Fun Filled Fourth!

Our long holiday weekend was definitely a busy and happy one. My sister and her family came up for a week and we wasted no time in getting to the fun. On Thursday we went to Seven Peaks water park for the whole day. And when I say whole day I mean eight hours. It was awesome! We had a canopy (thanks Grandma Thurgood) so we could sit in shade in between the wave pool and water slides. Tyler had no fear going down some of the slides! Thursday was a great day.

The next day we met up with one of my mom's friends for a pony cart ride. It was fun because Tyler was almost as tall as Clyde, the horse! Tyler and Hayden were both a little hesitant to feed the horse, but warmed up to him.

Saturday was my hometown's parade and fireworks. Thanks again to the canopy we could watch the parade in comfort. Tyler was totally loving the candy. What kid doesn't? After the official parade, there is a water fight down main street. I moved out of the way, but Steve and Tyler got on the outskirts to get just a little wet. After dinner, we of course lit our own fireworks and sparklers. Tyler covered his ears with each one, whether or not they were loud. Hannah was mesmerized by the sights and sounds. We walked up to my high school and stretched out on blankets to watch Kaysville's fireworks. There's something about a whole city gathered together watching fireworks that makes me smile. Only in America! After a long day, we were happy to sleep in our own beds!

Sunday was a family dinner before Jay and Kristin left for Phoenix. We were sad to see them go! Since Steve had Monday off of work, we decided to hike to the Timpanogos Caves. Grandma Thurgood came with us to help with the kids. We drove up the canyon only to find a four hour wait. What do to? We went down to Thanksgiving Point and walked around. We ate our picnic lunch, played hide and seek, saw the farm animals and ate yummy ice cream.

It was finally our turn to hike the mile and a half up to the caves. After only one small hill, Tyler said he was tired. We instigated Plan B. I carried Hannah in our baby carrier and Steve carried Tyler in our child hiking backpack. Grandma got to carry the backpacks. They gave us an hour and a half to climb over 1,000 feet in elevation. It was rough and hot! When we finally reached the top we only had about fifteen minutes before our tour. The caves were nice and cool, thankfully! It is fascinating to see the formations that nature makes. Tyler wanted to touch things (again thank you Grandma for occupying him) and Hannah was content to snuggle. The hike down went much faster. Hannah was so tuckered she fell asleep despite my bouncing down the mountain.

It was a packed long weekend, but a fantastic one at that! When all is said and done, spending time with family is the best way to spend time.