My babies turn 4

Happy birthday Little Buddies!! You have been such a joy in our lives. We love you!!

Downey's can do hard things

We had a fantastic experience with the kiddos a few weekends ago. we decided to hike the Y together as a family. Now those who have done it before know this is not an easy hike. what a great experience for our family. For the first about 20 minutes it was fun and everyone was going and enjoying themselves, then slowly the kids starting getting tired. We had heard a talk in Sunday the week where a sister Missionary had said that in her family their motto was "Strattons can do hard things." well we adopted this in our family. Derek had a little talk with the kids explaining that even though things can be hard we can still do them. It was awesome!! Throughout the rest of the hike when we could see one of the kids starting to get sluggish we would say "Downey's can do hard things" It was so great to see how much this would motivate the kids to keep going and keep going cheerfully. It was so amazing when we finally reached the top and sat on the Y and the kids all felt such a sense of accomplishment. They were so proud of themselves and one another. This was such a bonding experience as a family. we helped one another and pushed one another and made it to the top Even though we had two skinned knees we look at this experience with so much gratitude.
This is now going to become a Downey tradition our summer hike to the Y.

Snowasis

So those who know me well know I am a huge shave ice person in the summer. And this summer I found the worlds best shave ice around. It is called "Snowasis" and It is up in Highland. I discovered this just last week and honestly every single day I just want to drive up there and get another shave ice. I am actually kind of glad that it is at least a 20 minute drive which makes it not real easy to get to. So all you that live close by, go check out snowasis.....AMazing!!!

Summer Fun

I haven't been the best blogger this summer, and this is because we have been so busy having a ton of fun. Here are some things we have been up to.. Fun at the splash pad in American Fork. ( Such a fun place to take the kiddos)
No bed time. The girls have loved all the nights they get to stay up late together. First time trip to the Dentist. ( Total of 10 cavities :( ) Girls Taking over and dressing up their little brothers ( Dads favorite). Lounging in the Swimming pool in the backyard.
Feeding the ducks at the park with cousins.
Macey's fun carnival.(Face painting, races, snow cones, bounce houses, cotton candy, music, rock climbing wall...Great day)
Orem Summerfest, motorcycle rides, Boys sleeping in our room ( And of course our Dog Bodie thinking he is one of the kids. ) We have been so busy playing and having fun together. I can't lie it has been a little nice to have the kids a little older this summer, we haven't had to worry about nap times, or having to have a baby on my hip. we have been able to just go, go, go. Sort of Love it!!!!

Happy "a Liitle Late" fathers Day

Usually I do a fathers day post and this year for some reason it slipped my mind, so here is a late little fathers day post to all the amazing dads that I have in my life. We have been so blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support, and we have felt it throughout the years. Our kids have 2 of the most amazing Grandpa's in the whole world. They are both so loving and caring and have shown our 4 children so much love. They have always loved going to Grandpas!! Thankyou Thankyou Grandpa Downey and Chalmers for being such wonderful Dads and Grandpas. You are both such amazing examples to our family.
Next To my Hubby. Deege Thankyou!!! Thanks for being all that you are!! The kids and I are so lucky to have you!!
We love you, Happy Fathers Day