Cove Fort Days.....

I don't know how many times we have driven past the Cove Fort exit and said to ourselves we should stop there one of these days. We finally did on our last trip up to American Fork. They were having their annual celebration days. It was well worth the stop and a good break for the kids. The Fort is of historical significance to the church not because there was ever a battle here, but because it was used as relief for pioneers traveling to the St. George Temple. Many made the journey to get married in the temple, hence the nickname "honeymoon trail" was given to the stretch of road between Salt Lake and St. George. President Hinkley's grandparents ran the Fort. They lived there and would offer hot meals, soft beds, and what ever they could to help refresh the weary travelers for the rest of their journey. They always had an amazing garden, and sister Hinkley was always cooking and baking for the travelers. Today there are probably 20 missionary couples that live on the grounds, garden, and give tours of the Fort. There was a very calm, peaceful feeling on the grounds of the fort. It was beautiful. This is the entry to the Fort. They are the original doors, and stone. The stonework was truly beautiful. It is set up in a square with a courtyard in the middle. All of the living quarters make up the perimeter of the square.

The kids got to sit in a covered wagon.We got a ride in the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, which was so cool. It sits on leather straps to absorb the jarring from the bumps, olden time shocks.

They also got to ride in a covered wagon.

There were all kinds of neat pioneer games and activities. Here Kennedi is using a loom to make a rug made out of the fabric scraps. The pioneers made such beautiful handy work, it was amazing to see how they did a lot of it.

Stetson had a go at it too.

This ox was so huge. It was neat to see the old wooden yoke on him too. There is a beautiful barn on the property (sorry I didn't get a picture) that the church rebuilt to the exact dimensions, and specifications, and without any nails~they used wood pegs. It was amazing! We had a wonderful time at the Fort. I am so glad we finally stopped to learn a little more about the pioneers.

Denton Family Reunion.....

The Denton's (Justin's Moms Family) had their annual reunion in Sterling, Ut. this weekend. We had so much fun! They had all kinds of activities and entertainment for the kids. It was a regular carnival. Justin's aunt Mary was in charge and did an amazing job! It was so fun seeing all of his cousins that was haven't seen for a long time. While the adults were busy talking and catching up the kids were busy with this....... A fishing pond,Blow up slides and basketball hoops.

(Markell, Kennedi, Camri, and Stetson)

"Willie" the clown came and did a magic show and balloon hats. He was a cute little old man that was pretty funny.


Colt (Justin's cousin, watch for him playing football for University of Utah this year!) was such a good sport to help out "Willie"!

Tyra got to help with a magic trick too!

Camri, Kennedi and Markell

The kids had a blast hanging out with their cousins!

Saturday morning we met for a delicious breakfast at the park and then went to Palisades and played in the paddle boats, canoes and rafts! Doug and Cozette (Justin's parents) went out on the paddle boat and got caught out on the water in a wind storm! What a fun adventure. I went out with all the little kids too. They are so fun!

Junstin went out in the canoe with his cousin, Clay to try their luck at fishing. I can't believe they didn't tip over. They were teetering back and forth until Clay finally told Justin to quit paddling. Clay paddled out and back all by himself. No luck with the fishing, but were just glad they made it back without tipping over! It was a super fun reunion and my thanks go out to all that helped with the planning and organizing. It was great! Can't wait until next year.

Kennedi's Slumber Party.....

For Kennedi's birthday party I let her have a slumber party. What was I thinking? I let her invite as many girls as she wanted, thinking that it's summer and they won't all be able to come. All but one girl came. We had 11 crazy, loud, hyper,fun little 9 year olds sleep over! It was kind of crazy but they all had so much fun. I figure it's a one time thing, for Kennedi, I have the best memories of my one slumber party I hosted and I wanted her to create her own memories. So here is a peek at the the big party! This is the crew.
First we tied fabric on flip flops to make their own funky look! (the stuffed dog in the middle was a gift they wanted in the picture)

we made hair ties to match...

Oh yeah baby, we even did the chocolate fondue fountain. It was a huge mess. The girls had chocolate all over but it was so good. We dipped strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pretzels, and peanut butter cookies. YUM!

Justin got up and cooked a gourmet breakfast for them complete with pancakes, bacon and eggs. Holy Cow can these girls eat! We cooked two pounds of bacon and they ate every last bit.

They had a blast! We played games (Apples to Apples was their favorite), watched movies, ate junk food, laughed, did some sleeping, and had a great time!

Congratulations Kennedi & Stetson!!!

We had our Summer League Championship swim meet this weekend in St. George. Eight teams were there from Southern Utah, and surrounding areas. In some events they were swimming against 15-20 kids. I think my kids are part fish or something. They did so great! Kennedi ended the season undefeated and took first in every event she competed in! Butterfly is her strongest stroke and dominated the event. The next closes swimmer was about 4 or 5 sec. behind Kennedi. Stetson did great too. He was swimming against 8 year olds and still took second in freestyle, second in backstroke, and third in I.M.! I was so proud of them. It is so fun watching my kids excel and compete in athletics! I love it! We are the crazy parents in the stands cheering the loudest for our kids, (Grandma Muggsy comes to mind)! Way to go kids!

