Pioneer Day Parade and Fireworks

The Parade and fireworks were on the 23rd which is Matt and I's anniversary. What a great way to celebrate both pioneer days and our 9th year Anniversary. Matt and the kids before the fireworks. We had a great spot. We loved that fireworks were right over heads. We just layed down and enjoyed the show.
The kids each got a light saber. It entertained them as we waited for it to get dark along with some snacks.
The Parade was pretty hot (no this is not sweat) so we had a little water fight as we were waiting for the parade to start.
Ashlynn enjoyed all the floats that did not make any noises. She covered her ears as the fire trucks, police cars and ambulances went by.
Ashlynn and I after getting wet by Carter.

I could not believe how popular this parade is. We were told that at 7am you need to set out chairs to reserve your spot for the parade that started at 6pm. Matt showed up to set out chairs as he went to work which was at 8am and everything was taking that was close to the curb. So we had our chairs set out behind other people. Then when the parade started we moved our chairs to the crosswalk area. So we were in the hot beating sun for 2 1/2 hours. It turned out to be worth it. Next year I will be out there and setting out chairs in the shade at 7am.

A Bike Wash

Matt made the kids a bike wash out of PVC pipe and you hook the hose to it and it makes a freshing water feature. He found the directions on one of his geek websites. They funny thing is, when he went to go get the supplies there was another geek website browser getting supplies too. Between the two of them they figured out what they needed and they felt good about themselves. The kids love it!

Finally! No Training Wheels!

Carter has been working hard this summer to be able to ride his bike without training wheels. He has been practicing a few nights a week and finally he did it! He is so excited that he wants to ride his bike every chance he gets!

Ashlynn's Swim Lessons

Ashlynn doing a back float.
This picture explains it all. She loved being in the water and going under the water. On the first day of swim lessons the teacher told them to get out of the water and jump off the side of pool and Ashlynn ran to the deep end and jumped off. She probably thought the pool was a giant bath tub. The teacher had to hurry and catch her, but that didn't scare her at all. She calls herself a "Dora Mermaid". Here are couple videos of her swimming and jumping off the diving board. We are so proud of her!
If anyone was wondering about Carter, he will start lessons in August. He was sick with diarrhea when the class started. He was pretty upset he couldn't get in the pool. So, stay tuned for Carter's swimming lessons in a month.

Lagoon with Grandpa Rod and Corey

Grandpa Rod and Corey came to visit us. We had a great time at Lagoon. You can spend hours there and still want to keep going. Grandpa Rod and Corey on the Odysey. The newest ride this year at the Lagoon.
Matt and you can see Carter's head poking up from his seat.
Matt, Carter and Corey on the Log Flume. As they were going up the hill to go down, Carter said "Oh Dad this thing doesn't have seatbelts, hold on to me". Carter loves this ride! We have to go on it every time we go.
The boys after the Log Flume. They all survived!

Matt on the swings. He looks like a spider.

My Newest favorite Cookie Recipe

I thought I would share one 0ur family's favorite cookies. They are so yummy, easy and good for you. I can whip out a batch of these in 30 mintues. Below I have added the link to the orginal recipe because I have modified a bit. I also added a link to several different recipes that you can substitute pumkin in place of butter and other high sodium ingredients. Pumpkin adds more fiber, vitamin A and reduces fat and sodium to our foods. Enjoy!

"Pumpkin Perfect" Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 Pkg. (17.5 oz) any cookie mix (I use the Oatmeal Choc. Chip)
1/2 Cup Pure Pumpkin
3 Tablespoons Vegetable oil
1 Lrg. Egg
Optional: If you use the plain Oatmeal cookie mix you could add 1 cup dried cranberries, raisins or nuts.

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees F

Combine: Cookie mix, pumpkin, oil and egg in large bowl. (Stir in the optional ingredients). Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls, about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned and set in centers. Cool on baking sheets for 1 minute, remove to wire racks to cool. If they are not gone by the done they are out of oven you can store them in a covered container.

Makes about 3 dozen.

These cookies are so moist it is like you are eating a piece of cake. So yummy!

http://www.verybestbaking.com/libbys/pumpkinpower/recipes/
http://www.verybestbaking.com/libbys/pumpkinpower/pluspumpkin/

Happy 4th to all!

Hopefully you all had a great 4th of July! We a so blessed to live in this great country and be able to celebrate our freedom. I was talking to Carter about why we light fireworks on this holiday and he wanted to make sure that all you in Idaho and New Hampshire could light fireworks to celebrate too.

Our family had a great day! The kids and I watched the movie "Wall-e" with Aunt Tracy, Jessica & Annie. Matt and his brother went golfing and then we had BBQ with family and friends. Lastly, we had a good firework show to end this beautiful holiday! We are sure proud to be Americans!