#3 celebrates #8!

It was a big weekend for Rachel, and when I say big, I mean HUGE!  What an amazing time it was with friends and family and our sweet Rachel celebrating her birthday and baptism.
Throughout the week leading up to her birthday, we were happy to have lots of grandmas and grandpas come into town to celebrate with us, Grandma and Grandpa Mitchell from Oklahoma, Grandma and Grandpa Thygerson, and even Grandma and Papa Mitchell from Utah!
We extended our "spring break" - which kind of started back with our fast trip to Jackson Hole earlier in the month - and just enjoyed our time with family without worrying too much about school.    Grandma had her birthday while she was here, so of course we had lunch out and a play date at the giant Parker chair at O'Brian Park!

 We visited a new place for hiking, Lair O'the Bear Open Space in Jefferson County.  It is amazing how many places there are to explore, that even after being here for almost 6 years, we can still find close, awesome places to hike and explore.  It was cool enough to be comfortable, but warm enough for the kids to splash around in the water!

 McKinley *might* have gotten completely soaked from head to foot; we did not bring any extra clothes on this trip for her!  Luckily, I had a light jacket that fit her nicely as a dress so she could ride home without being cold and soggy. :)

The day of Rachel's birthday, we visited the zoo per her request.  It was a Friday, and it was the beginning of official spring break for many kids in the area, so the zoo was kind of packed.  McKinley was heartbroken when she realized that we did not bring her stroller and she was expected to WALK the whole time at the zoo...but luckily it was short lived and we all had a great time, despite the crowds!

 New baby giraffe!  Only about 2 weeks old, so cute and right next to the fence, posing for photos!

 Stopping for snacks and shade!

We couldn't stay the whole day, because we needed to get back to Parker for Rachel's swim party at the Rec Center.  She's been dreaming of it for years!  (I think since Ella's 8 year old swim party!)  Rachel has a huge class at church, and a small class at Orchard Options, so there were plenty of kids there to have fun with!

 Grandma and Grandpa Thygerson (Nedra and Gerald)

 Great Grandma and Papa Mitchell (Ralph and Ella)

 Grandma and Grandpa Mitchell (Bruce and Diane)

 Mom and Dad! (Katie and Kip)

 Ella demonstrating the climbing wall at the Rec Center pool

 I think Rachel had a great birthday!

Rachel is loved by all - many primary teachers and leaders expressed how much they just love her!  She is thoughtful and helpful to mom.  She is smart and easily remembers and memorizes things, particularly songs.  She still loves her dance class, excelled at the back stroke in swim lessons, and enrolled for soccer after taking a year off.  She is athletic and funny and creative and we love having her in our family.  Happy birthday Rachel!