The Heart of Summer, July 2011

July feels like the heart of summer, to me at least, with the heat and all the fun things there are to do. We tried to get out and make some lasting summer memories with the kids...

Spanish Fork Fountains
This brand new super fun park is just a few blocks away. We'd been to the park several times but we finally made it to the fountains. It was so fun and made me wish I was a kid again so that I could get in and cool off!Stockton never actually got wet. Instead, he would run up as close as he would dare and then run away, laughing the whole time.We've been a couple times since then and each time he gets a little bit braver and a little closer.

Hiking the 3 Forks Trail in Spanish Fork Canyon
Sadly, we haven't been on as many hikes this summer as we would like. But this one makes up for all those we haven't done! We made it halfway and were feeling pretty good so we decided to go all the way. At the top are some hot pots that Molly played around in for a while. The hike down felt much longer than the hike up-it ended up being 4 miles round trip, a hike that took our family 4 hours. Molly walked the whole way...she had no choice since Justin was carrying Stockton and I had Brynn. We were all pretty proud of ourselves for making it!

Happy little hikerOn the way upSleepy hikersThe kids helped dad wash the car when we got home. It was a great way to cool off!Nunn's Park in Provo Canyon
We wanted to get back to the mountains, but we didn't really feel like hiking again. So we roasted hot dogs, rode bikes/walked to Bridal Veil Falls, and then went back and roasted marshmallows. Definitely one of the highlights of the summer.

Brynn loves being outside.The FallsMolly caught a snake!Yum!!
Tracy Aviary/Liberty Park
We met my mom and sister halfway between our house and theirs, looked at some birds, played in the sand/water, had a snow cone, and rode some rides. Strange, but Ali's Louisville Zoo pass got us in to the Aviary for free.I'm pretty sure Stockton's favorite part was riding this old car.Spanish Fork Parade on the 24th
Our 3rd year attending, although they went lame this year and didn't allow any candy throwing. Blah. But the kids enjoyed it enough and we'll probably end up there next year as well. They sure look happy, don't they?

Bear Lake
We squeezed this one in before the month was over. Molly went off to Grandkid Camp so we went up there to retrieve her. Justin got to water ski. I was feeding Brynn and then it got too windy so I didn't even make it on the boat. But playing on the beach is fun and being at the cabin makes me happy so I'm not complaining.
Up next: the duck pond, the Zoo, camping, and more!

4 months, 22 days

That's the last time Brynn went to the doctor. She weighed 11 lbs 2 oz. Here are some of the things she is doing now:

-Loves to kick! In the tub she splashes water all over. She has strong little legs and when you stand her up, she jumps.

-She rolls all over. She's better at rolling from back to belly, but she can go both ways.

-Reaches for toys and puts everything in her mouth.

-Is getting so strong and likes to play in her saucer.

-Takes three naps each day. Working on putting herself to sleep, but still likes mom to rock her a little bit.

-She's slept through the night forever. When she started rolling I stopped swaddling her so lately she's not sleeping quite as long, but she's still better than my other two! (She wakes up anytime around 5 or 6, nurses, and goes right back to sleep for 3-4 hours. Can't complain about that.)

-Blows bubbles.

-Plays with her toes.

-Smiles for anyone.