Pioneer Day

Enjoying the Mapleton Pioneer Day Parade

Sylvia has her eyes on some yummy candy

(Seriously, the kids came home with a ton of candy)

My favorite float, hands down :)
(That is a remote controlled lawn tractor, people.)

We celebrated a very chill Pioneer Day. First we grabbed breakfast, then headed over to Mapleton to watch their Pioneer Day Parade. This is the second or third year we've come to this parade, and it is so fun. Nothing beats having the Mayor of Mapleton drive his golf cart right up to you and drop a tootsie roll in your lap! My kids loved watching all the different primary kids from the Mapleton Stakes riding their decorated bikes, and seeing the Maple Mountain cheerleaders. After the parade, we took the kids to see Ramona and Beezus. I thought it was an adorable movie, very very sweet. Then we came home, took naps, and when we all woke up, we grilled hamburgers. Seriously, a perfect Saturday, no?

The Kiddies

This week, I've been busy with non-parenting activities, so Nate has been the parent in charge. He loves taking on both Mommy and Daddy roles, except for the changing diapers part. Yeah, Ben needs to be potty trained...anyway....

So, yesterday Nate took the kids to Jolley's Ranch up Hobble Creek Canyon to escape the heat. I love these pictures. It blows my mind that these two aren't babies any longer. They're full-fledged preschoolers who know their ABC's and can count to 20. Sylvia is starting Kindergarten, and she is really beginning to assert her independence. Ben is learning so much, and his communication skills have really improved over the last few months. I love these kids, and I don't know what I'd do without them.

Paul McCartney in Concert

Last night, a dream came true for me. Nate took me to see Sir Paul in concert at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake for a one night only, sold out show. Nate and I rocked along with 25,000 screaming fans, but it felt as if Paul was singing to me and me alone. Those of you who read this blog know me well enough to understand my long abiding love for all things Beatles, so I'm sure that you know this concert means more to me than most anything I have ever experienced in my whole life! The set list was a wonderful mix of Beatles tunes, Wings hits, and Paul's own solo work. I think he only played maybe one song that I didn't recognize. My favorite song of the evening was "Live and Let Die." For this song only, there was an amazing pyrotechnic display-flames on the stage and full on fireworks shooting above. It's funny, when you see the old tapes of when the Beatles played their live shows, with girls screaming and crying, visibly moved by the music. Well, I can honestly say that I was definitely a 21st century screaming girl, going crazy for Paul! (I almost cried a few times, but we won't go into that...) Another thing that was interesting was the fans in the stadium. I have been to a few concerts in my time, and I have never seen such a wide age base at a concert before. Kids as young as 5 or 6 rocking out next to their parents and grandparents! I'm sure that I saw many multi-generational families in attendance. I think that this really says a lot for the music of the Beatles. The music speaks to everyone, regardless of their age. You didn't have to live in the 60's to appreciate this amazing music. Paul is now in his late 60's, and there is no guarantee that he will ever come to Utah again, let alone plan another tour, so I will appreciate this concert as a likely once in a lifetime experience for me. It was definitely unforgettable.

July 4th Festivities

Stadium of Fire!!

Grandma Becky and Sylvia having a great time

Ben with his bubble "sword" at the Grand Parade

Sylvia getting her face painted at the parade

(It's a patriotic butterfly!)

Auntie Margaret and Sylvia enjoying the parade

Grandma Becky and Ben having a moment

(These two really bonded this trip)