Utah Ranch Reunion

This year we were able to arrange our bi-annual Utah trip so we could attend the big Ricks reunion at Nathan's Ranch by Heber City. There was all kinds of fun things to do: horse riding, fishing, rock climbing, 4-wheeling canoeing, etc, plus the food was great too!

Kalli, Cristin, Jill and I started the afternoon off with a horse ride

Uncle Jay is always the center of attraction for the kids

Our cabin we stayed in was right next to this pond

Nate and I went on a 4 wheeler ride on the dusty roads - thank heavens we had sunglasses on

Nate tried out a little fishing

Trey's favorite food

Trey wasn't so sure he liked the 4 wheeler, Kalli loves it

We tried a little canoeing

Trey and his cousin Owen loved throwing rocks into the pond. They could do it all day long.

Trey found this outside of our cabin

And then we found these about 3 feet away from our front door. I think we counted a total of 5. Gross! Good thing we were leaving when they popped their heads out of their hole.

Besides the little 'houseguests,' we had a great time and I'm so glad we were able to make it.

We headed back to Logan for a few days afterwards and while waiting to meet up with Annie, we visited a couple of our old stomping grounds.

Our first house. It looks like a dump, but we had it all fixed up 6 yrs ago and believe me, we did NOT have a yellow door!

Next we headed to 3rd dam up Logan canyon and the kids cooled off in the river

then we checked out the waterfall that we have taken many a picture at

The next day I met with some of my good friends from high school. It was so fun to see everyone and all their kids. Are we really that old?!

One night we had a little BBQ at Mark and Cristin's. Trey hasn't really been on a tramp much and he wasn't sure what to think of it, so he followed Owen's lead.

He soon warmed up to the idea and was laughing and giggling with Nate.

Once again, our Utah trip was a success and we were sad to leave everyone behind. Hopefully, we will see everyone again really soon. Love you all!

Last Day of Preschool

Of course Kalli loved preschool and can't wait to go to Kindergarten in the fall. But for me it was a little bittersweet. Participating in a co-op preschool with other moms is a lot of work, but it's fun to see the kids learn and spend this time with them.

So for our last day, the girls put on a little show, dancing and singing for us.

Then they got to go to the 'store' to purchase items they wanted with the 'dollars' they earned from doing a review worksheet. They were so excited and all ended up with everything they wanted.

Even Trey got in on the action

I am so glad for this opportunity that I had to help teach preschool to Kalli, but I must admit, I am glad it is over. Bring on the summer!

9!

Happy Anniversary to my fabulous hub! I love you more than ever and look forward to the next 100 years (maybe not quite that long :)
So for our big day we went to Romeos Cucina. It was ok but honestly, we both agree, nothing beats Mangia Bene.

Afterwards, we went classy and hit up Rite Aide for ice cream. Nate got his favorite, Cotton Candy.

So handsome isn't he? Makes me want to plant one on him right now!
We had a fun night and I couldn't ask for anything more. I love you Hun!

So Intent

this little boy is so intent on riding this scooter

He. Will. Conquer.

Boating with the Cuzins

Aaron and Keri just moved back to Corona for a year and Kalli couldn't be happier. She loves playing with her cousin Jada.

Tara and Dave invited us all to come up to Palm Desert to do some boating.

Nate got in a little wakeboarding

and we all went along for the ride. It was so nice to spend time with everyone. We need to get together more often, we always have such a good time!

Trey's 1st Bike

He loves this bike, a.k.a. plasma car, and cruises around on it like nobody's business.

Happy Surprise to Me!

It's the day before my birthday and I am leaving a birthday lunch with friends at the Cheesecake Factory, on my way to meet Nate and the kids over at Macy's. Once I get there, Nate tells me I can pick out anthing I want for my birthday. I start browsing, meanwhile Kalli is grinning ear to ear, but I assume she is just glad to be there. After a couple minutes I hear my name called out. I look around and hear it again. I spot some oddly familiar shoes hiding behind a rack and the next thing I know my mom jumps out from behind it. I am shocked, trying to make sense of the situation, since my parents live in Utah and there is NO way they can be here :) I gave my mom a big hug and then my dad came around the corner with the video camera. Of course, tears of joy were flowing down my cheeks by then and I was completely overcome with happiness. I couldn't believe it! This was the absolute BEST birthday present ever!

The kids were soooo excited to have gma and gpa here too. First thing when we got home, break out the coloring books!

Nate had a bit of a birthday surprise up his sleeve as well. On our way we stopped to get some snacks and to Trey's joy, there was a firetruck parked in the lot. Kalli and Trey had to check it out.

Nate surprised us all by taking us out on a whale watching trip in Dana Point.

We saw so many dolphins it was amazing! We also saw the whales, but they just surfaced a few times with little activity. The dolphins followed us for miles, loved it!

and so did the everyone else!

Thanks Hun, it was fabulous!

The next day we decided to hit up LA for the fabric district. Mom had so much success there last time, we had to try our luck again. Not so great, but we enjoyed a big fat burrito anyway.

That night we went to dinner to The Melting Pot, which I have been dying to try.

So at least I can say I tried it. I wasn't too impressed, but to each there own. All I have to say is, I don't believe any of us will be going back anytime soon :)

Bubbles and chalk in the morning

Oreo ice cream birthday cake for lunch, yum!

For our last hoo-rah, we went to the beach for a relaxing stroll

and a little kite flying

The best birthday weekend ever! Thank you Mom and Dad (Nate and kids) for making it so wonderful! I love you!