Summer Visitors: Part Deux

So what that we still technically had a house guest when Liza called and asked if they could come this past weekend? Burke could be considered a part-time resident (and a welcome one, I must add), and besides, who could miss the opportunity to see this little face?

It was Pioneer Day and even though everyone really wanted to put on long skirts and recreate a portion of the handcart journey, I insisted we just relax at the park with assorted loved ones. I'm not going to tell you which park because it is awesome and too crowded already. I'm a little bit like Jack Barratt in that way...but maybe if you beg.

Now, I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad, but Uncle Burke is in the lead in our Uncle of the Year contest. He received 1000 points for letting a kid with a muddy butt sit on his shoulders.

He also received 250 points for letting Elise pretend he was also HER uncle.

I remember going camping as a child, and there was always one kid who was immediately filthy.

(Anna West and Dan Barratt: I'm thinking of you.)

Kiki is that kid. She had tons of fun sifting through the ashes of our BBQ pit.

She immediately waded in the creek up to her waist then repeatedly slid down the bank.

The Shelton's and the Wolfley's.

The Pritchett girls and Bruce.

The Judd/Hunter/Barratt/Hatch/Shelton Ladies.

We had dinner with Grandpa Jack.

He thinks the pioneers were quitters so we set our bonnets aside and acted like it was a regular day.

Kiki is horribly amusing to grown-ups and horribly exasperating to her older sister.

"You're playing Barbie Glamour Camper? Well, hang on a second then and I'll go get my dragon!"

I realize I have very few pictures of Kiki where her face is unobscured by a food item, a swim cap, or her hair.

On Sunday we celebrated my nephew Eric's birthday.

Eric would have received a lot more attention from my girls if these little puppies weren't there.

The birthday boy.

Dave and Jill with baby Layla.

July is a busy birthday month for us.

I talk a ton about my sisters, sisters-in-law, and bonus sisters, but did you know I have bonus BROTHERS too? It's pretty awesome.

Beau's birthday was last week, but we will take a celebration any time.

Beau and Emilee

The Hunter Gals.

Today was the last day of summer gymnastics. Kate has done so awesome. She has been practicing her stretches and other moves. I will remember this summer as the summer she pushed for her independence. She has seemed so secure in her gymnastics class, she wants to walk to Grandma's house instead of me driving her, and she wants to order from the pool snack bar and pay herself. Maybe I need to stop thinking of her as shy, because she is asserting herself in many ways.

I don't worry about Kiki's ability to assert herself in general. I worry about her asserting herself appropriately.

Kiki's gymnastics teachers have been very patient even though no matter what they ask her to do, she just crawls around.

These movements are not approved for the apparatuses pictured nor are they endorsed by anyone with any gymnastics experience whatsoever.

Kate is getting very brave on the beam.

Lastly, it was my mom's birthday today.

We celebrated with lunch and pedicures.

My mom is a good mom. I hope she had a happy birthday.

The excitement continues this week: Bruce is gearing up (although technically he's tapering, so maybe I should call it "gearing down") for the Spudman this weekend, so we are off to Pocatello in a few days. Wish him luck!