Family Vacations/Reunions

July was a fun filled month of family reunions.  We had so much fun!  In the middle of July, we had the big Durtschi reunion up at Reunion Flats in Teton Canyon.  We camped for two nights up there and it was just beautiful.  We hung around the campsites, got re-acquainted with family, played games, swam at Green Canyon, had a one mile fun run, and just relaxed.  The kids made new friends with my cousin's kids and we just loved it.  Sadly, I didn't take one picture.

We also went on the Lewis reunion toward the end of July.  We went up to Eden (by Ogden).  We have been there before and enjoyed it just as much this time.  (The only down side was the lack of air conditioning, but luckily, no one lost their temper, and everything was great!)  There were all kind of swings and things around the house for the cousins to play on.  Here, Peyton, Scott, Logan, and Austin are on the tire swing (and luckily Aunt Staci got a picture).

 Rick brought his boat up, so one day, everyone went boating.  Uncle Jason went with Emma, Scott, and Kate on the tube and they all had a riot!

 Another one of the swings. (Austin in the blue, Scott in the red)

 These three girls had a great time together.  This day, we went to a nearby park and had a sports day.

 More at the park

 This is right before we went home.  Of course, Austin and Scott went to sit with these cousins, the kids love these girls (and Stockton)

It was a great weekend and fun to see all the Lewis family and all the kids--fun to see everyone growing up.

An Adventure

Dave and Audrey were here with their family, so we went on a hike up Albion Basin to a lake (maybe Secret Lake).  The kids had so much fun with Dave and Audrey's kids.  The scenery was beautiful.  

 Dave and Audrey's kids totally took care of Austin, Scott, and Kate.  The boys especially (and A and S really love being spoiled!)  The kids kept getting walking sticks (although I think it hindered rather than helped).  This is Austin with Caden.

 All the kids loved trying to climb up big rocks and to explore.

 Scott with his walking stick.

 Audrey found this great place for photos of the kids.  What a cute bunch!

 Scott, Kate, Austin

 We got a little family pic too, I love it, that scenery is awesome!

 We got to the top and started to get lunch out.  There had been clouds up there all day, but we didn't worry too much.  Brady was getting a little nervous and said something about there being lightning.  Audrey responded, "There is not any lightning."  The SECOND after she said that there was lightning, loud thunder and it started raining--it was so funny!  We were still at the top, so quickly packed our lunches so we could start down.  It started raining HARD, hailing really hard and thick.  Our kids were all crying and we made some good time down that mountain.  It took us about an hour to get up, maybe 15 minutes to get down.  We made the kids take this picture, telling them it would be a funny memory--the day we went up in the mountains and got poured and hailed on--in the middle of July!

Exciting News

We found out we are expecting and are so excited!  We waited a while to tell the kids because we knew it would seem like forever until the baby got here.  These are some of the first ultra sound pictures we got.

 We gave each of the kids a present--it was a bunch of diapers wrapped up.  They thought it was so hilarious, the boys especially just laughed and laughed that we gave them diapers!

 Kate got it a little more quickly and has been so excited since.  All 3 really want a girl (but I think that's because the only tiny baby they know right now is their cousin Ellie who they've seen a lot since she was born).

We aren't going to find out if it's a boy or girl and are just so excited to have either.  Scott asks a few times a day, "Is the baby still in there?" (I'm sure I'll get that even after the baby is born).  Scott has also been very concerned how and where the baby sleeps.  The first time I told him the baby sleeps in my tummy, he laughed and laughed and thought that was so silly.

Austin comes and hugs my tummy a lot and is so excited.  I tell him how much the baby loves him and it makes him SO happy.

Kate is so excited to help change diapers (I'm going to put her to use on that one!) and just hold that baby.

It's so fun to see them so excited.  Today, I was telling Austin and Scott that they will be such good big brothers and they both were saying how they would tickle baby and make baby laugh.  We can't wait!!

Picture of the Day

4th of July Festivities

For the first time since the creation of the Jeff and Julie Lewis family, we stayed in Utah instead of going to Idaho.  There was a family reunion so close, but far enough that it would have been too long to stay.  Mom was a little apprehensive about staying in Utah--we've been so partial to small town 4th of July celebrations, but were pleasantly surprised.

In the morning, we went to the parade with some friends from our ward.  There was a big group and they really hooked us up--they had some big canopy tents so we had shade.  The kids were in heaven with all the candy being thrown.  Austin and Scott were really cute, they would just get a few pieces, then want to sit and eat them.  Kate was into getting as much as she could every chance she got.  All 3 were at very fun ages for the parade!

 The kids loved waving their flags

 After the parade, we went over and had a barbecue with Ryan and Malece and hung out for the afternoon there, it was a great time!

That night, we lit off some fireworks.  The favorites were the parachute men.  We would light them, then everyone ran and tried to catch it.  Scott caught one, I think it was a proud moment for Jeff!  All the kids were really tired from the day's activities and before we were done, were begging to go to bed.  I guess that means the day was a success!

Happy 4th of July

...from 3 of the cutest kids around!