Summer of Fun-Week 7 Part 1

What a week!! We had so much fun with our family coming into town. We wish they lived closer, but we are so glad we were able to spend time with them this week and make so many wonderful memories!

Monday night, we had Family Home Evening at BYU. One of  the museums on campus was doing a family night activity about different countries and cultures. They had activities set up for the kids throughout the museum and treats at the end. A perfect Family Night!!

 Adam and Tessa are making mud drawings like they do in Africa. 

 We played a game from Sweden and got our passports stamped.

 We learned about clothes and masks from South and Central America.

 The kids got to made Totem Poles.

Tessa and her "Toto Pole" as she called it.

 Tuesday evening was super fun! A bunch of us Nielson's met up at the Timpanogos Caves for a big hike and tour of the caves. We left Gwen home with Uncle David, but Adam and Tessa did great and hiked up that huge mountain!

 Tessa and Bampa

 Rees, Jeremiah and Adam

 We made it to the tunnel!! 

 Rees, Wynn, Mya, Tessa and Mamma

 Cute cousins!! Mya, Wynn, Adam and Paige

 Uncle Jer and Aunt Courtney making there way up the mountain with Baby Rees.

 Wynnie and Adam

Tessa dancing...Eric told her the sign said "No dancing on the mountain". She thought that was hilarious!

 Adam and I went pretty far ahead of Eric and Tessa. Eric stayed behind to help bring up the rest of our group, so Uncle Jer ran ahead with Tessa. It was funny because you couldn't see them, but you could hear Tessa's super high voice calling out to everyone. 

 Tessa Boo and Paige

 Uncle Matt and Aunt Briette had the most popular water. 

 The caves were so cool! I haven't been in them for probably 15 or so years, so it was fun to go back with my kids. Adam and Tessa loved it and thought everything was so amazing!

 Adam signed the guest book and wrote that last entry. 

On Wednesday, we met up with everyone in the afternoon and spent a few hours at Seven Peaks. We had fun visiting and playing in the water. It was beyond crowded though and my kids got hungry and grouchy. We ended our fun afternoon by going to the BYU Creamery with Jeremiah, Courtney and their girls for some ice cream and french fries!

18 Months Old

I have no idea how she got so old so quickly! We are so thankful that she is a happy and healthy little girl, but we hate the fact that she is growing up so fast. On July 3rd, Gwen turned 18 months old! She had her 18 month check up with Dr. Paxton that morning. He declared her a perfectly healthy little girl! She got some shots and as always, it was more traumatic for Adam and Tessa than Gwen. Tessa asked to leave the room so she wouldn't see Gwen upset. 

We have always thought Tessa was a independent spirit, but Gwen might give her a run for her money. At 18 months old, Gwen is SO very independent! She loves to do things herself and isn't fond of people helping her. She does her best to keep up with her brother and sister and she does a fairly good job of it! She still isn't talking much, but her comprehension amazes people. Her new favorite phrase to say is, "It's hot!" 

 Trying to dress herself....

 Gwen loves to be outside!!! She loves to play in the dirt, but also hates getting her hands dirty. She still loves baths, reading, Mickey Mouse, her binky, and her favorite song is "Wheels on the Bus". She is a joy and we love having her fun and happy personality in our home!

 Gwen also officially started Nursery. Also bittersweet!!  She hates the first few minutes without Mommy or Daddy around, but then she does pretty well. This was her first Nursery picture.

The past 18 months has flown by! We hope the next 18 months slow down a little bit...for all 3 of the kids. It is so fun watching them learn and develop talents and interests. But it is bittersweet as I know that we only have them with us for a matter of years. I try my hardest to remember that and make them my priority. I hope they will always know how much Eric and I love and adore them...even at 3 in the morning when they are all in our bed. Being a parent is the hardest and most wonderful job in the world! I wouldn't trade these Monkey's of mine for anything!!!