F. H. E. with the Gwilliams

Oh man, we had such a ball at the Gwilliams Monday night. They invited the entire Kendall clan over for a BBQ, the brave souls. We started the evening going through the Oquirrh Hills Temple open house, all 31 of us. What a beautiful building!!! The kids favorite rooms this time where: Ryan -- Sealing room; Sarah -- Baptistery; Bella -- Baptistery; I don't recall asking Ali, but I do know she surely enjoyed the cookies (at the Draper temple, Bella told us her favorite room was the room where we got the cookies and water, real spiritual experience for her).

Any way, after that, we made our way to the Gwilliams home in Taylorsville and had such a par-tay, I'm telling you. They have a swimming pool in their backyard, so of course, the kids couldn't wait til after dinner.

This ended up to be Ali's favorite spot in the pool.

Sarah flipping or diving (I'm not sure on this one)

Ryan trying to make a splash

Ryan sliding

Bella Sliding

Bella jumping off the diving board

Jeff broke the chair (oops) :)

Ali is showing off her little tooshy

Those are some goggles that were helping her see under the water (ha, ha)

Bella and Sarah swimming around.

Sarah going off the slide with a noodle

While the kids were swimming in the dark, the boys all started up a big game of Ultimate Frisbee. Ryan joined that group and they had a lot of fun. They each had lights on their heads to determine the team they were on and the frisbee was lite up as well.

We had a few belly flops, back flops, near misses with heads on the diving board, close calls with kids going down the slide, and whatever else we didn't see (or chose not to see I think is more like it). But at the end of the day, everyone was entertained and more than anything, we just enjoyed the company and getting to know Jim's family a little bit better. We thank your entire family for the fun evening.

A day trip to Silver Lake

Yesterday, we got a small group together from our ward and headed up to Brighton, out of the heat. The air up there is so fresh and it just feels good to get out of the city. We chose to go around Silver Lake because it was stroller friendly.

Here are part of the kids that went (the others were strapped into the stroller)

Ali and Addi (what cuties)

Ryan was trying to dam the water with his hands

The "Moms" -- Lisa Moss, Samantha Pitts, and myself

After the "hike" we tried to find a shady spot and have a little picnic.

Our little "friends" during our lunch

Happy Birthday to Ryan

On Saturday, while we were camping, Ryan celebrated his 10th birthday. Wow, time flies too fast at times. Well, for his birthday, we got all the kids a swing set. Yes, this is the same swing set I posted pictures on for Bella's Birthday as well. I guess that's what happens when your parents are poor and still want to get something nice for the kids, you just have to share everything.

So, up at the camp out, Grandma and Grandpa Kendall brought a gift for him along with the other aunts and uncles. He was very happy with the money he received from everyone.

Here is a bear puzzle and a giant lolly pop

Ryan is such a special child. He puts up with all his sisters most of the time, only teasing when necessary (right son???), and he helps me out with so much. He has started to mow the lawn for us and does a very good job. He is so excited to be going into 5th grade and does very well in school. I have thought at times that he is smarter than his parents are. I hope we don't ruin him and his passion to learn. He is so caring and thoughtful. I love my Ryan so much and I am so grateful for him and for all he does around the home to help me out.

I love you Ryan!!!

Kendall Kampout 2009

Every summer, the Kendall Family has a campout with a lot of extended family. We have made it every year we have been married so far. We really enjoy it and the kids have tons and tons of fun. This has been one of our traditions the kids really look forward to. This year we went up Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Jordan Pines camp ground and created a small community of tents and trailers.

Here's our "Mansion" -- yes, it's an oldie but a goodie!!!

Ali and Abby enjoying each other (like there wasn't enough chairs scattered around)

Uncle Jim (aka Jason) and Gavin ready for our hike to Donut Falls

This was our hiking group

Ryan forging the river

Bella and Sarah's behind at Donut Falls

Aunt Shari had a couple little buddies for a while

Sarah, Sydney, and Lauren singing karaoke

Ali and Bella roasting their marshmallows (can you get anymore comfy while your camping???)

More roasting around the fire

our happy little gymnasts

Our girls were pooped -- it was 11:30 pm that we got them to bed, can you blame them?

A very common sight. I don't think the babies were left alone.

Hiking around Silver Lake with cousins

resting

Another year past, another campout over, lots of memories, too much yummy food, sugar OVER-LOAD, stinky outhouses, mosquitoes mosquitoes mosquitoes, hikes, visiting with lots of family we don't see very much, showers at the condo, pot-guts everywhere, campfire songs, roasting marshmallows, getting hot and all sweaty, sleepless nights, I'm sure I missed a few more of the highlights, but can camping really get any better than this???

Sunday drive up the canyon

After Jeff finished up with his "Bishop" duties yesterday, we decided to go for a drive up Millcreek Canyon. We have only been up there once before with Jeff's parents and it had been years since we had done that. That canyon is absolutely beautiful. We loved it and would love to go back up to go on some hikes or just have more picnics. The temperature was a lovely 62 degrees and felt FABULOUS!!! We made some yummy PB&J sandwiches, grabbed some chips, cheese sticks, Popsicles, and water and off we went.

Our picnic table

Yes, it was right off the road

The trail head

crossing a bridge

resting

Ali was gathering sticks to "poke Tyson", whatever that meant???

Our cute little girls :)

Special times for our little crew. We love our "family time".