Showing Our Appreciation for Cows and Ice Cream

Anyone who has been in my home knows that I have a thing for holstein cows. Having been raised on a dairy farm in the Bear Lake valley, I guess this is my way of remembering my heritage. I found out that July 15th was cow appreciation day and ice cream appreciation day. Wow the Ulrichs had to celebrate! It was a Sunday when everyone was here. Unfortunately I had already bought chicken for dinner and the men all would have liked to celebrate with beef. But after that we did have cascos. All in all, we had a lot of fun!

This is Bessie. You have met her before. This is her mild mannered alter ego. She also has another identity.

This is Hydro-Beef. She rescues lawns from dryness and our silly family from heat.

I realize we are weird but wow we have fun. The cows name was in dispute and this is what came from that.

Brady the champion of Hydro-Beef  stole the mask Tiffany made for our super hero.

Ride 'em beef boy.

Helping her into her super suit.

I Love little people wet footprints in the summer. Kenlee chants feet, feet, feet as she walks around making these. SOOOOOO CUTE!! 

Got to cool off that hard working brain, huh Brady.

We had Jaxon Norman for several days spread over a couple of weeks when Jeff had his kidney transplant.  He was fun and so easy to keep. Kenlee REALLY liked him. She thought it was great to play with him. The bubbles in the eye didn't work out so well for him though.

Jordyn and Colton

More Bubbles!

Maybe the brain got too cold. Looks a little scary.

Waiting for ice cream !

Brian is sure ice cream is the food we will eat in heaven.

Alright we all love ice cream, even the babies.

So glad my family is so willing to go along with my craziness. Grandma Tuke just kept laughing and shaking her head at all our silliness but it does make our lives more rich. We really do appreciate cows and those who work so hard  to bring us safe healthy foods especially my brother, his son and their families who really carry on my heritage by continuing to run the family farm.

Ron Needed Some More Support

Brock's Dad, Ron, had his 50th birthday yesterday. He hid out in St. George but when he got home today Tiffany (his daughter-in-law), Karlee and I strung a few surprises for him. We borrowed the bra's from Cucken's mom, Michelle, and made some sarcastic posters. This is what the yard looked like when he got home today. 

So goes with what Ron always tells a whiner. We couldn't help ourselves!!

Happy Birthday Ron! We know you appreciate the in laws!

Pool Party Baby!

Last year the girls and I started having "pool parties" with Kenlee. She loved it and the tradition has continued. At least once a summer, we all have to put on our suits, catch some rays and get wet. Yes the pool is itty bitty but you will be amazed at just how much it holds. All us girls love it and we have great memories. Well Jordyn doesn't "love" the pool, in fact she screams when you touch her toes in the cold water. She did like the shade and laying on the towel with Grandma.

One aunt in the pool.....

This is Bessie the mild mannered cow sprinkler. (Stay tuned for the rest of that story.) Right now she is giving  Tiffany a hard time while she is trying to get her up and running. We forget exactly how to make it so she doesn't beat the grass or spray the shingles from year to year.

Not quite right but it was funny to watch.

Bessie is up and running and so are they!

Great faces huh?

Two aunts in the pool....

Jordyn not in the pool and happy about it!

Relaxing in the shade with Grandma.

You notice there is no little girl in the pool. Now we know who the pool party was really for.

... Mom and 2 aunts and Kenlee in the pool.See how much this itty bitty pool holds. Wow I love these girls!!!

Yes even Grandma had to get wet.

What a great way to spend an afternoon! No dishes got done, the laundry was still dirty and the floor was still sticky but hopefully our lives were all richer.

The Family who Backpacks Together...

While the girlies and I were busy at Grandma Camp, almost everyone else went backpacking. They have been talking about going for years. This time Brian just set a date, June 29th, and they started to plan. They decided to go from Tony's Grove to White Pine Lake. All the kids had hiked with Brian before but never together. It was supposed to be everyone but me and the girlies. In the end, Blake and Brock's work schedule kept them home. Colton was able to go with them though. Oh, what a brave man to go with the zoo on the road.

They said they had a good time. They came home tired, dirty and full of stories. I'm so glad they all enjoy each others company. It is a blessing!!!

Finally looks like they are ready to get on the trail. (I still don't get the appeal.)

Are we sensing a pattern in the above pictures?

When they were little, they wouldn't let me dress them alike, now they do it on their own.

I guess it's time for a break.

Can you believe this buff mama's got two girls at home and the youngest is not quite 4 months? Go, Bre Go!

Follow me I know where I'm going....Trust Me!

He's short a head but the legs look good. He packed all his own stuff in and out. Also kept his dad company. What a boy!

The girls got to tent together. That hasn't happened for years. Instead of fighting, they laughed into the night. That is a nice change. How Wonderful to Have Sisters to Laugh With!!

Trying to get the zoo back on the trail.

On the way home. They do look a little tired but happy.

Grandma Camp

So June 29th was the 1st annual grandma camp at the Ulrich house. I have been waiting to do this since I first heard of it years before Kenlee was born. I had the perfect opportunity when Brian and the kids decided to do a backpacking trip. I was more than glad to volunteer to hold Grandma Camp instead of carrying everything I need in on my back and carrying it all back ou. (Why would I do that when I have a perfectly good trailer!) 

Friday after we got everyone packed and kissed them all good bye, we went and got McDonalds for food. We took it to the park. After we ate, we played. Well Kenlee played and Jordyn fussed. Of course grandma forgot the camera.

Kenlee had a quick jump on the trampoline. I think she likes climbing up and down as much as jumping.

Then Jordyn took a turn. Not sure she liked it as much as Kenlee.

We had a great time on the swings.

While grandma was playing with Jordyn, Kenlee decided to run through the sprinkler. She is very stealthy about doing this any time there is one running. 

Jordyn and I hung out on the grass, far enough away so Kenlee couldn't splash us!

Water makes her so happy, especially if she thinks she is being sneaky.

In the morning, we had pancakes. She helped stir. Jordyn slept.

Puzzles are one of her favorite activities. I am amazed at how well she puts them together. She often finds pieces I can't.

Jordyn was testing grandma's pack 'n play for the first time. It must have been good because she slept all night!

Kenlee ended up with a fever in the middle of the night but we still did ok. I am so blessed to have them close enough to do these things. It truly adds to my full rich life.