Cowabunga Bay

Summer is coming to an end and we promised the kids a trip to Cowabunga Bay before school starts.

The boys loved getting splashed by the "big dumper."

We snacked on churros, pretzels and fries. We relaxed in the lazy river and got thrown around in big slides. But most importantly, we spent time with friends and mom and dad made good on a promise.

Hansen Family Vacation at the Cabin

The Hansen family spent the 24th of July at the cabin together. There were trips to the lake, dancing to YMCA and lots of food and fun.

Thanks Mimi and Bompa for making this, and all our trips, so special. We love you.

Swim Team

This summer, we signed the kids up for swim team. Our only goal was to become stronger swimmers - or in Ella's case - learn to swim. C and I were really happy with how much improvement they showed over the course of two months. The boys cut their race times almost in half and Ella went from holding on to the rope the entire race to swimming a lap without help. Now this means we can go to the pool and they play while I relax. Now if only I could teach them to cook all the meals for me.

Lakeside Living

Last year we bought a waverunner (also lovingly referred to as the "kidney mobile"). However, we only used it once the entire summer of 2008. In an effort to not repeat mistakes, we made a goal this year to hit the lake once a week. It has been a fun summer activity, complete with wakeboarding, tubing, lounging in the sun, and spending time with family.

Sleeping Arrangements

These children really need to start sleeping in their own beds.

4th Remembered

Tips for a great 4th of July:

Pretty up the golf cart for a parade (make sure otter pops are frozen for kids to throw to spectators).

Play a little 3 on 3 basketball (let's shoot for no fights in 2010 - oh how boys will be boys).

Add some royalty.

Rule the parade.

Top it off with Grandpa Jerry's fireworks (courtesy of Costco).

I heart San Francisco

Last year, Wicked came to Utah. In the midst of the chaos that sometimes surrounds our home, Cory and I missed our chance at tickets. So, using this as our excuse, the two of us took off for San Francisco. It was a much needed trip after a hard handful of months. Cory was finally feeling well and we set off to celebrate. Our theatre excursions included Wicked and the unplanned Spamalot (we had to see John O'hurley aka J. Peterman play King Arthur).

We took a day trip to Alcatraz which was amazing.

We stopped at Lombard street.

I discovered that San Francisco in the summer is FREEZING! I wore three layers every day. I admit, I was warned, but I did not believe.

We rode the cable cars everywhere. By the end of the trip Cory become a master at hanging off the outside of the car.

We ate really good food, went to museums, shopped, and spent uninterrupted time together. Now, which production do I need to convince him I need to see next?