July 26th, 2010: Ryan's Softball Tournament

Ryan pitching

Galen

Addison loves the playground at the Ball Field

Dodge flying down the slide

Addison and Emma

It's set, Ryan's softball team is guaranteed to be top 3! Even though the kids spend more time on the play ground than watching their daddy play, we still go and enjoy the games. I am glad Ryan gets out there and enjoys himself. I enjoy watching them play. 

Good luck at the rest of the tournament babe!

July 24th, 2010: Pioneer Day BBQ

Jessica and Josh

Grandma and Grandpa Finlayson

It's amazing how much fun water in a bucket can be

Spongebob's hands and feet

Poor Addison carried Spongebob around trying to re-attach his broken limbs

Dodge and Zeke with sparklers

This is why I never post pictures of me and Ryan

Another fun thing about Utah, we get to do fireworks twice in July. I really didn't know that we were the only state until I was older. Pioneer day is a fun holiday for us because it is right after Addison's birthday. We did a Spongebob pinata. Addison was absolutely distraught that we were going to hang up her friend and beat him with a bat! She was hysterically crying... until the candy came out. I have some video that I will post when blogger decides to cooperate. We had a family BBQ at my Dad's. It was so much fun. I love getting together with the family. The kids had fun with water guns and a bucket of water. Ryan and I had a blast playing Badminton. We played with Josh and his girlfriend Jessica. I am so glad they came to the BBQ. Dodge was excited to have Zeke and Zodie to play with. There was plenty of food and fireworks. It was fun to spend some time with the extended family.

July 24th, 2010: Orem Fire Department Pancake Breakfast

 

Anyone who knows me probably is aware of my love for breakfast. What could be better than pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, and a glass of OJ? Well, having a firefighter serve it to you... The Orem Fire Department had a pancake breakfast and we had to go. They had firetrucks, ambulances, and two life flight helicopters in the parking lot for kids to get in and see. The kids thought it was so cool to get in the trucks and the helicopters. They even had some gear for the kids to try on. If you ever have the chance to go to a fireman's breakfast, go and donate some money! Those guys rock!

July 23rd, 2010: Fiesta Days Rodeo

Dodge and Addison's first rodeo. Dodge wanted to ride the sheep like the other kids... until he actually saw the other kids riding the sheep. I admit, I did a little mutton bustin' as a kid and it was pretty scary. I ended up under the sheep while it ran around the arena. Dodge really loved the rodeo. He thought the bulls were pretty cool. He liked the rodeo clown too. Of course, he wasn't your average clown. He jumped a truck and trailer on a motorcycle. It's funny how being a mom changes you. I was scared for every single rider. I don't remember even thinking about that when I was younger. I don't know how those cowboys do it. It was fun to watch for one night though. I am glad the kids enjoyed it.

July 23rd, 2010: Provo Canyon Bike Ride

One of the things I miss about living up north is the trail that runs down Provo canyon. While we were up there, we rode from Vivian park to the bottom of the canyon. It was so beautiful. I am glad we were riding down and not up. Addison zonked out in the trailer, but Dodge had fun flying down the trail.

July 22nd, 2010: Happy Birthday to Addison!

Addison's birthday celebration lasted all day long. Starting with the Beatles singing her Happy Birthday in the morning to the last of the present opening that night. She was so excited to get a rad Spongebob pinata, balloons, and a pink hippo sleeping bag pillow. She had a full day and enjoyed most of it... with the exception of the whole cave claustrophobia. Don't ask me how Dodge ended up in the Hippo bag. He is a goof, and we love him that way. Happy Birthday Addison! We love you very much and are so blessed to have such a sweet girl in our family.

July 22nd, 2010: An Afternoon at the Park

Addi and Maddi

The Birthday Girls

Addi and Niecia enjoying the water

Dodge was in the spring the whole time

We spent the afternoon up at Big Springs Park up Provo Canyon, better known as my mom's park. It was absolutely beautiful up there. The kids enjoyed playing in the water and eating cupcakes, ice cream, and watermelon. My friend Jenna and her daughter Maddy were able to join us. Maddy has this ability to bend right over and drink from a puddle on the ground. Gross, but still cute. Luckily we persuaded the girls to drink from the spigot instead. Dodge and Kaitlynn had a blast playing in the water. After spending a beautiful afternoon at the park, I can see why mom likes it so well. Like they really pay people to be there! Not fair!

July 22nd, 2010: Timpanogos Cave

Dodge checking out a formation

The Watch Dog at the Cave, 

a Saint Bernard Formation

The Heart of Timpanogos

So we started Addison's big day with a hike up to Timpanogos Cave. It has been quite a while since I had been to the caves and I forgot exactly how long of a hike it is up there. I was amazed at Dodge though. He hiked the whole way up and back. He did awesome! Grama Ruth and I switched off carrying Addison since they don't let you take strollers or anything else on the trail. We both were literally dripping sweat. So we made it to the top just in time for our tour (try saying 'for our tour' five times fast!) Come to find out, poor Addison is a bit claustrophobic. She didn't like the cave too much. Dodge thought they were okay. He didn't like being cold. The caves are 45 degrees year round. The best part is when they turn off all the lights. The guide asked us to raise our hands if we wanted the lights back on. Funny lady! After our tour of the caves it was time to make our way back down. Addison enjoyed the hike back down. She slept the whole way in my arms. It's was better than any P90X for sure. It was so beautiful up there. I wish I would have taken some pictures on the way up and down but I was busy carrying the birthday girl. The canyon is amazing. It is so beautiful and smells like pine trees. I am so glad we took the time to enjoy it.

July 21st, 2010: Just another day at the office...

Yes, those are Grama Ruth's glasses, upside down

Dad, you can blame your next computer crash on this!

We got to spend a week up at "Hotel Mooney" and Addison took advantage of the free internet provided there to get some "work" done. She hopped into the big chair, put on the nearest pair of specs, and got to typing away. I hope she didn't do any permanent damage to the system, but she looked so stinking cute "working".

July 18th, 2010: Get the parties started!

Addison tooting her own horn... ha ha ha

She had to put Woody back on her own piece of cake

Raaaawwwwrrrrrrr!

Cutest.Jessie.Ever

Buzz and Woody Cake, cute Jessie Hats in the background.

Addison had plenty of celebrating for her 2nd birthday. We started it off with a party at Grama and Papa Johnson's. She had a full Toy Story themed party. Grama even made some adorable red Jessie hat cookies. Addison absolutely loves the Toy Story movies and she was so excited. She had some broccoli for her birthday dinner. Broccoli is one of her favorite foods (weird, I know). After a good amount of veggies followed by some cake, she jumped right into the present opening. She got even more Toy Story with a set of Andy's Toys and a Jessie dress up. She had to put it on right away. It is too cute. She also got a Cinderella dress up. We got her a cute pink trike that has a handle so we can push and steer for her. For all of you who saw the Jeep driving, you know she needs quite a bit of help with the steering! Thanks for another awesome party Grama and Papa J!