Utah State Firefighter’s Convention Parade

Thursday evening, we attended Utah State Firefighter's Convention Parade in Lehi.  They weren't kidding when they said summer is the best around here - there are events scheduled all around practically every week.  

We met up with some friends from our neighborhood.  We enjoyed the parade and some firefighter competitions.  Chase asked if he could join in the competitions too - he and his two new buddies enjoyed running around in the grass, finding candy from the parade, and dancing to the music.

Spotting the firetrucks coming down the street.

Debating which candy to eat.

Happy summer!

Gantry Park

We wanted to spend our final Saturday in NYC doing something fun, so we went to one of our favorite places in Queens, Gantry Park.  It's like the only grass in Queens :)  We met the De Leons there and had a fun afternoon.

Ty loves going outside

And I was really excited to see a waffle cart - it was on my NYC Bucket List.  That and recognize someone famous - spoiler alert, I never did recognize anyone famous.

My fancy waffle in NYC :)  Yum.

We also played at the playground for a little bit.

Ty laughed spinning around

And I had promised Chase we'd get an ice cream, so he was happy to see an ice cream truck arrive.

"I want chocolate."

Best buds

It was a great day at the park.

Maiden Voyage

We had ordered a double stroller MONTHS ago, and it finally arrived.  Exciting day.  Now I can get out a little more easily when Marcus isn't home.  I wanted to make sure I could figure it out for when I'm by myself, so Marcus and I decided we needed an initial outing together.  So Sunday afternoon, we got everyone prepared for an afternoon stroll. 

Chase testing out standing.

And trying the bench.

And we're off!

Naturally the destination we chose was the park.  Seemed like the best place to go, especially since the boys have all been inside a lot watching sessions of Conference.  Chase needed to get out a few wiggles :)

Don't worry, we made it home in time to settle in for the final Conference session. :)

Although Chase read a book instead.
(And then he played with airplanes, trucks, tracks, his tablet, Mr. Potato Head, Duplos, trains, ...)

Family Fun

We had been really looking forward to having family come visit for Ty's blessing and Chase's birthday.  The timing was perfect.  Chase would ask all the time if Noni and Grandpa, Kate, or Gram and Pops were at the door.  He loves them all so much - it's super cute!  (Although Kate seems to be his all time favorite right now.)  Anytime someone buzzed or knocked, "Is it ...?"  It was exciting when they finally arrived :)  It was an entire long weekend full of fun, family, and fun.  Chase especially loved every second.  We compiled some pictures from all the cameras taking pictures over the weekend, so here's a small peek into all the fun.

See, nonstop family fun!

Gantry Park Birthday Party

 In the spirit of honesty, I must confess, most of these pictures were posted by friends on Facebook.  But they have my family in them, so I feel like I own at least a share in the photos :)

We went to an amazing birthday party for our cute little friend Maya on Saturday.  We love Maya.  We often sit by her and her family at church and enjoy our little exchanges.  It was her first birthday.

Maya's parents somehow rented space/tents at Gantry Park, right by the water.  It was beautiful.  The perfect place for a party.  They had catered food, amazing treats, cute decorations, and tons of friends.

The party spot

The yummy food.
Gotta love the view behind the tables!

The cute decorations, including lollipop magnets, ice cream cone bubbles, and the most delicious strawberry lemonade cake EVER

Better angle of the cake :)

Chase getting more water

Marcus, Ty, Chase, and a lot of our friends celebrating Maya

Chase getting some bubbles

There was some space between the tents and the water that became a big play spot for the kids.  There were grass and playgrounds behind where this picture was taken from, but the view of the water made this spot even better.

Checking out the water

Observing with Alexander

Then the play spot was overtaken by the adults and bubbles!

Marcus really enjoyed the bubbles

Hawkes & Hardys

This picture cracks me up because Maya couldn't stop looking for the slice of watermelon her mom is holding and Chase was desperate for the balloons.

Happy Birthday, Maya ~ We're so glad we could celebrate with you!