I Want To Ride My Bicycle...

 Yesterday Connor wanted to go outside and ride bikes.  Payton responded that she couldn't because her training wheels were off her bike.  I took the opportunity to try once again to help her learn.  She was very reluctant and crying but I got her all calmed down and assured her I was there.  After a few tries I let go and she was off.  Now she thinks she is pro and told Nic she could start riding motorcycles now without the training wheels.

 Seeing his big sister do it Connor wanted to give it a try.  First time and he was going by himself.  He only lasted a couple of times before he said he was scared and wanted his training wheels back on.  This morning I tried again to help Connor but he refused and just wanted to ride it with training wheels.  Well at some point while I was mowing the lawn he mustered up enough courage and tried by himself without anyone pushing him to do so.  Now he is riding his bike all by himself.  I'm so proud of my two kiddos! Such a fun milestone in their lives.

Family Camp, Girls Camp, Lagoon, and Wicked...

On July 17-19 we went on a family camp out to Strawberry.  We did a lot of hanging out, playing in the dam that Sam and Chad built, fishing, riding and relaxing.  We had such a great time together! Nic and I were really excited to go fishing.  We were ready to have success with the whole fishing thing.  Sadly Strawberry was a bit disappointing.  When we went fishing we either went at the wrong time or luck was not on our side.  It was pretty aggravating.  One afternoon we decided to try out the little river that was by our camp.  And we lucked out.  We were catching them left and right which made us a lot happier.  It was only catch and release which was okay since they were pretty small. Now we want to go again.  The kids had fun riding their bikes getting dirty and playing all day together.  They all get along so well.  There was only one time when Cody and Connor had a standoff that I'm not sure ever got resolved.  They both weren't giving in, they sat there quietly just staring each other down.  But I'll take a stare down over hitting and yelling any day.

We got home from camping late Saturday night.  And Monday morning I was on my way to girls camp.  We really had a great time.  Our theme this year was Brave.  It was a stake camp and each ward had a brave woman from the scriptures that they focused on.  Our ward was Eve.  We spent a whole month learning about Eve and the brave things she did.  We had excellent activites where we learned so much about the girls and the brave things they have to do in their day to day lives.  We had wonderful devotionals where we were taught how to stand up for ourselves and others.  Our Stake Presidency taught us how to be brave and to use technology for good.  There were so many other wonderful uplifting things that we did that I hope stay with the girls forever.

We got home from girls camp on Thursday and celebrated the 24th that night.  On Friday we went to Lagoon with my family.  The kids had so much fun and were in heaven as long as we stayed in the kid area where they were comfortable.  I took Payton on the White Roller Coaster with out warning her of what was coming up.  When we made it to the top of the hill I pointed out the sunset and next thing she knew we were going down the big hill which scared her to death.  I spent the rest of the ride holding her and reassuring her that we would be alright.  She did say that when we go next year she will go on it again.  Another milestone for Payton is that this is her last year on the boats.  She will be too tall next year.

Saturday night we went to Wicked with my grandparents, mom and dad, Cameron and Cecelia, and Carlin and Tammy.  It was amazing!!! It is one I would recommend to anyone!  It was funny, entertaining, and showcased some amazing talent.  I want to go again!

It has been quite the week, and I am exhausted! But I had a great time, it was definitely a week to remember.