Another month's gone by, & summer's slipping away...

I think it's safe to say that we're monthly blog poster-ers (if that's even a word; doubt it is)! Summer so far has been a blast. It's going by too fast, actually. It seems June was all rain, and now that July's almost over, I look back and wonder "What have we been doing??? Where has the month gone???" One's thing's certain-our family LIVES for summer weather! Becky loves the sun; she thrives on it. Dallin and Kailee are now joined by Tylie in loving the water; they'd go swimming everyday if we let them-DESPITE sun burns! I love shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops; they get more than their fair share of use during these months... Needless to say, we've enjoyed the past month of activities; hanging out outside (when it's not blistering hot), firework shows, evenings at the park with friends, pools and water slides, grass (may sound funny, but you really learn to appreciate/miss it come January and February), Fourth of July, Draper Days, Thanksgiving Point Gardens, Pioneer Day, etc., etc., etc...

Here are a few (and by few, I mean a TON) of picture updates of this past month... Enjoy!

The Gardens in the summer

We recently found out that the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point has a different themed activity going on every Monday night for the rest of the summer! So far, those we've attended have been Christmas in July, School Night, and Super Hero Day... Next week is Super Waterslides! Anyone wanna join?

Kailee and her SUPER powers

Dallin and his ripping muscles

"Melting Snowballs" which really were nothing more than kiddy pools with TONS of cut out sponges to throw at each other! TOO much fun! had we known, we would've taken towels with us...

You have to notice Kailee's terrified expression "Someone PLEASE help me!" and Dallin's expression of sheer pleasure knowing he's about to drench is sister with the two loaded sponges he's carrying!

Posing by the waterfalls (they're more beautiful than this picture shows)

Santa! in my favorite, shorts and flip-flops! He made sure the kids knew he is STILL watching them... and to be extra good...

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

We were able to go the another temple open house this week. We recently had the open house and dedication of the Draper Temple, and now the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Last time I attended an open house was as a kid at the San Diego Temple. It seemed for a while these types of experiences were almost once in a lifetime occurrences. Now, fortunately, we have more opportunities. I was excited for the kids to be able to go into a temple once again, even though not dedicated yet. What better way to help them understand the importance of temples than by talking about hem before visiting, and while actually walking through two different temples within a few months time of each other! It was a great experience, and I'm so glad we live in a place where we are offered these experiences.

Family Photo

Becky and Mindy

This was too hilarious NOT to post... Look at D and K's faces! The sun was right in their face, and they were NOT happy about having to open their eyes for the picture! Yes, this is their attempt at opening their eyes and smiling for the picture! LOL!!!

Football and Baseball Fields...

All in one day!

One Saturday morning, we got up and went over to Lavell Edwards Stadium, just to see if we could get in. We didn't think it would be open, but tried our chances. Luckily for us, the delivery gates were open and we were able to get in, run around a little, and have some fun...

Panoramic of Bec and D racing across the field. From what Bec said, she had to run to keep up with him all the way across the field! Foreshadowing???

Close-up of their race back the opposite direction

The boys on the bench

This was too priceless not to take a picture of. Normally, Ty tries fighting to get out of holding hands, but that morning her and Kailee held hands all the way out of the stadium! Too cute...

Later that evening, we went to a Bees' game. The kids usually see the plane flying around the valley on teh day of the games for advertisement, and ask to go. As usual, we don't go. This evening we decided it would be fun. At last minutes notice, we loaded up the kids and headed downtown for a game! With fireworks after the game, it was an easy decision! With such a last minute decision, the seats weren't the BEST, but it was well worth it! Great memories...

The girls; smiling nicely...

The boys; acting normal... well, as normal as we get, that is!

The Zam Fam

Silly Becky... this picture was taken in the dark, sitting on the field waiting for the firework show to begin. 

MINDY!!!

Some of you may already know, or have met Mindy-Lou-Who. She was our neighbor (slash) live-in-babysitter when we lived in Rexburg . She is a wonderful girl who we love having around. Since we moved away from Rexburg, she too has moved to Utah (just not THAT much closer to us). She's here visiting us for a few days, and it's been great having her around again; just like old times...

