Tuesday July 13th, 2010: Gunlock Reservoir

We originally planned to go hike around Red Cliffs out by Leeds but after the drive out there, we came to find the road was closed. So we headed to Gunlock instead. The kids pretty much love anything we can do outside. Dodge loved finding some wood and an old rope and he tried to make a boat out of all of it. He was a little disappointed to find it didn't float. Addison kept saying 'cah-cah' because of all the mud. She had some fun splashing in the water anyway. I am glad we got out there before this terrible heat set in. It is 110 degrees right now! Like I always say though, I'll take the heat for a little bit of the summer over shoveling snow in the winter. I really love the beautiful area we live in. The Red Rock is amazing. I feel lucky to wake up everyday and be able to see the red hills around us.

July 9th-11th: A Weekend In L.A.

Friday:
We drove down and had some dinner at "GG"(great-grandma) and Papa Cioffi's. Since it was Mindy's birthday we had a HUGE cake and some ice cream. It was so fun to spend some time with the family.Addison got a lot of kisses from GG and Dodge just about rocked that rocking horse to death. The kids always like to blow out everyone's candles. I don't know how that effects the wish situation...

Saturday:
Dodge and Addison went to Universal Studios with Grandma, Aunt Pam, and Carly. While they were have the time of their lives meeting Spongebob and going on the King Kong ride, Ryan, Dan, and I met up with Dennis, Patti, Chelsea, and Cammi. It was picture day at Dodger Stadium so we got to go on the field and see some of the Dodgers.

After the cubs won, we all met back at the Cheesecake Factory for some yummy grub. Addison loved playing in this fountain by the Hotel. She would have jumped right in if we would have let her.

Sunday:
Before we started our drive back home, GG and Papa Cioffi made us some delicious Mormon Wheat Cakes for breakfast. They were absolutely fantastic. We had to get a picture with GG and Papa. I love Dodge's frown in this picture... Classic!

July 8th, 2010

Yes, this is my daughter in a princess dress up eating breakfast with her "Rella" princess barbie. Those of you who know me, know that I am far from being a fan of the "princess" stuff. This just goes to show that you might try and shape your kids into this kind of person or that, but really, they are who they are. I am just happy that she is happy.

This is an awesome scratch on Dodge's forehead. I guess he won't try and mess with Addison as much anymore, she fights back now! I still love those beautiful blue eyes of his. Melt my heart!

Now that Addison is in her toddler bed, she can get in and out as much as she wants. Last night, I guess she was just too tired to actually get back in. She fell asleep on her knees with her blankets tucked underneath. I wish I could fall asleep anywhere.

Video Highlights of Independence Day

Some of the memorable moments on the Fourth...

Addison cruising around in the Jeep. Now, if we can just teach her to steer...

Dodge's radical fireworks dancing! What can I say, this boy was born to shake it!

Addison wasn't into the fireworks. She would rather watch Toy Story... again!

Independence Day 2010

Fourth of July at Grandma and Papa Johnson's. While Dodge enjoyed helping Papa light the fireworks, Addison didn't care for them and watched Toy Story with Grandma instead. We had fun pigging out on some great food and enjoying some great company. Uncle Dennis and Aunt Patti came to visit with their two girls, Chelsea and Cammi. We always enjoy it when they're here.

Extreme Makeover: Blog Edition...

Love, love, love this website right now!

They have adorable fonts and great how to's. The only problem is, I'm totally addicted to changing my blog now! Oh well, It's evolving in it's cuteness right?

June 30th, 2010

We spent the morning at the river. I think Duke had the funnest time out of all of us. He was running around like crazy! That was the first time he has ever actually played fetch and brought back the stick. It was great. Dodge is getting better at skipping rocks. The only problem is, he always wants to pick up and skip the hugest rock he can find.

Monday June 28th, 2010

Seven years. It's funny how all at once our first date can seem so long ago but then again, it feels like it was just yesterday. The best day of my life was spent kneeling with you at the altar. I mean every single word when I say that I will feel that way for you for the rest of my existence. A feeling I thought could never be stronger that amazes me by growing a little more each day. Through any up or down, you are my constant. A blessing I am grateful for every day of my life. I love you more than words could say. I love our family. I love everything about our life together. Thank you so much for every second of the last seven years. Happy Anniversary Babe!

I love you with all my heart and soul, for time and all eternity,
-Michelle

Saturday June 26th, 2010

We rode our bikes on the Virgin River trail. Dodge asked if sometime we could go there with our swimming suits and play in the water. I decided, why wait? We went down to the River. It is true that the river is kinda stinky, and mucky. Ryan taught Dodge how to skip rocks. It has been so long since I last skipped a rock. It was fun. Dodge still needs some practice but he enjoyed the hunt for the perfect skipping rock. Addison threw some mud and waited into her waist... okay, I mean she swam. She had fun throwing some rocks in too. It's fun to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery we live so close too. I especially love this picture of Dodge skipping through the water. I think it captures him perfectly. He can't wait to go play at the river again.

Dodge,
Don't grow up too fast. Have fun just skipping rocks and playing in the mud. Life goes by so fast so enjoy every minute as it passes and don't worry too much about the rest. I love you, -Mom

Wednesday June 23rd, 2010

Dodge lost his first tooth this morning. He was pretty excited about it. He even let Ryan get it out with pliers. Gross! He put it in his awesome tooth pillow his aunt Mandy made for him. What is the going rate for the tooth fairy these days anyway? I guess we will find out tonight.

Friday June 4th, 2010: Philadelphia

We flew in and out of Philadelphia. We headed in early on Friday to see the Liberty Bell before catching our flight. We saw the bell, walked around a bit, then headed to get what else, a philly cheesesteak. We had to try both Geno's and Pat's. They are the big steak rivals located across the street from one another. Hands down, Geno's was the best. The cheese whiz was fantastic. They had some cheese fries that were amazing too. Sorry I didn't get any pictures of Pat's or Geno's. What can I say, I was a little preoccupied with the delicious food.

Family pictures on the beach...

This is why it's called Beach Haven...

We spent a lot of time on the beach. Every time we were at the beach, Addison wanted to be buried in the sand. Dodge was in the waves the whole time. I swam a couple of times but not for long. It was so cold. The sand is so fine, soft, and white. It was gorgeous. Definitely the best part of the vacation was the awesome beach. We all loved it.