Ekins Express

June and July Wrap-Up

So I've been a huge slacker with the blogging lately. :) Here's a small glance of just a few things we've been up to (or at least took the time to capture with the camera) this summer:

We love to visit the temple grounds occasionally. The kids love to climb the long staircase, walk through the Visitor's Center, sing primary songs on the lawn, and just chill outside.

Abby found a stick and pretended to be the music chorister and asked me to sing, "I Love to See the Temple." It was pretty cute.

We stayed home for the 4th of July and decided to check out St. George's parade since they are currently doing construction on Washington's main street. Lets just say we're excited for construction to be done by next year. The kids did enjoy seeing a big Shrek balloon and the local fire truck. The actual night of the 4th we went to some friends (the Jones') for a pool party, bbq, and fireworks.

and of course getting a handful of salt water taffy.

I know he shouldn't have been picking flowers at the temple, but it's so cute how he does this wherever we go and then gives them to me! He's my little charmer!

After the 4th of July Parade, we went to Bear Paw Cafe on main street in St. George. A must-stop eatery with the yummiest french toast and omelettes! While we waited for a table, we played with the bronze statues across the street. :)

One of the reasons I've put off updating the blog has been because I was hoping to get more pictures from the family (on their blogs :)) from our big Garner Family Reunion. These are just a few moments I captured:

Abby and Ruby so excited to finally be together... and to get to go on rides with one another at Lagoon! Doesn't get much better than that for these two cuties.

Notice Rett's face before he realized just what they were about to do:

and then after:

The day after Lagoon, some of us headed to Downtown Salt Lake and went to The Church History Museum (Mom told us about a new kid's exhibit), then Hillary and her kids and me with my kids decided to tour the top of the new Conference Center. After our tour, we met up with Mom and the Lakes for lunch at The Lion House.

On Sunday we ALL met up in Park City for three nights. It was a blast! And I only wish I could have captured the time we shared with more pictures. We played games the first night, spent Monday and Tuesday at Jordanelle Reservoir with more games and talking at night all while the kids couldn't get enough time in the hot tub, or playing Polly Pocket, or a game of Pool, and then shopped and had lunch together on Wednesday before heading our separate ways. Mom and Dad were so generous with the cabin and the boat and Camille was great in putting together an agenda and running the kitchen! We ate so good. Everyone pitched in and made it a success! We had so much fun we decided to do the same thing at the same place next year. Thank you everyone for the memories!

Ash and Camille in the kitchen making Camille's Guac Dip that everyone gobbled up!

Michele and Channing too!

Grandpa and Rett couldn't wait to go for a dip in the hot tub in their nothings! Or at least next to nothings. :)

All the other kids really couldn't get enough of it. So much that the adults really had no interest in joining. Lets just say it was due for a good cleaning by the time they were all done!

Our little family headed home from Park City Wednesday afternoon, Matt went to work Thursday morning, and then we were back in the car on our way to Hinckley that afternoon for a small reunion with some of Matt's family. We barbequed under their new awning, went running in the mornings, and spent the days at "The Rez" - Delta's reservoir. On our way home Saturday we stopped in Cedar City to watch Aubrey play softball. By Sunday we were exhausted from a long week and a half!

The kids like to help me water the plants and this was one day during a rainstorm:

He eventually lost the clothes and hung out in the rain in nothing but his diaper.

And then one FHE Rett randomly decided to chill in his swim life vest. He refused to take it off all night. Whatever makes this boy happy!

The kids never get enough of fort building!

Our recreation center has a rock climbing wall that Abby and Matt in particular have shown interest in lately. We decided to all give it a try this past week. I was so amazed at Abby's confidence and ability. She was even able to make it for the first time to the very top! She had fun "ringing the bell" at the top and was excited for that special treat she earned.

Climbing to the top for a second time - this time together with Dad

She loves the "going down" part.

Rett wasn't so much interested in the climbing part...

as he was just to wear the shoes (which were several sizes too big but he didn't care).

Way to be Dad! Going for one of the harder climbs.