Hiking

Thursday night when Bret came home, my sweet son was still just bouncing off the walls. This was even after playing with a friend outside for an hour and going on a walk. The kid has amazing amounts of energy. Well, Bret surprised us by taking us for a beautiful hike that he had been on for mutual - in hopes that it would drain the last of Cole's energy in time for bed. It was just beautiful up in the mountains. The hike was pretty steep in some areas but Cole was such a big boy and walked the entire way by himself. He was just loving it. We even saw some bugs and played in a little creek that ran by the trail. On the drive home we stopped by a waterfall for Cole to see and for Bret to snap some quick pictures. It was such a nice night, and it worked it's magic. Cole asked to go to sleep as soon as we got home.

Hubba Hubba

My adorable family

My lovely belly at 6 1/2 months

4th of July Fun

I promise Bret was there - he just managed to escape being most of the photos

Our 4th of July was so much fun. We got up early and got ready for the North Ogden Parade. We met up with some of Bret's cousins for this and had a good time. Cole's favorites were when the jets flew over head to signal the start of the parade, and the firetrucks blaring their horns. He loved it. After the parade we headed home for lunch and some much needed naps for me and Cole. After nap time we headed over to Bret's aunt's house for some fun and good food. They had a slip n slide and a kids pool set up that Cole played in, and then we had a fantastic BBQ and just visited until it was time to head out for the fireworks. We went to a nearby park and watched them. Cole just loved them. This year he kept naming all the different colors he saw and shouting "Cool". It was very fun. We are so thankful for all the people who serve and who have served our country so that we have the opportunity to live in such an amazing place. God Bless America!

Marshmallow Guns

Tonight for FHE we made marshmallow guns. It was so much fun! Cole got a mini gun, me a medium gun, and of course, Bret made himself a machine looking marshmallow gun. We went together bought all the parts (it cost like $10 for everything including the hack saw) and then came home and put them together. Cole ate most of his ammo but joined in on the fun of shooting his gun. My favorite part was after Bret changed Cole's bum to get him ready for bed he was crying and came running over to me and asked me to help "get daddy" for being "mean" (of course this in toddler standards of being mean). He then proceeded to help me launch a marshmallow at Bret. It really was a blast. The only problem is I'm sure I will be finding marshmallow's all over my house for the next week!

Van Vleet Family Reunion

The last week in June we headed to good old New Mexico for the first ever Van Vleet Family Reunion. It was packed with fun. On Wednesday we met at the parents for dinner and games. Most of the night was spent playing catch up with everyone in the family including some adopted extras that we love - the Ketcheson family, and the Pearce family.

The men took the opportunity to just chill and talk together

Victoria and Cole quickly made friends and got nicknamed "Double Trouble"
Nana reading to some of the grandkidsFree golf stuff from Dad

Thursday was the longest day - 6 hours at the zoo! The kids had a blast. They loved seeing all the animals, being doted on by all the aunts and uncles, and feeding the ducks. We also had a fun picnic while there.

Riding the train with Nana and Papa

Bret feeding the lorakeets
The Lorakeets seemed to like me for some reason
Cole feeding the ducks - he let them take the food right from his hand!
Near the end of the day the adults started to wear out
That night just the Van Vleets met for dinner at Macaroni Grill to celebrate a late fathers day with our dad. We decided with his retirment we should get him some stuff he really needed. We bought him a new fishing vest and tackle box!

Bret and Cole getting the gift ready
Dad checking out his new toys

On Friday we had lunch at Jen and Jared's house and then headed off to do some "high score" bowling. Since most of us had the kids "helping" us bowl only two people even broke 100. But it was sooo much fun. Then afterwards we dropped the kids off with babysitters and all the adult headed to Dad's retirment shindig. It was fun to be there for that occasion. His work spoiled him by presenting him with two new golf clubs and a gift card to one of the golf stores. Retirement here he comes .

Saturday morning we ended the fun with a yummy breakfast and said our goodbyes before Bret and I hit the road. It was a wonderful time! Thanks to everyone.