Kennedi's times:

25 meter freestyle~20.16

25 meter butterfly~22.15

100 meter IM~ 1:51.39

Stetson's times:

25 meter freestyle~29.64

100 meter IM~ 2:28.04

25 meter backstroke~29.80

Kennedi

Stetson

(starting backstroke in the IM)

Happy Birthday Kennedi Jo!

It's hard to believe I have a 9 year old. Wow, where does the time go? Kennedi has truly grown into such a beautiful young lady! Some words I would use to describe her are, smart, talented, driven, competitive, athletic, social butterfly, happy, leader, creative, fun, witty, and I could go on and on. Our family has been so blessed to have Kennedi be a part of it. I love her so much. I love just hanging out with her, and talking with her about life! Happy Birthday Kennedi! We love you. This was Kennedi's birth announcement!
4 weeks old

7 mo.

9 mo.

1 year! What a mess. I love this picture because it shows her "flaming" red hair, (no pun intended) It really looks like flames, so funny.

4 years

8 years!

Happy Birthday Maverick!!!

It's hard to believe my baby is two years old today July 21! Maverick was the only baby we didn't find out the sex of the baby! It was so much fun. His delivery was actually enjoyable. He weighed in at a whopping 8 lb. 4 oz.! I will never forget Our reaction, (especially Justin's) and the excitement in the room when he was born! We were hoping for a boy and when Mav was born Justin was jumping around yelling, "yes! It's a boy!" I think he scared the Dr. and woke up all the other babies. From the day he was born he has brought so much joy to our lives. He is the happiest little guy. When he smiles, which is a lot of the time, his eyes just light up. He truly is the light of my life and makes me so happy! Mavericks newborn pictures, (4 weeks old)
10 months

2 years!

Some of the funny things Maverick does or says lately are.....

*He will hit any sort of round object with a stick or what ever he can find.

*The kids like to sing "We will rock You" Mav doesn't talk much yet and so he hums in rhythm "Hmm, Haa, Hmm, Haaa, Hmm, Haa"

He loves playing in the dirt!

Alway says "Yeah!"

When he gives knuckles he has to wind up at hit from the side.

He has a mean right hook, just ask Tobby, (my Dad).

4th of July

I love the 4th of July. It is one of my favorite holidays! We are so blessed to live in a country with so many opportunities and freedoms! We were in American Fork celebrating with my Moms family! Mom was in charge in the annual barbecue this year, so I knew it would be a blast! And was it ever!!! My little family, looking oh so festive in the cool hats my mom made! She is the most amazing, creative, talented person I know. She has been learning balloon tying from U-tube.

Grandma and Grandpa Hansen

Mom made hats for all of the party goers! I know, she is crazy but so fun!

We started the party off with good food and then water balloon launching! These launchers are so fun. They can launch balloons as far as the eye can see! While we took turns launching the rest of us......

tried catching the balloons in towels and blankets.

Then we tried to catch Frisbees with money attached to them!

(Hayden, Hailee, Swayze, Kennedi, and McCall)

Anyone for balloon tying lessons?? Mom taught us how to make some simple balloon animals! They are so fun, Kennedi and I are addicted! We have acquired a fun new hobby! I keep telling mom she should start doing b-day parties, and singing telegrams! She would be so good at it!

Kennedi with a bucket full of water with holes in the bottom!

Next was water relay races. Girls vs boys! Girls rocked and beat the boys every race!

And what is a party with my mom without musical chairs? It is her favorite! We even had the adults playing too! Steph had some moves!

Gary was so funny! He ended up helping Tyra and would just pick her up and whip her around to an empty chair!

Tyra won musical chairs with the help of Gary! Winner got to do a table dance! Whoo Hooo Tyra!

And what is the 4th of July without fireworks! We topped off the night with some sparklers, home fire works, and watched Pleasant Grove City fireworks from grandpas lawn! It was a great party! We had a blast! Thanks mom for all of your creativity and hard work!

Happy Birthday Lauren, Wade, and Dalton!!!

July is full of birthdays in our family! (we had 3 in one week). It is such a fun time of year!Happy Birthday Lauren! (July 6) We love you, and so do all the little girls! (Mary, Sage, Tyra) You are so darling with all the kids. Tyra loves you and Bo to death! You are so cute and fun! Hope you had a Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to Wade!(July 14) Our family has been blessed with such amazing in-laws. I couldn't ask for a better brother in law! You are so great for Jenny, and a wonderful dad to your children! You are so selfless with your time and talents. You are always willing to help out anyone you can, and would give anyone that needed it the shirt off your back! We love you, and hope you had a great day!

Happy Birthday "D"(July 8)! We were so lucky to be up in American Fork on your birthday! We all had a fun time at your party! You are such a good boy, and a great friend and cousin for my kids! We love you Dalton!