We went to Lagoon yesterday for the first time since we have been married. It was one of the first days that Colby thought he could step away from the office, and yet still work using his BlackBerry while out with us. We took Braxton and Gabe along, and met up with some of our friends that we have been trying to do something with all summer. I was all prepared that morning: had the correct walking shoes on, so my feet didn't get sore, dressed everyone in cool clothes because of how hot it was supposed to be, had water, snacks, money and sunscreen put in the backpack, had arrangements made for Tristan and his diaper bag packed. I thought I was completely prepared for anything and everything. We were going to meet down at Lagoon at 10:45, just in time for them to open and us to enjoy the park with not too many people there yet. Dropped off Tristan, paid for parking, and found a great parking spot after which we unloaded ourselves from the car and started walking toward the entrance to buy ticket.....the discount tickets! I forgot them! There was no way we could afford to attend the park without our discount tickets from Deseret Book. We turned around and got back in the car, talked to our friends about the mistake and said we would call them when we were back down there. I was so angry at myself the entire drive back home. Why am I so compulsive about being on time and having everything ready, when it usually results in me forgetting the most important things (This has happened to me more than once, just in other situations.). Back at home, the tickets were not in the spot I thought I had left them, we searched everywhere I could have put them. When a thought dawned on me to check my accordion coupon file in the car. Yep! There they were, along with a list of rides I had made that Gabe was able to ride, and not to ride. Again, lots of anger and swear words entered my head. Why didn't I think to look there before we left the parking lot. Aarrgghh! I guess I had put them there last week, so that I wouldn't forget them. Anyway, we got back down there, purchased our tickets and met up with our friends. The kids had a blast, as did Colby and I. I think the last ride that was new when we were there last was the Wild Mouse. That was probably back in 1998. I loved riding Odysea, me and my friend laughed so hard while trying to dodge the water squirting at us. Braxton's favorite ride was the Jumping Dragon, their newest ride. They have re-done the kiddie ride area and front gardens since I have gone. The new water fountain area was fun to watch, the kids didn't want to run around in it and get wet. They are crazy, because it was super hot yesterday. We got both of them to go on Tidal Wave: Gabe loved it, Braxton hated it. We enjoyed the log flume as a family, although I think we waited for an hour in line for a 3 minute or less ride. We snacked on Churros and an Icee, then grabbed cotton candy on our way out of the park. We are hoping to bounce back there next week for some more fun. Thanks mom for watching Tristan most of the day for us!
Kelly helping Gabe climb up into the Dragonfly ride and get buckled. With Braxton and Bryce behind them.
Ready to ride Tidal Wave: Bryce, Gabe and Kelly.
Me, Colby and Braxton.
Gabe, Braxton and his main squeeze Kelly on the Carousel.
Riding the train, just for our boys: Gabe and Colby. Braxton and myself.
Here are Gabe and Braxton riding a bunch of kiddie rides. Nice and tame for Braxton, a little too boring for Gabe. Don't they just look so thrilled in each picture. I hope is was the heat and not the entertainment lulling them to look so drab.
Braxton and me on the Sky Ride across the park. Colby with Gabe saying,"Hi Mom."
Me and Gabe on the Tilt-a-whirl together, we had a crazy-fun time.
Braxton almost asleep on the drive home, and Gabe completely worn out.
Oh, and we celebrated our 9th anniversary this last week. We had two days of eating way too much wonderful food, shopping alone without the kids. Going to the movies and just cruising in 
the convertible trying to feel younger. I'll tell you what, 9 years has been hard, but worth every minute. We have both grown up and changed in ways, but hopefully we are able to communicate with each other better every year. Love ya, Colb!
(Braxton, Jaden, Gabe, and Tristan chowing down on pizza)
(Trebor, Jen, Rob, Sharlean, Colby)
Holy cow, I can't believe that my baby is two years old already! How did we celebrate? By letting mom sleep in until 10am, wahoo! I had to go wake him up. We opened presents on our bed while Colby slept, he had just come to bed from a long night of work at 7:30am. 
Gabe was excited to hand him a basketball to unwrap. 
And Braxton gave him some Marvel Hero Figurines to open. Then we led him out to the deck for his gifts from mom and dad. 
Colby had picked out a basketball hoop that was just perfect for him. It grows with the child, and can be as tall as 6 feet. 
I had chosen a slide. He loved both gifts, and sometimes combined the basketball (among other things) with the slide.
Next, we had breakfast and got dressed to run over to Grandma Miller's home for a quick (long overdue) haircut. He wasn't very cooperative, 
but he looks a lot better. On the way home we picked up pizzas to share a birthday lunch with his friend Mason. We ate and played with his new toys, as well as enjoyed putting the slide into the kiddie pool. 
Nap time proved a great time for me to whip up some cupcakes for his family party later on.
The cupcakes were a hit. Thanks to all that brought gifts, though they were unnecessary. 
We ended the night around the fire pit, it was chilly after the sun went down (about time).
and we had the neighbor kids deliver them to all on our road. It was a huge success! We had so much fun, and the kids always have a blast with the others on the street. We celebrated a little neighbor girl's birthday, 
and her mom had brought over a fishing pond for all the kids to experience. Some of our friends from other roads wandered over, but we welcomed them to the party warmly. Our plan wasn't to exclude anyone, just to get to know the other side of the street better. Many of our new friends said how glad they were that we had decided to put this together. Connie and Rachel, we were a success! 
Ryan and Colby hanging out while the foods cooks.
Jed and Tristan, buddies sharing a cup full of ice between them.
Taylor and Elizabeth get the soccor game set up. And Gabe practices running to the goal.
The men grilling our main dishes.
Spoils from the fishing pond: Bling teeth for Ethan and redneck teeth for Braxton, here's Jacob sporting his loot, a stick-on mustache.
Duke trying to escape Tristan's constant love.
