Back to Utah

We spent a lot of time in our minivan rental trying to keep 5 kids happy and sometimes fed (and hooray for FINALLY getting a minivan instead of an SUV that has zero space). We didn't think to bring DVDs so at some point (when the sibling fighting reached a climax) we bought Kung Fu Panda 3 for the minivan DVD player and peace was restored. The kids probably watched it 30 times.

We made a stop at the Dickson's house and had a great evening with their family. The kids loved playing together and it was fun to see the babies together.

Idaho Falls: Fourth of July fun

We drove up to Idaho Falls to spend the Fourth of July with Rachel and Jeff and their kids. We had a great time hanging out at their house, enjoying delicious food and good company. The cousins had so much fun together and it was great just to watch them play together and be silly. We set off some fireworks in the front yard one night. Ben and Jeff took some of the kids to the parade the next morning and then some of us went downtown to watch fireworks on the Fourth (Ben stayed behind with the younger kids). We stopped at the Falls before heading out of town.

Utah: Grandma's farm

We drove from Logan to Plymouth to spend the day with Grandma on the farm. We had fun kayaking in the pond, golfing on the back lawn, swinging, and lounging and visiting with family in the backyard. It was a beautiful day on the farm. I spent a lot of time here as a kid so I'm always glad when my kids get a chance to visit.

Utah: Logan fireworks

We stopped in Logan and got to hang out at Dan's house with lots of other family. Jen and her family came by as well as my parents. We had dinner together and then some of us headed to the nearby school field to watch the fireworks. I forgot how late the sun sets there. The fireworks didn't start until after 10! But the kids had a great time playing with cousins and glow sticks.

Utah: Tony Grove

After we left Bear Lake, we stopped at Tony Grove for a lunch picnic and some hiking. The kids were all a little cranky after saying goodbye to cousins (and several nights of staying up late) but once we ate our lunch and started walking around the lake, they had a great time climbing on rocks and exploring. The wildflowers were so beautiful and the weather was perfect. It felt great to be hiking in the mountains again.