4th of July family reunion (part 1)

My parents put together our very first family reunion with my siblings since we're all growed up and stuff. We held it over the 4th in Blanding, Ut where my brother lives and my parents use to live. Blandings 4th of July is always big and grande and screams proud Americans. This was mine and my kids 2nd time celebrating Independence Day here. Like always it was fun and EXHAUSTING.

The day starts with the parade at 10:30 and then right after, everyone (and I mean everyone) heads over to the big park for festivities and food. There are food and artsy booths galore. Me, my brother Rick and my Dad decided to even get spray on tattoos that last 3-5 days. (they called mine the "tramp stamp" because of its location......the lower back, not my boob or booty people sheesh.)

Then FINALLY, 10:00pm is the fireworks. I've never seen a better show of fireworks than here in Blanding. If you don't believe me go see for yourself next year. I promise you won't be disappointed and maybe you'll see me. :)

As usual it seems, work held Mr. S captive and he couldn't escape away with us this year. Maybe the next. (and I'm telling ya that's probably wishful thinking.)

Apparently I was stalked by the paparazzi named MY BROTHER. He's got a pretty sweet camera and I'm glad I wasn't the only one having to take the pictures. I was even IN some of them. :)

Waiting for the parade to start.

He loves flowers. I couldn't get him to stop picking them or throw rocks. I'm surprised I don't have more grey hairs. (Oh yes, I have a strand or two.)

I love ya lil' brother, but she's to good for you. :) My brothers girlfriend Kelsey is super sweet. And I'm talking it's oozing. I really like her. So glad she came.

Cousin kristine did some face painting on some of the kids. Gem really liked it.

I have no firework pictures and I'm a little sad about it. This picture pretty much sums up the rest of the day at the park. Loud and wild. Gemma and Vance were having a hard time getting along towards the end and they finally crashed hard. Gem missed the fireworks and Bubbs woke up to them. He thought they were all pretty cool as he sat on Grandpa's lap.

We got back to the house as midnight was slowly creeping on us. Both kids were awake now and weren't too excited to go to bed. I bribed them with a few pieces of parade candy and a movie in bed. They were out again not even 15 minutes into the movie "Finding Nemo".

some fun

Breakers Water Park is just down the highway from us. Maybe 10 minutes drive. Probably less. So we took advantage of the super hot heat and Mr. Smith's day off of work and spent the afternoon pool side.

It was wonderful. Spending much needed time ALL together. It's usually just me and the kids in nearly every aspect of our lives because of Mr. Smith's work schedule AND he works A LOT. (I feel like a single mother except that I don't have the extra added responsibility to go get a paying job to support us.)

Needless to say, we had a blast!

 While I had my camera out, a very rare thing happened. Gemma asked me to take a picture of her and her daddy! I couldn't believe it. She posed and everything. I have yet to get her to do it again. 

Disclaimer:  Im not trying to dunk my daughter. I swear. 

This was a great day.

Utah 2012 - part 2

The living planet aquarium in Draper was a total hit! And not just for my kids. I loved seeing there faces light up with all that they had never seen before. I felt so much like a little kid as I stared at all the fascinating creatures that live on this planet.

The stingrays were our favorite. They seem to love the attention and practically begged for it. It kind of reminded me of an excited dog eager to be noticed by it's owner. I want to keep one as a pet they were THAT cute and fun.

My Gemma got the opportunity to feed the sting rays when it was time for there feeding. I caught it on video and so funny. It scared her when they all came splashing up out of the water to eat our of your hand. But she stayed there watching. What a neat experience she had and I'm so grateful i was there to be apart of it.

Utah 2012 - part 1

The kids and I went up to Highland where my family now lives. I was asked to take my sisters engagements so I decided to make a vacation out of it and stayed for a week. It kind of was our kick off to summer. I love spending time with my mom and siblings and love even more that my kids got to play with cousins they never get to see. Vance wasn't able to attend but we missed him dearly.

There is a super fun splash pad just down the street from my moms so we attended a couple of times during our stay. My kids LOVED it and couldn't get enough. I loved it because it wore them out and they crashed hard afterwords. 

The water was really cold. I'm talking freezing. There was no warmth whatsoever. I was quit surprised he easy it was for my kids to jump on in.

They loved being in the backyard. The grass was cool and soft, unlike home where our yard is quit a mess with dead grass and rock. They could actually play in a yard without getting dirty. Some day.......

M+K

My first shoot and thank goodness it was for my sister. I have so much to learn and should probably wear my glasses. To the cute couple! Thanks for being my guinea pigs on such an important shoot. Love you guys!