A little bit of this and that...

So since Chris started his new job we haven't seen a whole lot of him, which has made everything a little more difficult that it needs to be. But, that being said, this job is a blessing financially and will eventually become the dream job he has always wanted. Good things come to those who wait!! In the meantime, the kids and I have learned to adjust the way we do things and squeeze our family time in wherever we can get it.
A couple of days ago my cousin Janessa flew into town from Virginia to spend some time with the family. We went to the park and I was anticipating teaching both of my kids how to ride their bikes without training wheels. To my surprise, Taylor jumped on her bike and took off like an old pro! She rode around the park for almost two hours! I remember loving the freedom and independence that came with riding my bike, and it looks like my little girl loves it too! So then I started helping Danny with his bike and he took off riding too! He still needs help getting started, but once he gets going he can keep going by himself! I am so excited and proud of both of them!
Then yesterday we went up into the Mountains for a picnic to celebrate Janessa's birthday! We had a really nice time hanging out, skipping rocks in the stream, hiking and playing jokes. The kids had an even better time throwing rocks in the stream and splashing their unsuspecting victims! What great memories!

Birthday Fun

Yes, I just had a birthday...I celebrated my 21st (+/-) :-) on the 10th. My actual birthday was a great day for several reasons, but mostly because the kids and I spent most of the day watching movies and snuggling. (How did they know that's what I wanted for my birthday?!) Later that night the kids and I spent a few hours at the park with Papa and Grandma until it got so dark we couldn't see the playground! The next day we went to lunch at Sizzler (YEAH!!) with my Mom, Grandma, Tom and Jane. It was a really nice lunch that had even better entertainment! Tom and Danny were up to no good, but it was darn near the funniest thing I've ever seen! Thanks for a great lunch guys! Afterward, Chris, the kids and I disappeared for a much needed mini vacation. We didn't go far, but we had an incredible time. We got a hotel room about a half hour from home that had an indoor waterpark. We spent hours playing in the water and had so much fun! The kids were so exhausted that they could barely walk upstairs to our room! The next night we had dinner with my Dad and StepMom, followed by cake in the park. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family! Thanks guys for the great birthday weekend! I love you all!

Family, Fun AND Fireworks!

Last year we had such a great 4th of July that we thought we'd make it our new family tradition. We staked out a spot outside of the Stadium of Fire early in the day, grilled hot dogs, enjoyed a lazy afternoon and then listened to the concert and saw the fireworks...free. It was a such a beautiful day, never reaching over 80, and we were in a shady spot with a cool breeze! What a great treat in July! This year we were blessed to have most of the Grandma's with us. This is a RARE treat considering my MIL Jo lives in Alabama and my Mom doesn't usually exit the air conditioning in July. Seriously, it's been like 10 years since she's been to any fireworks! My Grandmother even joined us! How lucky is it that there were 4 generations from one side of the family and 3 from the other side!? I am so grateful that my kids are getting this quality time with their Grandma's! Not to mention the rare and special treat of ten quality hours with Chris...awake. These days ten consecutive hours with Chris awake is a miracle! Anyway, this year the entertainment was the Jonas Brothers...need I say more?!?! The kids got to hear the sound check earlier in the day, so by the time it was actually showtime, they were totally pumped up! I even enjoyed it! I know..I'm still a kid. :-) Anything Disney does totally rocks!
Last year I said the fireworks were the best I'd ever seen...Until this year. I have always loved fireworks, the louder, the better! The Stadium of Fire has consistently outdone themselves and this year was no different. The fireworks were the loudest, brightest, longest and overall BEST I have ever seen! What a great end to a great day! Happy Independence Day!

My Heaven on Earth

I have often expressed my love and awe for living in the great state of Utah, to which a few people have laughed at. No big deal, to each their own..but, I thought that I'd try to remind myself (and maybe convince others) why Utah is my little slice of Heaven on Earth....