Utah

We took part of our summer vacation and drove to Utah.  We stopped in Ontario, OR for a night and found a cool park and ate at a gross Mexican restaurant.  Next we headed to Holladay to stay with the Malfatto family.  Ezra turned one and Krista, Eric and Sierra learned to do some pretty high platform jumping.  We also spent time in the beautiful Cottonwood Canyon.  Eric ran and biked and the cousins had a great time together. Allie had Ezra on her hip for most of the four days we were there and Garrett enjoyed tea parties with Lola.

Next stop was a tour of the BYU campus on the golf carts and a trip to the newly remodeled Bean Museum.  Both were really fun.  Taking a trip down memory lane at BYU is always a treat.  Eric also took the older kids to check out the bookstore and the Clyde building where Eric spent a lot of his BYU days.

Next stop was Spanish Fork for our Chittock family reunion.  We all met up at Lesley's house for food, "minute to win it" and swimming.  The highlight was the BYU Men's Soccer Team game on the 4th of July.  After the game we went onto the field to watch the fireworks. 

It was such a good trip we just might return to Utah again someday.

The Coast

Mason's birthday always occurs during spring break.  We decided to spend the day at the coast.  We hiked in the rain and wind, got some hot chocolate and brownies, ate a good amount of seafood and played on the beach.  The sun peeked through for us at the very end of the day.  It was a great way to celebrate Mason turning 10!

The Picture Frame Trail

For Mother's Day I just wanted to to a hike to see the "picture frame."  We walked, played by the water, the kids jumped off the bridge, some complained even though it was Mother's Day and they all agreed to take a picture with me (which is not an easy task.)  We live in such a beautiful place and I love my job as a Mom, good days and bad I wouldn't trade it for anything else. 

Five

Garrett turned five years old on April 23rd.  He did not want any pictures taken on his birthday so I had to sneak a few.  In fact, right now he rarely wants his picture taken.  He has to be in just the right mood.  He wanted pirate ships and McDonald's pancakes.  He loves McDonald's pancakes.  Sierra was running late for school on his birthday morning so I ended up driving her and then driving Garrett to McDonalds to get his pancakes.  He didn't want to go to preschool so we spent the day together and went back to McDonalds for lunch and I let him play as long as he wanted.  He doesn't like attention so no party,  just lots of super unhealthy food.

Garrett at five:
He loves watching Clifford and Curious George
He only wears shorts unless he is playing in the snow
He loves to swim and has no fear of the water
He loves pirates and swords
He likes to dance, wrestle and bug his siblings
If he thinks something is unfair he says "you cheated!"
He sings the Lego movie song...a lot
He loves to eat oatmeal in the morning with a little bowl of brown sugar next to it that he can dump on top

Before I know it he will be off to kindergarten!

Double Digits

Mason turned the big 10 back in March.  Boys are so easy when it comes to parties.  Mason wanted a Nerf gun battle and pizza, done. Mason is such an easy going and obedient kid.  He is helpful, happy, and a great older brother.   Happy Birthday Mason!

The Derby

Another year and another Pine Wood Derby.  This year Garrett also made his own car but wouldn't let me take a picture of him with his car.  He does not like to have his picture taken.  The night of the races Garrett was right in there with the big kids.  I think he probably enjoyed it more than Mase and Mase liked it quite a bit. 

K + A

This is a special girl with a very special Dad.  I love this family and always will.  I was lucky to share this sunny March day with them at the Portland Oregon Temple.  She looked so lovely and was so happy. 

Many more photos of Karyn and Adam's special day on Photographs by Cherie.

The Hales

If you want to see more a this trio check out my photo blog.  Happy Spring!