Fireworks in DC & Thomas' Birthday!

While I was in Utah, Stan was took the kids to DC to see the fireworks over the White House.

When I got back from Utah, Stan's family did the Swinton Family fire works on the pavement. It was great to hang out with family again!

 Grandma & Papa Swinton

 Love of my life!

 

 

 A few days later Thomas turned 5 years old. 

 Grandma & Papa made his birthday pancakes-

Thank you Grandma & Papa Swinton!

BYU- 10 Year Reunion + 4th of July weekend in Utah

Since I was Student Body Vice President ages ago, I now get to plan class reunions every 10 years(...didn't see that in the fine print, when I ran for elections). This year we decided to plan the event over the 4th of July weekend. We had a pancake breakfast before the 4th of July parade, a Color Run Friday morning after the 4th of July, a Galla dinner with key note speaker President Bateman, and a hike the Y event followed by the BBQ club Saturday morning.  

I was in charge of Friday which was the Color Run & the Bateman Galla Dinner. 

The Color Run, is a world famouse company founded by BYU Alumni from my graduating class, John & Heidi Snyder. This company has gone from local 5K runs in Utah to selling franchises of their race all over the world. They put this race on for free and brought all the props and staff. They designed the T-shirts and I couldn't have been happier when I discovered them and then got to know Heidi- what a Jem!

Steph Blackner and I talking logistics during registration

John from The Color Run, pumping everyone up

The race is starting!

Brandon and I (friends from Uni) getting everyone drenched in Powder

I love this picture!

The final color throw at the end

Steph Blackner above and Matt Blackner below

Rob & Carleen Foster

John at the mic

My little sister Tenille helped with the event! Thanks Tenille

In between Reunion events I was able to hang out with my sister Tenille (thanks for letting me stay at your house (and wear your socks)Tenille), visit my dear friends the Flamms who had JUST lost their daughter to cancer a few weeks before, visit my grandparents in Utah who are getting quite old (grandpa is pushing the mid-90's now) and visit my dad, his partner Kelly, and the Park City Outlets! 

Overall the trip was quick, and I didn't get to say Hi to everyone I wanted too but good. . 

Grandpa has a happy face!

I love my grandparents!

The Flamm Fam, minus Millie :(

Washington DC

After NYC we trained down to Philadelphia, met up with Grandma & Papa Swinton, saw the liberty bell, and had our first Philly Cheese Steak.

After that we drove down to Baltimore and took the kids to Cheese Cake Factory and then around the Baltimore harbour on the little paddle boats (which I have never done before).

Boys Boat

Cheese cake factory!

After Baltimore we drove down to DC and had some COUSIN TIME!

Olivia, Mary & Thomas were in Heaven as all 5 of stan's siblings have at least 1 (or more) kids that overlap with our kids ages.

Sunday Dinner at Grandma's house!

While in DC, I met up with my Twin sister Laura, and family to see some of the museums. 

Laura & Alisha

Addie and mummy laura

Mary holding a butterfly (above) and Olivia looking at The Hope Diamond

Another favorite past time of Stan's is Rock Climbing. We borrowed some gear from our good friends The Hartts and went rock climbing over at the Great Falls. 

Stan teaching Olivia how to rock climb for her first time. 

Mary was a little more cautious, but very determined!

Little Thomas wanted to try, but the harness was too big for him. 

Watching some people raft the river. It was a beautiful overcast day (thank goodness) because it was so humid and sticky.

After the kids were done, Stan and I went over to more challenging faces. 

We went down this side that goes straight into the water. I couldn't back up to get any good pictures so you are just going to have to believe me. Stan was awesome!

After rock climbing we ran home and spent the afternoon with our BEST FRIEND Jill Fitzgerald.

Jill is like my second mum and definitely  Olivia's grandma. 

We spent our afternoon at Riverbend. The country club next to Jill's old house. I have so many happy memories here with Jill, it was so great to see her and bring the kids here one last time!

Jill and Olivia, best friends forever!