Summer Vacation, the Saga begins...

We have been home from our Summer vacation for over a month now, so I guess it is time for me to write down some memories before they fade too much. I think I have felt a little daunted at the task seeing as we came home with something like 500 pictures. Just evidence of a great time, right?
We arrived in Utah the night before Father's Day and enjoyed a very fun party the next day at Sherry's house with my very fun family.
Larry had just received a paper rocket launcher from his kids for Father's Day, so we all put it to good use. This is a picture of the Rocket Creation Station (by the way, all pictures are courtesy of Rob Christensen Photography)...

So, basically a paper rocket is born when you make a tube out of construction paper (has to fit over the launcher), put a paper cone on top for the tip, and then fins on the side (optional). Important note: duct tape it all really well if you don't want your rocket to explode and look more confetti at the end than a rocket.
Here is Sam's rocket, which flew pretty well...

And here is the rocket launcher and Sam ready to blast off...

This picture was taken after Jackson launched his rocket, I thought it was a pretty classic picture, it still makes me chuckle. Click on the picture to enlarge it and check out Britten's face...

Carter was pretty curious about this whole process, and wanted to get involved as well. He did get a chance to pull the launch lever, and he didn't even seem scared when the rocket launched.

Besides launching rockets, we did lots of eating (of course) and visiting, which is personally my favorite part of getting together like this. It was a little cool outside (crazy for mid-June) so we huddled around Sherry's fire-pit and enjoyed a cozy evening...


The highlight of my kids' entire year is going out to Utah, and it is nights like this that are the reason. Just good times together with cousins they don't get to see nearly enough! Thanks Sherry, and everyone else for a very fun time!