Life Was Getting Too Predictable

Just when I start getting the hang of having two kids and I get my body back-mostly--it's time to start all over again. So yep, we're pregnant again! I'm about 15 weeks along and all's well! I actually just went to the Dr. for the first time two days ago and it was kind of nice being able to bypass the unnecessary first visit of them telling me what I already knew- that I was pregnant. I was able to have a very useful prenatal visit- even though it was only my first. And, they weren't even mad at me for waiting so long.
The baby's due next Mid-January putting this baby and Gwen almost exactly two years apart. I'm no longer sick--yea!! And- I'm definitely showing--no big surprise there, I always show way early.
I'm very nervous about having number 3, but I have to say that in many ways--it's been a blessing having Lincoln and Gwen so close. So, while it may be a very difficult year again-next year, I'm betting and hoping it will be worth it. My baby-bump--already!

Aspen Grove

This vacation was two years in the making--it takes nearly that long to get in to this place- but I think it was worth it.
The last time I went to Aspen Grove I think I was 13 years old-- some has changed-they've added a lot more, but much has stayed the same. There are still great counselors, lots of food--not bad, but I seem to remember it tasting a little bit better, gorgeous scenery, and TONS to do!
We arrived the afternoon of Saturday and checked in, ate dinner, met our kids' counselors and were briefed on the week's activities.
Sunday we ate breakfast, went to church in the amphitheater there (received a very healthy dose of Vitamin D in the process), and attended a fireside that night.
The rest of the week's activities I'll try to illustrate with pictures. Riding the baby bear--those bears always had some kid on their back.Air-rifles. My dad actually got best marksman in the whole camp- I hadn't realized he was that good. Cowboy Village- we found Darrin playing with this thing by himself-claiming he was there to watch his daughter. I'm pretty sure he was having more fun than she was.
Gorgeous! I couldn't get enough of this view!Riding White LightningThese kids LOVE each other! A funny little anecdote--Lincoln and Gwen were supposed to be in two different groups. Lincoln couldn't stand being in a group with a bunch of kids he didn't know so we requested that he join Gwen's group. After that, he was much better off.
FRONTIER NIGHT
Zach- roping.Train RideTomahawk throwingPanning for Gold
Stewart Falls Hike
Timp Falls HikeThese Falls were gorgeous. We hiked up to the first falls and we couldn't get down to the falls so we decided to hike up to the second one and it was definitely worth it. So beautiful and refreshing! Aspen Grove in the background.Flowers!
Family Pictures at Cowboy Village
A cousins shot-couldn't even fit them all in!

Bean Museum--had to get it in.
Gwen and the ducks- her favorite animal!Gwen's new move- she's really good at it. (another little fun anecdote- since she's mastered this move she's made taking her to public places a difficult thing. The other day at the library- I became the mom everyone pities. She was squealing and squirming and running as far away as she could so she could tear off as many books or DVD's as she could and Lincoln decided it would be fun to follow her example instead of BE the example--we've got to work on that one.)

Even with this uber-long post I haven't recorded even half of what we did-the shuffleboard--Zach really liked that one, the swimming, the miniature golf, the walks,the lectures. It was a very nice trip!

Hills' Family Reunion

I love summer when I can get out of town and be with family some place cooler than here.
Early (2:30am early) on a Thursday morning we loaded the kids and drove up to Chris and Jodi's place for our annual Hills' family reunion--put on by Dallas. She thought of everything and we had a great time! Lincoln spent some time with his cousins and Grandma learning how to ride a bigger boy bike. Then we went up the canyon a little to have a picnic and let the kids go fishing. The next day we played games for prizes, had a great bbq and played in a huge waterslide. Gwen took a nap during that part on a generous Grandma Hills. Unfortunately Zach and I took too long making Saturday's breakfast that we missed the bike ride everyone took because we had to head up to the second leg of our trip in Utah. catching his first fish