Memorial Day 2012 It was nice to have all my family together for Memorial Day! Malia and Thel and their family were in town for Thel's parents' mission farewell and Leif and his family came up also. We went to the farm and spent the afternoon/evening just having fun.

Our boys are a bit hesitant when it comes to water and Mike was sitting with Dominic by the pond trying to get him to be a bit more comfortable.

Saara (Leif's little girl) and Constance enjoying the water.

When you walk thru the shallows you could end up with some leeches, as Ben (one of Leif's boys) discovered. We also discovered putting salt on them gets them off pretty good. Which was good, because I ended up having to do the same thing to Constance when she walked to the rocks to get out. Her feet were covered.

We were really trying to convince our boys the water wasn't so bad. I asked them if they wanted me to jump in, they were quite excited about the thought. So I did. Sofia had my camera and did a great job catching me in motion. I hate getting pond water up my nose, so yes, I did have my nose plugged.

Ben (Leif's son) and Wiley (Kam's boy) sharing a kayak.

My brothers, Kam and Leif.

Leif and his youngest girl, Emma.

We got Dominic in the water, but he wasn't too happy and wanted out even with me holding him.

Leif and Samuel.

Wiley and Leif dogpiling on Samuel

Wiley Jumping backwards off of Leif and Samuel.

We discovered one way to get the boys in pond is to put them on the little kayaks. They are as happy as can be and are willing to go around the pond all day as long as they are on the boats.

Carol and I took Mary and Anna on the kayaks.

Our Sweet Maddie was also there -- Our Family was complete! I love the picture of Maddie and Sidney holding hands as they were getting ready to jump into the pond.

Kaylin (one of Malia's girls) and Grandpa got in a water fight -- it was a lot of fun to watch.

Whitney (Malia's daughter) enjoying the kayak.

Carol showing us some leg.

Beautiful Saara (one of Leif's little girls)

My little fish, Constance.

Kam and Maddie

Wiley (Kam's son) standing on the kayak.

Emma (Leif's daughter) jumping in

My boys!

Mudball Fight

I figured I would let my kids play in the little pool and sprinkler with as warm as it is outside. Before long Dominic comes running over to me covered with mud.

I had to grab my camera and document the mudball fight that started shortly after, which included all three of my little monkeys.

I couldn't believe how muddy they all ended up getting, but they sure did have fun!

Of course, they weren't content just with getting each other with mud, they also covered their toys.

Evidently they hadn't just covered the outside of the car, they also covered the seat in mud as well. This picture of Dominic's back is the result.

They did try to get cleaned off in the pool -- after awhile the water was too muddy to do much good. I didn't mind too much, I got to turn the hose on each of them to get most of the mud off before I could bring them in the house and put them in the tub.

Constance's Birthday Party

We decided to do something special for Constance's birthday this year. For anybody who knows her, they know she absolutely LOVES horses. We arranged with my brother to go out to his farm so she could ride horses. With it being a ways out of town we limited her to the number of friends we could fit in our van. I think they all had fun. Here are some pictures from the day at the farm.

Dominic, Jordan and Kaison playing on a big pile of gravel.

Constance riding Diego all by herself.

Waiting, patienting waiting, for their turn to ride.

Constance riding on Dusty with Brother Brian Carico leading.

Jordan learning to climb the fence.

Dominic actually got on a horse. I was so proud of him. He didn't even cry. I led the horse and daddy walked alongside of him. When we were done, he was ready to go again.

Jordan riding Dusty while Brother Brian Carico leads and Isis walks alongside.

It was a very warm day. The girls all sat on the rocks crossing the creek and put their feet in the water. I love this picture!

Isis Carico riding Diego.

Natalie riding Diego.

Uncle Hambone helping Kylee with Diego

Addie Shenck riding Dusty.

Sierra riding Dusty.

Braxin Carico having a turn on Diego.

Brian Carico with his son, Kaison, riding Dusty.

Taylie having a turn on Dusty.

This is what happens when you let a friend, Carisa Carico, use your camera.

Dominic and Uncle Hambone's tractor.