Timpanogos Cave

Grandpa & Grandma Pikus, Noelle, Lacee, Jayden, Skyler, and Me!-- Ready to Hike!!!




It had been a while since I had hiked to the cave and was really looking forward to it. Thanks to Grandma Robinson for taking Aysia, it was a much easier hike. Jayden did exceptionally well and never complained. Skyler, on the other hand, was a little overwhelmed, but made it. He seemed to do much better when Grandpa Pikus held his hand. Noelle took little Lacee who slept for much of the hike. The cave was amazing and aside from a few bumped heads, we came out in one piece. What an amazing State we live in!

LAGOON DAY

I really looked forward to Lagoon this year since Skyler and Jayden were tall enough to go on many of the advanced rides. And thanks to Noelle for taking Aysia, it was much more enjoyable. Grandma Pikus joined us as well. We loved all of the water rides, but unfortunately they had the longest lines. Grandma was soaked after the Snake Rapids. Jayden was able to go on the Colossus for the first time. He was really excited at first until he realized it traveled upside down. He asked if he was going to fall out. After I replied no and that he would be strapped in, he was thrilled. He loved it so much we went on it twice. Skyler loved the big boat ride and the Bat coaster. We Love Summer!!!

Lagoon

This video demonstrates the typical behavior of Jayden and Skyler on a daily basis. I thought it showed part of their true colors! They are best friends and worst enemies.

The Living Planet Aquarium

This last week the boys and I learned about Sharks and fish. Jayden’s favorite Shark is the great white and was excited to learn that they have several rows of teeth and when they loose one, another will always grow back. The kids and I took a trip to the Aquarium in Sandy. It was really fun for the kids to learn about fish in Utah’s habitat as well as in oceans around the world. They were able to pet sea creatures and stingrays. Jayden was a little skeptical about petting the stingray and decided to watch as Skyler did the petting. They loved the glowing jellyfish as well as the large tank full of sharks.

Growing Up!

SKYLER: He is my little snuggle bug. Anytime I need some cheering up, he is right there ready for a long hug. He absolutely adores babies and can’t keep his hands off of them. If there is a baby in the room, he is right there playing, mauling and kissing them. Lately he has become very persistent when he wants something. I no longer take him down the toy isles at the stores for fear of a major break down if I don’t buy him an action figure or specific toy. Skyler has become fascinated with bugs and spiders lately and makes me a little nervous every time he walks in the door yelling “come look what I found”.

JAYDEN: Jayden is my big helper. He has a few responsibilities around the house and gets paid for them on a weekly basis ( a whopping 50 cents). I told him he needed to take out the garbage and he replied he was going to quit his job. I explained that we all need to work and help out and asked what would happen if Dad quit his job. His answer was that he had plenty of money to support us and we could play all day. Wow, how would that be? Anyway, he often gets Aysia out of her crib after her nap and changes her diaper before I notice (and actually does a decent job). He starts 1st grade in 3 weeks. I am really going to miss him being around during the day.

AYSIA: I decided to take a few pictures of Aysia playing a couple of weeks ago. She is starting to look more and more like a little girl rather than a baby. She is so mellow tempered and easy going. She now has 6 teeth and has learned the word thank you and uses it on a regular basis. She also enjoys giving open mouthed kisses – mmmm! She loves playing hide & seek with her brothers although she is always the seeker. She squeals when she finds them.

Softball & Jamba’s!!

I absolutely love summer evenings especially those spent at softball games. The kids and I enjoyed watching Noelle & Janson play a few games along with grandma and grandpa Wright and Mom & Dad Pikus. It was usually a tradition to buy a Jamba Juice after the games. I look forward to playing in our “family” softball league this fall.

Swimming Lessons

Jayden and Skyler were both enrolled in private swim lessons at the Scera pool. Their teacher Missy was great. We went to a matinee movie and swimming once a week with Kristine, Noah and Cooper. We look forward to doing it again next year.

4th of July!

Our Fourth of July was spent in Wyoming with the Yates. We were fortunate to be able to buy and light off the big fireworks LEGALLY!!! We were able to light them off over Palisades Lake. We then watched a great firework show Alpine displayed. Jayden and Aysia both fell asleep near the end of the show.

Wyoming

We were able to take a very relaxing vacation to Star Valley with the Yates’ family. We were able to go to the Tetons and hike to hidden falls at Jenny Lake. It was a longer hike for us then expected, but thank goodness Grammy took little tired Aysia across in the ferry boat. We also went rafting down the Snake River. We only lost one family member, Troy, outside the boat over the lunch counter rapids. We all survived though. We were able to attend the Jackson Hole rodeo which was very entertaining. Jayden and Skyler along with several cousins were able to chase little calves around the arena for a chance at a prize. Taylor and most of the guys on the trip were able to fish nearly every day. They were very successful, but released most of them. The best part of the trip was just relaxing and enjoying being with family. Thanks Grammy & Grandpa!!!