4th of July WEEKEND

It seemed like an extra long celebration weekend this year.

With the 4th actually falling on Sunday,

some city celebrations were on Saturday,

and ours in Layton actually were on Monday.

So we went and did lots of things, in many places.

We started Saturday with what has become

a tradition (going on 2 years now)

and visited Riverdale for their parade.

It starts with a kid bike parade and our

children would not let us go without their bikes,

so they could also join in the fun! And then we planted curbside to

watch the parade, and collect lots of that wonderful

taffy candy that all the floats seem to throw

(come on, can't they throw anything else???)

Ame of course LOVED watching

the cheerleaders. I think I can see what

is in our future with her?!

Ash, just hangin' out being his CUTE self

waiting for some more awesome floats

and entertainment to come by...

oh yes, a few floats did pass out a different

treat (thank goodness)

After the parade we went and visited with

our old neighbors, whom we haven't seen for quite

some time. It was fun to chat, catch up & see how much
all the kids have grown. I wish we could have visited with

ALL our Riverdale friends, but with a baby and tired, hot,

hungry kids, visiting time was limited.

That evening we just hung out as a family,

went out to eat & did some fireworks at home.
Sunday evening we had a BBQ with Quinn's family

(no pics unfortunately). We always have fun

hangin' out with all the Hanamaikai Family!

Kaipo got to stay and have his FIRST official

sleepover, all by himself! He thought that was pretty

cool and all grown up! The kids just don't get the

opportunity very often, because then there is the

dilemma of who's going to return the kids home

(cuz none of us parents want to drive an hour).

But Quinn was gracious enough to volunteer to go

pick Kaipo up & bring him home, that is of course

after he got in a round of golf with his brother.

(Such Sacrifice)

Monday morning I ran in a 5K with

some friends from my neighborhood.

It felt great to finish & in good time (28 minutes).

Last night we met up at my parents, and Karli's

family too (Jason is in Bear Lake with LeAnne's family)

for another great BBQ. Just can't get

enough of the grillin' in the summer!

I guess this get together was more of an early bday

party for me, since my parents

are going to be in california later this week.

It was a BEAUTIFUL night, and we all

enjoyed relaxing and being outdoors.

Of course mom grilled up some great food

and made some of her awesome

homemade ice cream.

Nalu was entertained by this simple

plastic cup, for quite a while.

Ame LOVES visiting with grandma and grandpa.

She can pretty much talk them into anything,

and this time (among other things) she even talked grandpa
into playing some soccer with her and Ash.

Ash and Kaiya played together with some

loud and annoying toys (we were laughing cuz they

are the donated toys to grandma that we all don't

want, for those very reasons).

Kaipo just explored, often disappeared to

who knows where and ran around the yard.

It was a great end to the nice LONG

Holiday weekend!

Thanks mom and pops for the

invite and the scruptious dinner.

And most of all thank you so very much for

the SURPRISE BIRTHDAY SERVICE.

That really was so kind of you!!

grandma time

Friday we met my mom at North Shore

Swimming Pool in North Ogden, to take the kids swimming.

This place is just right for my kids and their vaired ages.

This was Nalu's first official swim and

he LOVED every minute of it!!

My kids never tire of the idea of a picnic.
No matter how grand or small it may be,
they just get excited about it!

Kaipo showing the BIG muscles he

is getting from all the grapes he eats.
I think there is a connection

between muscles & grapes isn't there?

we've also conquered some fears this

summer as well. In the past Ame has been quite

hesitant of the deep water, but since she

took swim lessons this year,

she is soo much more confident!

And Kaipo is finally tall enough this year to

go on the BIG KID slide, all by himself!

We LOVE our time with Grandma,

especially when she spoils us with

swimming and ice cream treats!
SUMMER TIME IS THE BEST!!!

Cousin Time

Cousin Ella came to sleep over for a few days.

And the kids had lots of fun together!

LOTs of playing-Ame doesn't have a

built in GIRL play mate so she

always loves to have someone to

play with. We also had park time, picnic, movies,

treats, and just pure summer FUN!!

One day we went to play mini-golf

and go bowling
Kaipo was often more interested in
the props than actually golfing

Ash was in HEAVEN, as these

are 2 of his favorite things to do

this momma LOVES her boys

Kaipo was an outstanding bowler

(yes he does still use the roller aid

thingy, cuz those skinny arms can't

quite throw the ball yet)

Yes she is pouting because her

brother is winning and THAT

is not fair!

Despite the unfairness, we all had

a fun time together.

This was one of those REALLY hot

days, so it was refreshing to be

indoors!