We had a great 4th of July! We went to the Children's Museum Friday and then had Clint and Kara's family over on Friday night for pizza and fireworks of our own. Wes put on a pretty good show, I thought! Then on Saturday we went to the pool and then to Clint and Kara's for a BBQ. After we went to see fireworks the city puts on. THey also have the Air Force Academy Band play as well. They are so talented and their singers are amazing! One of them sounded just like Louie Armstrong. And the fireworks were great there as well! 2 packed days, we had a blast! THe weather here has been crazy, it will be hot and sunny one minute and then we'll have a major down pour the next. The 4th was no exception - it poured for a while that evening we weren't sure we'd be able to go to the fireworks. But of course, after the pouring rain stopped, the sun was shining again just in time for us to go... strange!

The Gang

Clint and Kara

Wesley and Cooper

Max hiding out during the band, reading his book

Here's Jake and Max hanging out in the car waiting for the traffic to die down so we could leave.

Children's Museum

Wesley had Friday off so we went to the Children's Museum. It was pretty fun, Jake really enjoyed it! Here are a few pics from that day:

JOOVY

I researched and researched and decided that the Joovy Sit 'n Stand would be the best double stroller for us and thus far, I love it! It's pretty compact, which is my number one requirement. Sometimes Jake stands on the seat and that's so fun for him, and once the car seat isn't in there, there will be more room and a lot more compact too. I love it!

Father's Day

I just love this picture - my 3 favorite guys! And the one in the middle truly is the best! I'm so happy and grateful he married me despite my many imperfections. He is patient beyond words and is the biggest help at home with the kids especially with a newborn. He's made it a habit to take the boys in the mornings so I can sleep in until 8, heaven sent! I am so grateful he's in my life and I get to be with him forever and ever! I love him, I love him, I love him!

What's for Dinner

I used to think that I LOVED to cook, and maybe I did, but now - not so much, except in the summer! I love to get good recipes and to have Wesley grill (oh, maybe that's why I enjoy cooking in the summer b/c Wes does most of the work!). I get excited for vegetables and fruits and light food! Here's a recipe that was definitely a hit.

Lettuce Wraps

And here are the yummy lettuce bundles - try them out and tell me what you think. Enjoy!

Here's Jake helping me cook -as always! He tends to steal the food I put in the bowl, but I can't scold him here for stealing a red pepper right, it's healthy!

Black Bean Lettuce Wraps

1 cup canned black beans - drained and rinsed
1/2 cup cooked corn kernels
1/2 medium sweet red pepper
4 medium scallions
1/4 cup cilantro (it can take over most of the other flavors, so add less if you want)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 medium garlice clove
1/2 tsp table salt
1 head boston lettuce
Cooked chicken - I wanted chicken so I just cut cooked, smaller than bite size pieces and added it to the mix.

Mix together and let marinade for at least an hour. I made it and didn't have time to marinade and it was still great!

I think if you want to put more or less of something, it won't matter.

It yields quite a bit, the directions say serves 4. It was super yummy!

My cute boys

I was doing an exercise video with my exercise ball - we got one out for Jake and he worked out with me, it was cute!

Cute, cute!

Watching intently! - National Treasure!

Evening walks in the summer - Love them!

This isn't just any playdough, this was my first time making it! ?I'm pretty proud of myself!

Pool's open!

So sweet

Trip To Utah

Wesley is the advisor for the 16-17 year olds at church and they went camping for a few days a couple of weeks ago - which meant I would need to find a place to go as well! Most people that know me know that I hate being home alone when Wesley is out of town. Before Jake turned 2, it was easy to travel since Jake was free. Yeah, not anymore - AND I have another child as well. So I went to Utah to visit our parents, both live there now which makes it more convenient! But this was probably my last trip alone with the kids - not just because I have an extra ticket to buy, but you all know how much harder it is to travel by yourself with kids. The plane rides were fine, but it's just so hard not being in your own home with your own beds and toys and schedule... aside from that, it really was a fun trip. We spent the first few days at Wesley's parent's house and the last few days at my parents house. It was so great for Jake to have playmates that week.

At Marilee's house we went to the Treehouse, Cavern's Cove (a farm) and we pulled out the GIANT water slide/pool to play with. It was so much fun, Jake enjoyed all of it!

The Treehouse

Playing in the backyard with Karli

Playing with Alex in the little pool (wish I got pictures of the big pool)

Cavern's Cove - riding a horse

Tractors

All the kids

Then we were off to my parent's house - we were able to go to a parade, an amazingly yummy Mexican restaurant, and my first

rodeo!

this is the view from their backyard, simply gorgeous! Jeremy and Brooke (my brother's family)

were there, they are in the process of moving to Utah so we got to see them

Brenden and Jake

Alex playing flight simulator with Jake

Caden and Jake eating a snack

Lita and Cooper

Ashlyn and Cooper

Grandaddy, Ashlyn and Cooper

At the stock parade

At the Mexican Restaurant

Dallen made swords for everyone

Jake and Gabriella

Sleepovers - all 11 of them!

The rodeo - everyone having a blast!

The rodeo - after the rain started coming. It's hard to see now, but we were able to get 9 people under that umbrella.

Boy did it pour! We left early because the babies were getting too wet and started shivering. It was a lot of fun though!