24th of July Fireworks

The 24th of July is the day we celebrate the Mormon pioneers first entering the Salt Lake Valley. Hence, it is a holiday where fireworks are allowed. Yay for fireworks. Mike sets off the rest of last year's fireworks for the Black kids...and the Chamberlain's.

Mitchell gets his WEBELOS 7-22-08

We're so proud of Mitchell. I, I mean, he worked really hard to be able to get this. Good job, Mitchell.

Girls Night 7-15-08

For girl's night, the girls in our neighborhood went to Rumbi. It was so much fun. We just laughed and talked about our husbands, and had a good time in general.

Natasha and baby Emmett, Amanda, Quinn and baby Norah, Jeanine, Annette, Nikki

Independence Dinner and Kids Sleep-Over, July 4

The cousins got to sleep over at Grandpa and Grandma's house for the fourth, but first we all got to have dinner. It was a yummy dinner with chips and salsa, hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, salads, yummy watermelon and strawberries. The kids played fun games with grandma and grandpa while all the adults hung out and talked.

Rachel's all ready to go to sleep. Even in the middle of all the kids playing. She was so excited.

Ryan is still smiling after 2 hamburgers, 2 hot dogs, beans, chips, some dessert pizza and two helpings of grandpa's famous peach ice cream.

Murray Pool, part 2, July 4

Riverton Parade, July 3

It's always fun to have family get-togethers. The cousins especially have fun being together. A big thanks to Becca for reserving our spot, and an even bigger thanks to her for choosing a shady side!!

Adam, Porter, and Miles before the firetrucks came by (Porter DOES NOT like the noise of the firetrucks).

The Sheriffs: this picture doesn't show it, but one of them rode by standing on his motorcycle seat. I'm not sure if that was such a good example, though!

Rachel loved all the pretty girls.

Austin loved the clown on the cool bike.

Rachel and Ellie

Connor and Mitchell

Blackie Black Black

We have had Blackie now for a while. There is a big debate as to when we got her. I think we have narrowed it down to 2001 or 2002. Every year we let her grow out a good coat so she doesn't get too cold outside in the winter. This year we were a bit late in getting her hair cut, but I think she's pretty happy about it. For a few days after she gets her haircut, she rubs her face on the ground, and anywhere she can. She's a great dog, and the kids really love her.

Game night turns into 2 game days, June 28 and 29

We had a game night at our house with Danny & Jenny and Kyra & Brad. (Thanks to Jenny for taking a picture of all of us.)

We played Carcassone, and made a nice big square, with Brad getting 6 of the 8 cloisters. And Hand & Foot, which we learned is a variation of Canasta. Brad was getting so frustrated while we were explaining the game, but once we started to play, we had a great time. Brad kept trash talking (sort of) about "Cleaning House" and "Closing up shop" (phrases that were said a minimum of 50 times each). Danny and Jenny finally won after a good two hours. It was so late when we finally got finished that Kyra and Brad slept over...so we had Game Day on Sunday afternoon as well. Kyra and I are the queens of Hand and foot since we pulverized Brad and Mike in 3, yes, three different games. One game we were so far ahead that the boys did not even let us count our points. I call that poor losing.

Rachel practicing her card holding. She just loves to be with Kyra and Brad.

Rachel practicing her letters and writing everyone's name. And then drawing pictures of everyone.


Treats after dinner.

Swimming at Murray Park Pool, June 26, part 1

We bought a punch pass to go to the pool. The kids really love going to Murray Pool and it makes for a good time waster/get out of the house/cool off from the heat activity.
Rachel just has no fear in the water. She loves to try to "swim", and already goes under water without plugging her nose.


There is a fun waterslide that the kids love to go down. They probably get more exercise from running up those steps than playing in the pool.


The kids like to play leap frog.

Black Family Reunion, June 21

The annual Black family reunion is so fun. While it is in the midst of summer, and it will inevitably be very hot and sticky, it's always a blast. We started off at Classic Skating in Orem. Mitchell did surprisingly well, Austin had his skates on for about 5 minutes, as well as Rachel. We went once around the track (Rachel and I), and I decided that I am not Michelle Kwon on wheels.


Surprisingly, Mitchell recovered and did not fall after this picture was taken.
So, once we got our skates off, we had other fun. It's great to visit and catch up, hold babies, and eat, eat, and eat.

After skating was over and we ate lunch, we headed over to Scera Park for more afternoon visting and games.


Rachel and Cousin Janelle playing HillBilly Golf. Rachel played this for about 45 minutes, and Janelle was so good to play with her.

Cousin Andy set up a bottle rocket station that kept all the kids occupied for a long time. Here is Andy and McKell setting up some rockets.

The kids even made their own rockets out of paper that did really well...for the most part.

There are always fun crafts. We made bead bracelets, and cute cards. Even Rachel has quite a knack for esthetics.


Always fun card games and snacks.

And after a long day, the fun bath. The kids took one together for probably the last time. As you can see, it's a little too much skin.