Bear Lake

This past weekend Chad and I met up with some friends at Bear Lake. The amazing Naomi hooked us up with the place and it was just fantastic. There were 8 other couples/friends that came and we had a blast. We hung out at the beach during the day (I had forgotten how blue and beautiful this place is) then went home to get cleaned up, and then hung out at the house. In the back yard of the house there was a sand volleyball pit, a firepit, horseshoe pits, a patio and lots of land for the kids to play. It was perfect, especially when there are 11 toddlers to keep entertained and 3 newborns. When all the kids were asleep we would play card games, Wii, Playstation or did some karaoke. Chad surprised us all with his Beatles impressions. Then the last day, Chad and I took the kids on a four-wheeling ride and wound up at the top of this hill with an amazing view of the lake. This is definitely something I would like to do yearly, the kids loved it, I had great time and it was fun being with friends! Thanks for getting it all planned Naomi, you are AMAZING and we love ya!

Gavin collecting some mud and seashells.

What a cutie!

Yes, that is Chad (pink swim cap) and Grant holding up their swim trunks.

Chad and Bre on our four-wheeling ride.

Me with the kiddies, check out the view of the lake.

Here is the gorgeous view from our place. I know my photography skills are not up to par!

Chad, me and Bre just chillaxin!

Ahhh! How sweet.

My little sis, her husband Grant and lil' miss Jordyn.

Me with my little buddy.

My cute little Gaver's who is now loving me taking pictures of him!

Bre and Aleena hanging out eating their sandy plums!

I just love my family!

Check out these BIG HUNKS! Nate, Chad, and Grant are only trouble when they are together.

This is what Bre called "her water" and she wanted mommy to sit with her.

Meet Mr. Chubbs

I knew the day would come when we needed to get another dog. Not one to take Bubba's place, but one to fill that void that was left when Bubba died. Gavin kept asking when we were going to get another dog and I knew that Gaver and B's needed a little pal. We called the same lady that we bought Bubba from and she had a litter that was ready to go. We went today and had Gavin pick him out, it was so sad and exciting at the same time. We decided to name him Chubbs, after Bubba because we still miss him so much and felt it would be a great ode to him. Chubbs already has so much personality and fits perfectly into our family!

Baby Quinton is home!

After a week in the NICU, Marlee and Brad were able to take baby Quinton home. Quinton was born with his lungs under developed and had to have some extra help with breathing. He continued to show what a trooper he was and improved each day he was there. It is so nice to have him finally home and be able to hold him! Love the babies. He is a cutie and we are definitely blessed with his sweet spirit and freshness from heaven.

Quinton loves having both hands to the side of his face. It just goes to show how they hung out in the belly!

Bre just adored him. She was so excited to hold him! She would climb up on the couch and say "Tinton" as she held out her hands.

Was That Really Necessary????

