Lytle reunion

We had a really fun Lytle reunion this past week. It was so much fun to see cousins, nephews, nieces, brothers,  sisters-in- laws and Grandparents all at the same time. We haven't had a reunion for a long time! Some of the highlights of our time together was swimming, jumping on the trampoline, Park City, Slip in slide, hiking Bridal Veil Falls, Salt Lake City, Alpine slide, Sundance, snow cones, Seth and Alli's new baby, and just being together! Thanks Rich and Sue for putting together this wonderful reunion! We are looking forward to our next family reunion.

Our summer so far....

We've had a pretty busy summer so far! Claire took a dance class for the first time from two neighborhood girls. She LOVED it!

Luke earned money by having a Lego camp at our house twice a week for three weeks (His third year and last year)

Emma earned money by having a craft/cooking class at our house twice a week for three weeks on the other days Luke didn't have his Lego camp. Lets just say we had a pretty busy house full of kids for the first three weeks of June!!!

Claire took swimming lessons for two weeks at our neighbors house. She had a tough time the first week but then learned how to swim the second week. She even jumped off the diving board.

We like to feed the ducks at our man made pond. Another activity that the kids look forward to.
Overall our summer has been fun! We look forward to spending time with family this summer!

Happy Father's Day!

We love our Dads! Thanks for being great Dad's and fun Grandparents to our children! We love you!

Memorial Day Hike

On Memorial Day we took the kids hiking near Sundance. It has been a tradition every year for us to hike on Memorial Day. We were surprised this year to see snow on the trail but the kids loved it! Even our teenagers had fun throwing snowballs and sliding on the ice. 

This was Claire's first year walking with out the help of a backpack. She was so excited to hike. She smiled the whole time!

Notice how much snow was on the ground. The kids shoes were soaking wet by the time the hike was done.

Beautiful waterfall at the end of our hike.

Trip to Yellowstone

We went on a last minute trip to Yellowstone over Mother's Day weekend. We haven't been there for five years so we were pretty excited! We saw many beautiful places, animals, and geysers. Even though it was a short trip it was worth it.

Lower Falls,  Grand Canyon in Yellowstone.

A Grizzly Bear. We were amazed that the bear was right by the road. We have never seen a grizzly bear this close. We were very excited.

Old Faithful Geyser.  Josh took this picture of Malissa and I watching from the lodge. We were able to see it erupt twice. 

Claire had fun taking pictures (so she thought) with her tiny camera,

Beautiful Hot Springs.

Reflection of clouds.

Black and White Wednesday

Claire and I made mini donuts a few days ago. I repinned a great recipe from Pinterest. (Thanks Sue)
It's a healthier donut. Baked, used with almond flour. Here is the recipe. (I did cheat a little and used chocolate frosting)
I used this recipe with a mini donut maker instead of the oven.

Donuts (makes 6 regular sized donuts OR 18 mini donuts)

• 1 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup oil of your choice, melted (I used coconut oil)
• 2 TBS honey
•  1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract)

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Whisk together all dry ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to a blender*( I did not use a blender)
3. Combine all wet ingredients in a bowl. Add to the blender.
4. Blend until batter is very smooth. Pour into greased donut molds 
5. Bake for 12 minutes. 

Cinnamon Topping

• 1 cup of dates, pitted (about 8 medjool dates)
• 1 1/2 TBS cinnamon
• 2 TBS ghee/butter, melted
• hazelnuts, chopped and toasted
• unsweeted coconut 

1. Place dates, cinnamon and ghee in a food processor and process until a thick, spreadable paste has formed. 
2. Combine hazelnuts and coconut in a shallow bowl. Set aside.

Thanksgiving Point Gardens

On Friday I went on a field trip with Malissa, Claire and a few girls. We went to the Thanksgiving Point gardens. This was the last weekend of the Tulip Festival so we got to see so many beautiful flowers everywhere. The girls had a great time rolling down the grassy hills, enjoying the fountains, and spending time in the "secret garden."