Bear Lake

The last time I went camping was two years ago in New York...it's quite inconvenient and takes a lot of time to pack for little children, food, toys, emergency items, bedding and tents, etc.  However, we decided it would be fun to check out Bear Lake with friends and family since we've never been.  This was especially adventurous for me since we left 2 hours after I had surgery and woke up from anesthesia.  I couldn't ruin a fun family weekend so I decided we would still go.  The family had a great time though I was jealous that I couldn't get into the water or do much of anything with my healing leg.

My attempt at a kids picture (Cy would not smile)

Cy helping Esti

Their View (admiring Mike)

My View

Mads killing it

The kids had so much fun with Granma Pia who brought a bag full of Strawberry Shortcakes and Animals to play with

Mike and Esti

Spending time with Grandma Pia

Playing Cars

Cute Girls

Pour Some Sugar on Me!

Mike and I finally went on a date (hard to do with a baby) to the Def Leppard/Heart concert.  It was hilarious to see the performers with big hair and bedazzled microphones.  Even more entertaining was scoping out the attendees, many who were drunk and playing air guitar.  As much of a spectacle as they were I have to admit I knew every song.  I should have ratted my hair more and worn a sparkly belly shirt with jeweled pants...then I really would have fit in!

  

Hayden and Kiaya

One of my best friends, Hayden from Chicago, came to visit last weekend with her daughter Kiaya.  Hayden and I met when we competed against each other on the Amazing Race and have been close ever since.  We had such a great time and I am in awe that she was willing to travel pregnant with a toddler!

Walking to the football game that Mads was performing in

Kaiya insisted she wear Cy's clothes

Me and Hayden before the littles

Madison (the tall one in the middle)

Esti's First Tooth!

Well you may not be able to see this, but one is breaking through on her bottom left side.  This explains why she's been a bit fussy the past couple days.

Phoebe

My good friend from New York Rachel  was able to finally adopt her little girl Phoebe after years of waiting and dealing with "red tape" in China.  Her family came to Utah this summer to have Phoebe sealed to the family for eternity in the Bountiful Temple.  I was so happy to be able to witness this.  

(I'm sacrificing a bad photo of me cause it was the only one with all our eyes open!)

Family Time

We still can't get over how enjoyable it has been to be close to family.  It's been such an exciting and special treat for us and the kids to have so many opportunities to connect, which is something we didn't do very often alone in New York.

Taking a walk with my family in our lush neighborhood

Cy loves to spend time with Grandpa Tom who has so many interesting stories being a "real" cowboy, a smoke jumper, and a wonderful chef and gardener!

Grandma Coleman and Esti (ready to fall asleep)

Drill Golf Classic

We thought when Madison decided to quit Ballet West we would finally have a break from the 6 days a week dancing...not so.  She is on the Drill team now and seems to be dancing just as much this summer, but she loves it  and has made some wonderful friends.  This past weekend they held a fund raiser golf tournament that Mike, my brothers and a friend participated in.  They had a great time and looked pretty hot (in more ways than one) playing golf!

The hunky foursome: Christopher, Michael, Dane and Tom

Cutest Baby Ever

I'm not sure if it's the photographer or the model, but I think this is the cutest baby of 2011... thanks Ann Stucki for the amazing pictures!  Here's a sneak peek of Esti

for more 

Check out more!!!  https://picasaweb.google.com/stucki.brian/Esti

California Love

It's been years since we've visited the west coast so we decided to take a family trip to Solana Beach.  The kids had such a great time playing in the ocean (minus the sting rays and sand sharks....yikes).  We even visited with some of our relatives and Madison participated in a surf camp.  I think this is a vacation we will be taking every year as long as we are here in the west!

Auntie Shawnie visiting!

Visiting Uncle Pete at his house in Coronado (to die for)

Dinner in old town San Diego

Playing tag

Esti LOVED the water and felt crazy on the beach

Cy loved seeing (and feeling) the air force jets overhead

Surf Camp in Del Mar...she could pass as a local

My lovlies in Del Mar

A much needed bottely break in Huntington

Snuggle time for Dada

If only body rolls were this cute on me!

This sums up how excited Cy was