When we aren't Swimming

One the rare occasion that we aren't in a pool, we are hanging out with family.

Hunting pigs.

 All over town are these cute painted pigs.  Our rainy day activity was to find as many as we could before we melted.

 It was close, but we survived.  The girls didn't even shrink, I think they might of even grown an inch.

 Where else can you find a merpig? Nowhere.

 Sadly this one ruined Addie, she slipped and fell on her bum.  She refused to get out of the car for a pig after that.

 After a good pig hunt, crowding around the iPad to watch videos about Zelfs.

 Addie is working on her career of standing on the corner and begging for money.  She actually wrote a song about how people needed to give her money.  I guess we have a few more lessons to teach her. Like we don't aspire to be homeless musician, or that she inherited her parents musical abilities. yikes!

Gentry Safari

One of our most favorite places to visit when we come to town.  Addie and Avery are opposites in most things and Addie being the animal lover and Avery being well not an a lover of animals, but an admirer of afar. Making the drive thru Safari perfect for our family.

 Even Owen liked it.

 Creepy emus. 

 Herds of Zebras, which made me wonder why it is so hard for the zoo to keep just 1 or 2.

 Who knew that Camels do not recognize personal space. Too close. and get out of our way, please.

 With a little, ok a lot of help.  Avery pet the horse. Maybe she is coming around.

 Avery & Inonna hanging out with the kangaroos.  They were too anti-social to even acknowledge our presence, stinking kangaroos.

 The goats on the other hand, they knew that they need to run.  So we chased them down until they gave up.  One goat surrendered and let them pet him/her? I didn't look.

All in All it was a fun afternoon and the kids were completely worn out, mission accomplished.

Adventures in Arkansas

It is a ruff life we live.  To recover from our long flights we thought it best to lounge by the pool.

We aren't reckless people we of course like to protect our skin with lots of sunscreen and protect our eyes.  We don't support premature aging.

 Sleep, eat, swim, eat, repeat.  Our standard schedule.  I know it is a busy schedule and not many could keep up, what can I say we are endurance athletes.

 Fish out of water, Own is it.

 Good thing we had Inonna and MoMo to say yes!  

Lemonade

When life gives you lemons we make lemonade.  Attempt 2 of trying to get the boat in the water failed miserably.  Daddy might have been unsuccessful in getting to drive the boat, but Owen proved to be a great boat Captain.

 We parked the boat and enjoyed the swim area.  Detroit lake proved to be beautiful.

 Avery was excited to play in the lake.  She was not excited to get on the boat, so I think the wasn't the least bit sad that it was broken.  Addie on the other hand was bummed, she really wanted to ride the tube.

 Once we settled in and started swimming, we all had a great afternoon.  

 Addie was bummed that we had to leave.  When we told her that we needed to get back so that we could meet up with Berkleigh, she jumped for Joy.

Beautiful day, cute kids, life is great.

Movie Night

Summer nights are perfect for outdoor movies!

  Now if only I could get all my lights to work.  My deck will have to wait until Christmas when they bring out all the lights.

 Our Oregon BFFs as Addie would say.  The Scott Family has kept us entertained since moving here. 

 Sweet Handsome Merrick is way out numbered and has to out up with a bunch of silly girls, but he is a good sport about it.  Pretty soon he will be plotting with Owen to get back at the girls.

Swim Lessons

For the past 2 weeks my mornings have been spend at the Salem Swim and Tennis club.  Owen and I have enjoyed watching the girls improve upon their swimming skills.

 Avery actually goes under water now! She won't let go and try to swim but at least she goes under water.

 Addie on the other hand is part fish. She has improved so much.  Her back stroke is awesome.  They even asked if she wanted to join the little swim team in the fall.  So we will see.

4th of July

I don't know why it is tradition but it is.  Provo 4th of July parade.  Sleepy, hot bored kids, yup I am pretty sure we need a new tradition.

 And I will definitely rule out running the 4th of July 5K.  Jess ran it like a champ and I will cheer her  own in my dreams from the comfort of a cozy bed. Yes, I like that new tradition much better.

 After the crazy parade we took the kiddos to the new Aquarium, where it was nice and cool.  

 Avoid the hot crowded places and enjoy the cool comforts of air conditioned crowds.  Man we are geniuses.

 Avery is a smart cookie, she managed to con Kelly into being her legs.

 This year I thought we might get lucky and have at least 1 kid watch the fireworks. Avery hung out with Jess for all of 5 min and decided that she liked it better watching a show with Addie.

 Grandma introduced the Dude to Dad juice and now he is hooked. 

 Don't be fooled by that week Grandma face.  She gets all the kids hooked on soda and dessert before dinner. Why else would they all be smiling at 11pm.

 The post Fireworks show!  The girls put together a cute little gymnastic show.  Never a dull moment with our cousins.