That smile...

We had some fun Hillman family time this week, starting at Pineview reservoir.

Water, sand, and family, what could the kids possibly love more?

How about a boat ride? Jack remembered three years ago at Bear Lake when he got to ride in the neighbor's boat and was ecstatic to go for another ride. This is Ellie, Jack, Jane, and Megan (a friend).

The reason Jack never forgot the boat ride with "Brother Kitchen" is because he let him DRIVE! Jack couldn't wait to get behind the wheel again and took it quite seriously.

I was a little surprised when Jane jumped up when asked who else wanted to drive. She was excited to do it, but took it a little less seriously. She actually wasn't watching where she was going at all and was pretty content to drive us in circles for several minutes at a time (probably the reason behind Megan's mom getting sick near the end! Oops!).

I LOVE Jane's smile. Have you ever seen such beautiful teeth?

If you can't tell, Brother Kitchen was the HIT of the day! If they didn't love him for the boat ride, they sure did after they built TWO big sand castles. He's just a little baby hungry to have his own grandkids (which are still a few years off), but my kids are sure enjoying being stand-ins for the time being! What a great guy!

Meanwhile, Alice was a complete angel all day. She slept, ate, and hung out in this camp chair looking cute as ever. My, I love this girl.

After geocaching with Dad Hillman, Jack, and Jason, Jeff enjoyed a little time with Alice. He was getting her laughing a bit, which is our newest favorite thing with her. I loved this picture because you can see little Ethan in the background enjoying the show as well!

We spent Saturday with some of the women in my mother-in-law's side of the family. The kids sure enjoyed being together, even when they don't get to see each other very often. (left to right: Jordan, Landon, Joey, Jack (holding Ethan), Jesse, Savannah, Jane, Lilly, and Emma.)

The last couple of times we've been together, Jane and Emma have really gotten along well. Jane hasn't really found a "best" friend since we've been back, so it's fun to see her really take to someone her own age (instead of older guys, who she's always drawn to!).

By the time we slowed down to eat, Alice was tuckered out!

Speaking of tuckered out... it's been a busy week. Jane thinks she's not tired until she just passes out.

The highlight of our week was Alice's blessing today. Our family joined us at church and at our home afterward for a simple lunch. It was a nice day and Alice was amazingly calm during church. Whew! What a blessing it is to have Alice be a part of our family. It's been a good day.