4th of July (St. George)

4th of July with the Goodmans (Family reunion 2016)

We headed up to St. George over the 4th of July to make sure we could enjoy some of the 100 degree weather. Fun was had by all as we were able to find time for Fiesta Fun center, Sand Hollow, backyard water fights, cupcake wars, cookouts, and fireworks! 

Fiesta Fun center

The highlight (and apparently only pictures I took of Ada) were the merry go round ducks. I think Ada rode them about 5 or 6 times instead of spending her tokens on the arcade games. We still somehow came away with enough tickets to buy all kinds of little toys and "penny" candies (Frooties).

Seth was all tuckered out from the fun...oh wait, this was him before we even started. Luckily, he eventually found his first wind for the day and we joined the arcade madness.

 Sand Hollow

This was the first time that we had a chance to visit Sand Hollow. It wasn't a reservoir when Ty was growing up (we just went to Quail Creek or Gunlock). It turned out to be a perfect day with the sun shining, but a bit of a breeze to keep us cool when we weren't playing in the water/mud. 

Sand structures (ok, castles if you want to be generous) kept most of the kids busy when they weren't splashing around. 

Morgan and Annie were on top of things and had kayaks rented so we could putt around with the little ones. I think Seth might have enjoyed it just a little.

Look, a chip.

Occasionally, the adults were able to sneak for a quick kayak trip before coming back to wrangle the wee ones again. 

Seth's first pinwheel? Or at least he was fascinated with it enough that it seemed like a completely new thing for him.

Don't you dare spray me!

Beautiful.

Fun in the backyard (WATER FIGHT!)

  

The only thing better than swinging at Grandma and Grandpa's is swinging with a cousin while eating watermelon!

I have not taught my son well; he decided that the delicious part of the watermelon is the rind. We will have to work on that one...oh, wait, more for me. 

All lined up and ready to play. We are only missing two grandkids in this shot (Rylea and Seth) and they all look like they are mostly being well behaved kids (lasted about four seconds).

On your mark, get set, spray! An example of one of the games that were organized for the kids to play. I don't remember who got their cup to the end first.

One of life's simple pleasures, cool water splashing on you on a hot summer day.

Ahhhhh....

....ggghhheeee!

Once the water fight started, the kids took the high ground and dropped liquid artillery from above. 

Wet, wet mayhem! Bigs vs. Littles! (We all won...or lost...we got wet)

Seth thought it was crazy to throw the water balloon because they are so fun to hold. Also, being naked outside is on his list of things that make him smile.

After we did some water trampolining, we took a well deserved lunch break and enjoyed Ramen noodles on while we dried off a bit.

Cupcake Wars: The battle to not eat too much sugar

Grandma and Steve's kids went all out and made fondant

We paired off and Steve's girls and Grandma and Grandpa taught us all about the art of making cupcakes. We formed teams and all made some very interesting creations.

All tuckered out and ready for some snuggles.

Seth, however, doesn't have time for rest when there are structures to be made.

While Morgan and Annie were busy grilling/prepping an awesome dinner; the kids all went on a discovery/science trek. They learned about how seeds can travel throughout the world aided by the wind.

And the winner is...Diabetes!!!

One of the best fireworks shows I have ever been a part of. Seth snuggled with me while the other kids ran around in mix of panic, excitement, and pleasure as fireworks went off almost directly over our heads. All in all, a wonderful trip. Thanks to all the family for always making it fun/memorable when we come up.