Heart of Gold

We have an upcoming Disneyland trip that have been planning for quite some time.  Travis found out yesterday that he has a regional manager coming into town for a planning meeting the same time as our family vacation.  It is pretty important for his career that he attends this meeting.  We were discussing some options this morning.  Gavin was quietly eating his breakfast, listening intently.  After a few minutes, he spoke up and said, "Dad, I will go to work for you so you can go to Disneyland." 

He was sincere with his offering.  How many six year olds do you know that would be willing to sacrifice his Disneyland vacation so that his dad could go instead?  I am amazed more and more every day by this boy.  He has a heart of gold!

Stinky Lake

It is an overcast, slightly rainy day today.  That means Syracuse doesn't smell very good!  Kate and I went outside to run some errands and here's how the conversation went:

Kate:  Mom, what is that smell?
Mom:  It's the Lake.
Kate:  A NASTY, STINKY lake.....

Love my girl :)

Best Buds

Gavin is lucky to have some really great friends!  They often roam the neighborhood and love to spend time together.  Last night they were playing outside and Gavin told them that he felt low.  These two boys emptied out Chase's wagon, and loaded Gavin up.  They pulled him in a wagon with broken wheels all the way home.  Skyler rushed into the house and let me know that Gavin wasn't feeling well.  I tested Gavin's levels, and sure enough, he was low.  I got a little emotional as I hugged these cute boys and thanked them for looking after, and taking care of their friend.  We are blessed to live in such a great neighborhood with some really amazing friends!  Thanks for making things a little easier to cope with!!! 

Camping, Day 2

Camping - Day 2

We started our second day with a trip to Granny's in Heber City for a little ice cream.  Now THIS is what I call camping ;)

Connie, Maren and Redick

Tyler and Gavin.  I think Tyler had eaten WAY too much at this point

The crew

Emily with Tyson, Avery, Dustin and Emma.  Emily really loves her uncles, and really enjoyed her weekend with them.  Thanks for making a little girl feel so special!

Emma, Megan, Hallie and Grandma Paulette

Kate, Lucy, Mikelle, Heather, Jamie and Levi

MMMMMM......

After roughing it in Heber City, we returned to camp.  We went down to the lake for a little rafting with Dustin.  I think this is Tyler's favorite part of our annual camping trip.

Looking confident and ready for what Dustin has to dish out!

Emily could have hung on all day long!  I think they wore their uncle out.

Did I mention how COLD this water was?

Kate HATED the raft.  I'm not really surprised.  She is not much of an adventerous gal.  She prefers the safety the shore had to offer.

Gavin and Emma - so funny - they were both hanging on to the wrong side. Not too hard to dump out ;)

Let the games begin! 

Potato sack races

And then this game....  There was a squishy water ball in the toe of a nylon.  The competitors then placed the nylon on their heads.  The last one with a nylon on their head was the champion.  I witnesses a few rounds of this mayhem and was horrified when my little man volunteered to participate.  He actually did really good, coming in a strong second place.

All the Barnes siblings were called upon to participate.  I have never witnesses anything so brutal.  I was a little afraid for the safety of my loved ones.  Jamie pulled off the win!  Way to show those boys who's boss!

Camping - Day 1

We took our annual camping trip the last week of June.  We usually camp up Fairview Canyon, but there were fires there this year, so we ended up at Strawberry.  The camping was different, but just as much fun!  The next few posts are going to be a picture fest - I just can't help myself!

The kids LOVED playing in the water.  It was very cold and very mossy, but they didn't seem to mind.

Lucy, Kate and Hallie.  So glad these girls are back!

Lucy, Mikelle, Megan, Emily and Gavin

Ewww.  Only these two ;/

I love this picture.  Gavin is going to make a great dad some day.  He took care of all the little ones.

Everyone loves Uncle Dustin!

And Kate loved the grape soda!

This is the first time that Tyler and I driven a 4 wheeler.  It was so much fun!  He did a lot of riding!

What a beautiful place!

Down by the river.  These kids spent a ton of time building two bridges.

Reddick (full of mischief) and Hallie. 

Compliments of Reddick. 

Did I mention how mischievious this kid is?  If you took your hand off your soda, it was immediately dumped out!  He sure keeps his parents on their toes!  I love this boy!

 Beautiful sunsets

Gavin was convinced that these were bear tracks.  Maybe.....

Fishing wasn't very good, but it was fun anyway.

Waiting so very patiently for a bite.

Day 1 was a success!