Pioneer Day!

This year, for the first time in our 4+ years of living here, we went to the HUGE Pioneer Day celebration that our Stake does. It has taken me that long to figure out why would anyone in their right mind choose to go outside... for fun... in Vegas.... in the middle of July!?!?!? 

So me and the boys braved it and went with some friends to see what all the talk is about. Our Stake does a huge, 2 day event with food, entertainment, bake sales, games, bounce houses, water slides... the works! It was actually really fun!! The boys and I had a blast! And yes, it was hot, but it was at least bearable until the sun went down, and then it was ok. 

Unfortunately, my camera didn't take the greatest pictures that night, but we did have lots of fun running around playing, the boys got soaking wet, eating yummy food and sno-cones, and hanging out with lots of friends!

Brayden going down one of the water slides....

 Conner's turn down the water slide...

 Most of Brayden's Sno-Cone ended up down the front of his shirt.... guess it was a good way to cool off!

After lots and lots of playing and running around, it was time to sit and wait for the fireworks show!

 Landon helped himself to a little bit of everyone's snacks. Didn't matter that he had his own, he was all about anything that other people had!

 Including climbing in my chair and taking his brother's Sprite!

Then the fireworks finally started and they were the LOUDEST and coolest fireworks we have seen. Conner kept yelling "this is totally AWESOME!" They loved it, and we got a nice shower of ashes on us by the time it was all done, but it was fun anyways!

We will have to do Pioneer Days like this more often. Next year Patrick will be able to come with us and that will make it even better!!!

Conner Turned 6!!

I know I say this every time one of my kids has a birthday... but seriously.... how are they growing up so fast?!?!? I can't believe that our little Conner man is 6 years old already and about to start 1st grade! 

So this year to celebrate, we had a "mini" party while our great friends the Griggs were in town visiting us from Utah. First we went to go play at a local park that has a splash pad. All the kids loved it and had tons of fun together! Then we came home and ate some Cars cupcakes....

We all sang "Happy Birthday" to him and enjoyed the cupcakes!!

 Partying it up with the Griggs' kids!!

Whenever the Griggs are here, all the kids love to have a "sleepover" and everyone sleeps on a bunch of blankets on the floor. One night we went into check on them, and we found the Griggs oldest daughter, Bailey cuddling with Conner in their sleep. It was just too funny... we had to take a picture!

Bailey was quite embarrassed by this picture!!  hehe!!

Also me and Melis got our craft on and made some cute key chains, some flower hair bows, and this cute flag that has found a nice home in my kitchen! Nothin' better then crafting with my Melis!!! Oh and also we made the trek over to Hobby Lobby! Oh My!! It's a good thing that store is just far enough away to deter me from going there very often. We had a bit too much fun in that store too!  :)

A few days after the Griggs left was Conner's ACTUAL birthday! We had a great day celebrating with him. We opened presents....

He was so excited about this Diary of a Wimpy Kid shirt he got from Grandma and Grandpa Shumate. He pretty much tries to wear it everyday!

He chose to go out to eat at Burger King for his birthday dinner. I'm pretty sure he only chose to go there for the Transformer toys and so they could play in the play land.

 Landon made it his job to "test" everyone's food. I guess he thought he needed to make sure it was edible or something! Silly kid!

 Then of course it was off to play in the play land... Landon LOVED it!!!

 Brayden was nice enough to take Landon down the slide a few times until he figured it out himself. All the boys had lots of fun running around and playing.

Then it was back home for cake!!!

This cake was definitely an effort of love. I had to make it twice!! The first time when I went to take it out of the pan it came out like this....

 Not sure what happened! I greased the pan like I always do... so frustrating!!  So this cake ended up making some yummy cake balls that are in  my freezer! So I guess not such a bad thing! 

My second attempt turned out much better!

 I love making fun cakes for my boys birthdays!! This one took me a while, but it turned out great! Conner LOVED his Lightning McQueen cake!!!

Happy Birthday Conner!!! We love having you as a part of our family!!