Life With Boys: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

boys photo shoot

I made the boys do pictures. We went to the Lagoon trail for the background and some shade since we had to do the shoot in the middle of the day. Here's some of the best:

Turned out pretty well! My boys are so handsome and growing up so fast!

Friday, July 19, 2013

While the other half of the family was at scout camps this week, I decided to take these two kiddos to the zoo! There's not a lot of animals to see at the zoo (its pretty small) but the animals were active and healthy today, so we enjoyed seeing what there was to see.

Look close to see the tiger taking a break in the greenery. He had been roaring and pacing a few minutes earlier!

I'm not normally a fan of birds, but I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture of these bald eagles since Ryan just received his Eagle award a couple months ago and we were able to have a golden eagle at the ceremony.

Taking a ride on the rhino!

A big part of the zoo exhibit this summer were various animals made of legos near their respective exhibits. But the best part is actually playing with the legos! There was a tent set up with these big legos inside that kids could use to build and play.

A good morning adventure!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

brady reunion

I was in charge of our Allen Brady family reunion this year at Heber Valley camp. We started out Friday afternoon by playing in the huge sandbox down by the lake and playing a little game of volleyball.

After a delicious dutch oven dinner of chicken and potatoes (wish I had a picture of that!) we celebrated by Dad's 85th birthday! We had a huge decorated carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and vanilla ice cream. We gave him a little memory booklet with a card from each person in the family telling about a favorite memory of themselves and Dad/Grandpa/Grandpa-great. It was really fun to read through all the great memories.

We had a campfire/talent program around the fire to end our first day. Then it was off to our cabins to sleep - HA! On Saturday morning, we headed over to the ropes courses. This is Ryan heading up a tall pole to get on the high wire.

Crossing the high wire...

and down on the zip line.

Next up, Jared.

On a different course, Matthew is all harnessed and ready to go.

Getting hooked onto the rope...

pulled to the top of a tree and then swinging free!

Last to go, Jacob!

Getting hooked up...

almost to the top (feet will push off the black square on the tree)...

Yee-haw! Look -- no hands!

Mark heading to the top...

and swinging free!

The kids had lots of fun playing in a nearby sandbox while waiting their turn on the swing.

After everyone rode the giant rope swing, we played a few games. For this one, the person on the outside voiced instructions to the blindfolded person so they could whack or avoid getting whacked by another blindfolded person inside the circle. This was to help us learn to follow the still small voice.

What is camping without a craft? We painted rocks this year to remind us that our Brady family is one of the "rocks" or sure things in our life journey.

All the cousins and spouses that were there. We are missing a few who couldn't make it or had to leave early.

The cousins and the next generation of great grandchildren.

My mom and dad with their grand children and great-grandchildren.

I hope everyone had a great time and wants to get together again in 2 years. Too bad we have to wait that long to round everyone up in one place again. I'm grateful to be a part of this wonderful family!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

drivers license!

Jared got his real drivers license today - Wahoo! He is so excited! Me? I'm excited for him and yet a little apprehensive. He's growing up and sometimes its hard to let go and give him more freedom and independence. He's tried very hard to be a good driver though, so I'm just gonna have to go with it! Congratulations, Jared!