On Monday nights Chad and I play on a coed softball team. I absolutely love it and have never had really anything happen like it did this week. For the most part the games are fun and we just have a good time. Yes, we get competitive but we are never RUDE. Well, there is this one team that we have played over and over and each time we play them things tend to get more and more out of hand. Throughout this game their third baseman/shortstop continued to just throw the ball directly at my brother-in-law, trying to hit him. That was just the tip of the iceburg. Next, they threw a complain fest about us trying to have a pinch runner for one of our injured players (not a big deal), when we know full well they are playing with a 13 year old so they didn't forfeit. We didn't say anything because WE DON'T CARE, we just want to play. Well the game goes on, with small cheap shots being taken here and there (pushing people off the base, comments, etc). The last inning they had their last ups because we were ahead by 12 runs, which they weren't happy about (they are usually undefeated). One of our players had an injured hamstring and was limping, well this grown man, mind you, that plays for them comes out of their dug-out mimicking him limping. I looked at him and said "are you done?" in which he comments "yes (sarcastically)" then I ask him if he is proud of himself for acting so mature. From then on he was go at me on first base the rest of the inning. He would say comments about players on our team, how unsportsman-like we are, etc. I really couldn't believe it. I was surprised that I was keeping my cool with this idiot next to me. And all I would say were things like, "I teach 12 year olds who have more sportsmanship and maturity than you" and "I am out here to have fun" and "Bottom line I want my kids to be able to watch their mom and dad play and not have to see them act like this." He continued to tell me that I better shut my mouth and then would come up and scream in my ear as I was catching a ball to get an out. Then I hear from one of the moms (holding a newborn baby) that if that first baseman (me) doesn't shut her mouth she is going to get a ball in the face! WOW, never been threatened like that before. I had been complimenting them on some of their great hits throughout the game and yet I was having this come at me? Are you kidding?? I couldn't believe it! I was pretty shocked that for being a redhead and having the competitive nature that I do, that I stayed calm. For one, this is a Rec league and why waste energy on these people who I really don't care much for. Second, I never want to regret what I say or do on the field; I want to be an example for my kids and my students who actually come and watch good old Mrs. Pate play. I teach sportsmanship and will stop playing PE with my kids if they don't play with GREAT sportsmanship. Anyways, we ended up winning and they didn't even come out to shake hands at the end of the game. It was a mess and all I could think is was that really necessary. I sure hope they felt bad as they drove home and realized what jerks they were!

Independence Day!

What a weekend! This Fourth of July was smaller than normal, but just as busy. My mom and dad's neighborhood decided to do a bike parade this year, like the good old days. So my dad had a brilliant idea to decorate the four-wheeler trailer and load all the grandkids in it. We went over Thursday and decorated the trailer and then woke up early Friday morning to get out there. The parade turned out so cute and I couldn't believe how creative people got with their decorations and what they decorated. There were bikes, golf-carts, mini jeeps, strollers, and wagons. We paraded through the neighborhood and then had some breakfast. Later in the evening, we went up to my sister's clubhouse and had a BBQ and went swimming. Then instead of doing our own fireworks, we watched them from a spot in Herriman where you could see the entire valley. It ended up being less of a hassle and really nice to just relax. Gavin and Bre loved the fireworks and I had a blast just watching them enjoy this holiday!
This is our float for the parade. Not too shabby!

Keaton, Gavin, Bre, and Kailee getting ready for the parade.

The kids are throwing taffy to the spectators. We had to remind Gavin to throw lightly, as we did not want him to hit anyone in the face:)

Keaton, Dylan, Bre, Kailee and Gavin as we are wrapping up the parade. Check out those cool blue vests for the boys, and red lapels for the girls:) I had to wear one myself to make sure I was looking good as well:) A cute little lady gave them to all the kids to wear in parade.

Here is a view of some of the kids riding in the parade.


On Saturday we went out to lunch with Chad's family. It has been quite the week for MarLee and Brad so it was nice to be with them. I am so amazed with MarLee and her strength. For this being her first baby and all that has happened, her optimisim and positivity is definitely inspiring. After lunch we headed over to Nana's and Papa's and the kids played in the water. We had a great time relaxing and enjoyed being with everyone.
Here is Aunt Meggie playing in the pool with B's. Aunt Meggie is such a fun aunt!

Here is Uncle Brad playing in the water with Gav. Uncle Brad is a kid himself and Gavin and B's absolutely adore him!

Thank you to both my families for making this weekend so fun for Gavin and Bre!

Welcome Baby Quinton!

On Tuesday, July 1st my cute sister-in-law had her baby! He weighed in at 6 pounds 11 ounces and 18 inches long. He is a cute little guy with dark hair and has the Pate hair line! He has been a trooper and a fighter since he was born. He was a little early (induced 3 weeks early by her doctor, stupid doctor) and has been in the ICU for the last 6 days due to his lungs not being developed. MarLee and Brad are hoping to be able to take him home on Tuesday. I can't wait to hold him and give him some kisses. We are so excited to finally have one of Chad's siblings have some babies so Gavin and B's have some cousins to play with. Congratulations MarLee and Brad, we love you and you both have shown tremendous strength and faith this last week. I will post pictures as soon as I get some.