a bit of playtime action because of that.  His team, the Diamondbacks, had a relatively successful season and played into the post-season loosing in a close game in the semi-finals.

Garrett was able to start kickball this summer.  The main objective of this league is to introduce the children to the concept of base running and passing.  It is supposed to help with the transition to t-ball the following year, and it is very entertaining to watch.

It wasn't all spectating for Jason this summer.  He signed on to be the coach for Spencer's coach-pitch team for a second year.  All their practicing together really paid off.  As you can see from the pictures, Spencer was able to hit his pitches into the outfield nearly every time.

This post authored by Amber

Tie it Up

Brevin had been insistent about getting his own necktie so he could learn to tie one himself.  Jason was able to find one that was just the right length for him to learn with.  After a few practice rounds and some tips from an old pro, he had it down pretty good, and he was pleased as punch with his new found ability.

Father's day came around, and all of the boys received matching ties.  Spencer was given a regular tie as well (an upgrade from the usual zip-tie), so he was also in need of some one-on-one tie tying tutoring.

Now, don't they look sharp?

This post authored by Amber

"I'm Really Glad That He's My Dad"

Most of Jason's Father's Day was spent with each of our four children clamoring to be close to him, eager and happy to celebrate with him.  He sat through sacrament meeting with four Disney baby princesses carefully stuffed into his front shirt pocket as he listened to the three boys sing with the Primary choir about how he is their favorite pal.  Well, there's no denying.  We think he is pretty special.  Happy Father's Day, Jason!

At his request, it was fresh fruit and cinnamon rolls with 

cream cheese frosting from Shirley's Bakery for breakfast.

The children were all so eager for Jason to open his gifts.  I think

 it was because they knew he'd likely share his treats with them.

I love that in the picture above Jason looked so surprised, 

especially when he told me that he wanted the exact same thing

 we got for him last year: a superhero kit (free printables found HERE).

Par for the course.

This post authored by Amber

On Our Trail to Fame and Glory

It's been several years since we last hiked the "Y" trail.  Now that summer is in full swing, we are anxiously working on checking things off our summer "bucket list."  Hike to the "Y" in the most perfect weather possible...check!

Getting everyone to look for this family photo at the 

trail head may have been the hardest part of the hike.

Ella had quite the accommodations for the ascent.  

She even had a bottle of bubbles to keep her entertained. 

I had some pretty stellar hiking buddies.

Every now and again we would stop to appreciate 

the amazing views of Provo and its surrounding areas.

On the last switchback, Ella insisted making the 

trek on her own, much to Jason' s relief, I'm sure. 

Here we are atop the "Y."

The children posed for this picture on the way back down.

This post authored by Amber

Art City Days 2013

Each year we celebrate the founding of our quaint, little hometown of Springville through a weeks worth of events known as Art City Days.  Our family enjoys participating in some of the many activities scheduled.

One of the events is a variety show that is offered free to the public at the amphitheater of the Arts Park and features local talent.  Spencer and his friend, Gabe, wanted to audition for the talent show, but their decision was made with only four days until auditions were held.  They scrambled to put together a routine for the judging panel who was kind enough to give them a chance and a spot on the program.  The event organizer later told us that she just knew the boys had the potential to pull it off, despite their unrefined audition.  She was right.  The boys practiced non-stop until the date of performance, and they were able to pull off a routine that (in their mother's opinions) might have "stolen the show."  You don't have to take my word for it, though.  You can see for yourself just how adorable they were singing "Anything You Can Do" from Irving Berlin's musical Annie Get Your Gun:

When the performance was over, the two boys gave each other a high-five.  When they were called back on stage for a final "curtain call" they exchanged a hug.  What cute kids!

The next activity that we found ourselves at was the Children's Parade.  My children have participated in this event for many years now, but Brevin felt this might be his year to be a spectator and cheer for his siblings as they rode by in their costumes.  He said he felt he was a little too old for the parade.  He was kind enough to oblige when I requested a photo, though.

As the week's festivities drew to a close, we enjoyed viewing the Grand Parade from the comfortable shade of our canopy, which had been situated in a great location.  Grandma and Grandpa came and sat with us, too.

Brevin had a front row seat for gathering candy 

and flyers being passed out by businesses.

Spencer and Willy the Wolverine sparred with each 

other a little bit before Willy offered him a high-five.

Ella and Garrett both leaped from their seats to take

 a shot at popping the bubbles that were spewing

 from the back of the Wiggy Wash float.

The culminating event was the fireworks show later that evening.  We viewed them from lawn chairs and blankets set up at a nearby park.  After ten to fifteen minutes of firework displays, we returned to our home.  There really is no place like home. We feel fortunate to call Springville "home."

This post authored by Amber 

Cruisin'...Er...I Mean...Scooterin'

After months of research, pricing, and deliberation, we settled on a decision to purchase a scooter for Jason to use for travel to and from work during warm weather months.  Additionally, it has proven useful for taking children to activities, games, practices, or even just for going on a little joy ride.  The scooter made for a perfect Father's day/Anniversary gift, too.

Brevin gets his first ride on the scooter.

Spencer got to go for a spin as well.

Garrett was just big enough to get to ride.

Seeing everyone else getting a scooter ride made Ella 

antsy to have one also.  This was our alternative for her.

This post authored by Amber