Day 6

Day 6: Redfish Lake. AMAZING! We spent the day at the beach. We had some kayaks so we took turns cruising around the lake. I went until my arms were jelly, then I had to go back .WHAT?! Jaxon and I had a great time out there, the way back was a little bit slower :)

That evening Jer's extended family all met at the lake and we caught up and roasted marshmallows.

Day 5

Day 5: Our last day in Sun Valley was spent playing and watching more ice skaters. We bought some games and went to Sun Valley Village after a long walk. After a few hours of playing games we headed back into town to meet up with some of Jer's family to meet up for dinner. We went to the Pioneer Saloon and had an amazing steak. After that we all carpooled up to Stanley for a family reunion.
Stanley is a beautiful little town , that we will definitely visit again. Our cabin/motel was right on the salmon river with a huge deck overlooking the river. We all spent a lot of time enjoying the lovely weather out there.

Jaxon and Mia are best of buds when she is in town. They pick up without skipping a beat. Mia spent a few nights at our house while in town and the two of them had a blast. I think Mia also loved being alone without her 3 older brothers. They are so sweet together. Jaxon always asks when he gets to see her again.

Our 2010 Summer Vacation. Day 1 & 2

This is our only family vacation, besides a short weekend to St George last year, in the past 2 years. That's alright, finances just haven't been in our favor for us to go on one. It was worth the wait. Jer and I both agreed that this was one of the best vacations we have been on besides our European honeymoon. We had no itinerary and just needed the 4 of us to have a great time. Jer has been working double time and been very stressed out for the past year so it was great to leave work at home and have 8 days together as a family.
We left town Sunday morning. Aliya Juel took her morning nap then we stopped in Twin Falls for lunch and a little break. Got back in the car and both kids napped until we made it to Sun Valley, where we would spend the next 5 days. I used to vacation in Sun Valley every year with my family and Jer had never been there. It was a lot of fun to roll in to town and be able to drive to all of the destinations that hold such great memories to me.
Sunday evening we went to a park and listened to live Jazz music while enjoying a picnic. Aliya and Jaxon danced their hearts out and entertained all the locals with their sweet charm.
Day 2: We went to Sun Valley Village and watched some ice skaters and walked around. We spent this whole day walking around town, checking things out and enjoying the slower pace of life. After the kids naps we went to dinner then back to Sun Valley Village for some ice cream. Jaxon was walking on the edge of the pond when we heard a loud splash, Jaxon fell in the little, cold, swan pond. It freaked him out, but then was the joke of the week. We teased him about wanting to go swimming, he thought it was funny, but hopefully scared him enough to be careful in the future. Luckily we were right there and it was VERY shallow. I ran to the car to grab a towel, Jer said he never saw me move that fast, it is amazing what you will do for your kids :)

This is Aliya's way of letting us know she needs food... She is ALWAYS eating.

Day 3 & 4

Day 3: We woke up early and headed to the resort. We took the Gondola up and went hiking. Jaxon wanted to just keep going. It was so nice up there, sun was out, yet not too hot. Aliya Juel would not nap in the pack, she worried she might miss something. The view from the top was amazing. We enjoyed a delicious lunch up top and then Jaxon and Jer took another lift even higher. Aliya was not allowed, because she was too small. So the girls sat at the bottom and socialized with the squirrels.
After the kids naps we headed over to the Farmer's Market in town and then went to another park for some live music. The kids had a blast with all the other kids there. Jaxon made some good buddies real fast, he climbed trees and watched jugglers. We decided we hadn't had enough fun in one day so we decided to go swimming. Aliya LOVED the pool, which was surprising because it was so cold.

Day 4: We woke up to a flat so we headed to Hailey to get it fixed. Hailey is such a cute little town. After the tire was fixed we went to a coffee shop, walked around, had lunch, then headed back for the kids naps (VERY important part of the day). We had the kids nap a little shorter so that we could be out more, but they did great. I was worried that Aliya would not do very well in a pack n' play, but she did great! YAY! Ended the day with more swimming.

Jaxon turns "4"

Jaxon turned 4, he was so excited. He finally got what a birthday is really all about. We spent the day putting together his bike, having lunch with Mo and going to "Rocky Pizza" with Grandma and Grandpa Clark. Grandpa Richard came over the night before bearing gifts of motorcycles, spider man, and a nerf gun which are all hits. By the end of the day Jaxon was done talking on the phone, he had so many loved ones call him that he was over it. Unfortunately Jaxon has been under the weather the past few days so he was a little ornery.
Jaxon is my absolute best bud, he truely lights up my world. He reminds me often of why I love him so much and why he amazes me everyday.
Jaxon...
*enjoys playing by himself
*likes to have "preschool" time
*loves gymnastics
*is a great helper around the house
*is learning to read and enjoying it
*loves giving kisses to Aliya Juel
*LOVES to play and help with Aliya Juel
*makes us smile
*is very shy
*does not like hello's or goodbyes
*freezes up when he is uncomfortable or nervous and will not say anything
*has not slept in our bed all week... HUGE accomplishment, he sleeps on the couch in our room, we think    this is better than in our bed and he is honestly terrified of sleeping in his room by himself. We decided we didn't want this to be negative since we are the ones that enabled him sleeping in our bed for 4 years.
*says excuse me when he needs your attention
* does not know how to tattle tell yet, we hope he never learns
* loves to be outside
*will be starting preschool next month