Dallin at one point was in love with her, and was heart-broken and upset when we told him Michael was going to marry her...

Becky loves spending time with her

Typical Mindy expression... well, at least when taking random pictures in the car!

Showing off her super girl pose at the Gardens...

Who knows... hilarious though!

Updates from the ZamFam

Yes, we know it's been a while since Becky or I posted anything that's been happening with our family. Kailee's birthday was the last post, and much has gone on since then... so, here are a few "highlighted" events: 

Tae Kwon Do

Dallin has been enrolled in Tae Kwon Do since about March or April. It has been so much fun watching him grow and learn. When we get there, Master Kim has the kids do some warm up exercises, and D's face literally just lights up! hey run in circles, do jumps and spins, and all types of stretches. I've never seen him enjoy anything as much as he does TKD! Master Kim is great with the kids. He's patient, funny, and the best part is that ALL the kids respect and listen to him...

A few weeks ago, he tested to see if he could advance from white belt to yellow belt. They had routines and questions they had to pass off before they could advance (regardless of level).

A week later was the Advancement Ceremony. It was a cold morning, but all the kids were so excited to get their new belt!

Master Kim tying D's new yellow belt for the first time.

Dallin and Master Kim bowing to the audience.

The whole group that advanced; ages ranging from 2 or 3 years old, to parents of some of the kids!

 Congrats D-man! We're proud of you and your YELLOW belt!!!

Gymnastics Meet

Kailee has become quite the little gymnast! After a failed attempt at ballet, we were a little leery about enrolling her in gymnastics. She has LOVED every minute if it, and even practices when she's on her own!

A couple weekends ago, her gymnastics had a meet, where the kids got to "showcase" what they've learned throughout the last few months. Each child was given an award that had a remark about their performance. 

Here's what the judges said about Kailee:

VAULT: Wow, great job on the whole thing! Run, bounce, squat!

BARS: Fantastic performance on swinging high on bars.

(No pictures of these)

BEAM: Super job on arabesque and tuck jump.

FLOOR: Excellent work on awesome cartwheel!

Needless to say, we're proud of our little girl! And SO glad we found something she really loves...

Big brother and Little sister showing their support...

GRADUATIONS!!!

What a year this has been for academics! Dallin just finished KINDERGARTEN, and Kailee finished her last year in pre-school! They both learned SO much, created many friendships, and have become great little students!

DALLIN'S GRADUATION

Dallin has loved school.. from riding the bus, to playing with friends. He became a VERY good reader, and has even taught his little sister some things so she'll be prepared for next year!

 For their Ceremony, they prepared a Patriotic Program; singing songs and reading parts. A few students volunteered to memorize and read parts. Mrs. Morgan did an amazing job preparing the students. All sang loud, read their parts really well, and had so much fun performing for parents and family members!

Dallin and Mrs. Morgan

D and his Crescent Cub Award

Don't know exactly what he was doing with this face... but it's a pretty typical facial expression for our boy!

Dallin's part he memorized (and still remembers) was:

"In the United States of America we are free. This freedom has been protected through the years by many brave men and women. We won't forget those that have died to preserve that right for us."

KAILEE'S GRADUATION

Kailee finished her last year in pre-school! She has loved going to Mrs. Hammer's house (school in basement) this year. She made a few GREAT friends, and is very excited for kindergarten! At her program, they sang songs that were very animated. kailee, of course, acted a bit shy, and leaned back while singing.... We could see her moving her mouth and singing a few times, though. 

Mom and the little Graduate

Kailee and her best friend Ella. Ella lives just behind us, and they rode to and from school everyday this year (and then usually spent the afternoon together)!

These four girls are all in the same ward. It was nice having other girls in the class when it started that Kailee already knew.

(From left to right, Megan, Jane, Kailee, Ella)

Kailee and Mrs. Hammer

We're so proud of these two students! We love you Dallin and Kailee! Congrats on a great school year!