Take Me Out to The Ball Game!

Our family loves a good baseball game. It doesn't matter where it is, just sitting back and enjoying a Snowie, being able to shell peanuts and throw the shells on the ground is fun for all of us. So, when Grandpa Rod called and asked if we wanted tickets to a game or two, we jumped at the chance!

Here is a shot of Colton with some random mascot - we never could figure out what he was there promoting, but he scared the heck out of our little Alex. After he came by and took a picture with Colt, Alex would not leave Brett's lap - not for the playground, bouncehouse, candy...I think he thought one of these guys wandering around would grab him!
I thought this was so very cute. Daddy cuddling Alex and reassuring him that the mascots would not come over again.
After about 30 minutes, Alex would still not leave brett's lap, but cheered up with a mouth full of cookie!
McKaleigh and Colton taking a ride on the train. Again, Alex would not budge, even for a choo choo ride.
A shot of mom, dad, and Alex.
Dad and the kids.
Notice those dark clouds over the field? About an hour into the game it POURED down rain and the game was delayed an hour and a half - we came home and watched a family movie instead.
Here are the kids taking cover while they put the tarp over the field. Another game, another day right?

Fun At The Pool

Growing up in Las Vegas had its advantages, one of them being a swimming pool right outside the back door. I love the water and water activities, so this year we decided to get a pass to our local pool - and the kids love it! Aunt Katie came up the other day and we took all of the kids to the pool and had a wonderful time!

Here are mom and Alex at the top of the BIG slide! Elliot wanted to go on the big slide, so - hesitant at first - Alex followed. Because it is so big mommy and Katie had to go with the boys. When we got up there and saw how fast the little kids go, I have to say it was a little intimidating! Now, I don't want to say that Katie and I are fat, but we did go a bit slower than the little lightweights, which was great for the boys!
Here we come, down the big slide! See Alex with his hands in the air?! He kept saying "again, again" after it was all over.
After playing so hard, we stopped to have a picnic lunch!
Here's a shot of our buddy Colton.
All 3 cousins. Mallory thought she was a swimmer, but the big kids kept a close eye on her. She did really great!
Mckaleigh coming down the slide!
McKaleigh and Mallory with their goggles - lookin good!
These little boys are so cute! I actually had a lady come up and ask me if they were twins...I guess they could be!
After playing so hard at the pool, we went across the street to one of our favorite parks to dry off. Here are the boys on the double slide.
McKaleigh helping give Mallory a push!
It was a really fun day! We love it when our cousins come up to play!

Happy Fathers Day

On this day, I want to tell my one man what an amazing husband and father he is. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought my life would or could be so wonderful, and I realize it is because of this man - My husband, our dad. Dad's do alot, but it seems as though mothers get most of the recognition, and on this day, I want everyone to know how much we love and appreciate ours.

Words cannot express the love, admiration and appreciation that our family feels for our dad, although it often goes unsaid. I don't know many men that are as giving, loving or as hardworking as our dad is, and he blesses our family in so many little ways. Sitting on the porch with Alex eating Otter Pops, curling up in a chair with McKaleigh and allowing her to chatter to her hearts content, playing Playstation or sports with Colton, and the few quiet moments I get to spend with him - dreaming of our future and enjoying our past. I am and continue to be in awe of what our dad gives to our family and want him to know, on this day, if not everyday, that none of us would be who we are without his love and influence in our lives. We owe it all to you Dad!

We decided to make ice cream for Father's Day. Here are a few shots of Alex enjoying our home-made peach ice cream and sitting with daddy afterward.

Mount Timpanogos - We Did It!

We have decided to take the kids on one new adventure/place none of us have ever gone before each month this Summer. This month we started out big and decided to try and hike up to the top of Mount Timpanogos - with all three kids (as these have to be family outings). Let me tell you, I had my doubts, especially when it began raining at the very beginning of the trail. But what we saw inside was worth the hike!
Here is a picture of all three kids at the beginning of our trek..it was pretty chilly, but once you started to climb (carrying Alex on your back) it warmed up pretty quick! The trail climbs quickly, and although you are only going about 2 miles up, you gain over 1,000 feet in elevation!

Here are mom and dad - look at the mountain and valley behind us! It was really beautiful once we got going.

Here are dad and Alex inside the caves. When we first entered the caves it was really dark because they have just a few little lights along the path, and Alex started screaming. I think that he was so scared because it was dark, and when they turned off all of the manmade lighting, it was literally pitch black - you could not even see your hand in front of your face.
We tried to have the guide get us all in a picture, but space was limited - and Alex was snuggling my neck. Here we all are next to an underground pool.

We made it - here is the cave entrance! Going up was difficult, and I would discourage it in warmer weather, but even the challenge was fun. It was great being able to get to this point as a family!
Of course we had to have a few snacks on the way up and down. Alex is showing off his cookie!
One of a few caves you pass through on the way. Alex loved shouting "HELLLLLOOOOO" as he walked through them.
All said and done we made it up and back in about three hours - family time well spent!

Life Is Good!

If you were wondering what the Cushing family was planning to do this Summer...here is a little taste! I could not be more thrilled that school is coming to an end (although you can ask me about that after the kids have been home for 2 weeks!), and we will have some time to just take it easy...As you can see, we have been practicing!

Here is our buddy Alex - he really should have been born a fish! He just loves the water, any puddle, drizzle from the hose, pool, water balloon just thrills him!
Daddy and the big kids love to play games in the front yard. Lately it has been baseball, soccer and frisbee. They have also been taking long bike rides in the evening.
Here are the boys - horsing around!
After long bike rides, baseball or frisbee games one of daddy and Alex's MOST FAVORITE treats are Otter Pops. Alex asks for them all day long and he can always talk his dad into one or three!
I had to post this shot...We got out Alex's little pool and everytime he bent over the cars going down our street got a moon!
Here is dad with his Lacrosse stick. This is how he plays "ball" with Colton. He throws the ball with his stick and Colt catches it in his mitt.
Ready for the throw!
We like to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa at the games...They are real supporters!

McKaleigh has spent alot of time on the Soccer field lately - here she is with some of her friends practicing.
Sometimes McKaleigh just likes to sit by herself and count out any change she can come across for the Snack Shack.
So, this is a pretty good idea of what we are planning on this Summer - We hope you are enjoying yours!

Principle's Award for Academia and Excellence

Congratulations McKaleigh! She was awarded two certificates in school today - the first was for placing in the top 10% Nationally in Iowa Tests and the other was school academics and citizenship. She has worked so very hard this year and it has really paid off - We are so proud of her.

New Moon Trailer - Looking Great!

So, I saw the trailer to New Moon this morning, and I have to say that it made me more eager than I already was (is that possible?) to see the movie. November seems like a long way away! I now know how my husband has felt with the LOTR trilogy - I never got it before, all of the midnight showings, excitement and multiple (more than multiple) viewings, but now it is all so very clear!

On another different, but the same note - if you haven't seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I would recommend it! It is long, and slow - but last night I cried so hard I got a good case of the suckups! I really enjoyed it, and it really makes you appreciate life!