Charlie S. Atwater

Holding the water snake.

While wandering around the river at Jordanelle Sarah saw a water snake slithering nearby. Kenny picked it up and the kids were instantly fascinated. They all took turns holding and petting it. Nothing like a water snake to bring out the smiles on kids faces. They liked him so much they decided to name him. Charlie S. Atwater is his official name. 

Daniel was not too sure about the snake at first.

Gracie taking a turn holding the snake.

Sarah with Charlie.

Kenny finally got Dan to hold the snake. I was so proud of my little guy.

Hannah loved the snake.

Adam holding Charlie the snake. He loved it.

The kids watching daddy let Charlie the snake go.

Jordanelle for the 4th

My cute kids on a bridge at Jordanelle Reservoir.

As I said earlier, this summer was a hot one. I for one was not a fan of the heat and when the 4th of July came around I didn't want to go do anything festive because I didn't want to be out in the 100+ heat. We decided we didn't want the holiday to just go to waste so we headed up into the mountains for some cooler air. We've been wanting to go to Jordanelle Reservoir since we moved back to Utah and we thought July 4th would be perfect. We got there late, but still had fun wandering around, playing in the water, and even seeing a water snake. The weather was beautiful and being outside in nature always uplifts me. It was a great way to spend the 4th of July.

We love being silly

Walking in the river.

I do love summertime and summer pictures.

Playing in the river.

Rooftop Fireworks

Getting ready to watch the fireworks on the roof.

July 3rd is the day of the Eaglewood fireworks near our house. We've never wanted to drive up to the golf course to see the fireworks, but we have learned that you can see them from our house. This is our 2nd July in this house and the second time we took to the roof on July 3rd to watch the fireworks. The kids like being on the roof and we like not having to fight the crowds and traffic. 

What Do You Do When It's Really Hot Outside?

Adam, Ben and our neighbor Charlie on the tarp slide.

This summer was really hot and it seemed like we never got a break. On July 3rd the kids wanted to run through the sprinklers, but in true Kenny fashion he took it one step farther and made a slide. At first it was just plastic on the ground, but because we have no slope to our yard that quickly got boring. He created a hill using the castle slide and the kids had a blast until the sun started going down.

Hannah sliding on the tarp.

Adam enjoyed running on the slide.

Once the castle slide was added the kids brought the tubes out and they had a ton of fun.

I love watching my kids playing together and having fun.

Shave Ice in the Summertime

School was finally out. How do you celebrate? Shave ice on the back deck with your little brother and animals. Yay for summertime.