Christmas 2009

Everyone walked away from the tree happy on Christmas morning. Did I say walk? I mean, trudged through the piles of wrapping paper and boxes that littered the living room and entry way of the house. Santa was good to us this year.

Bear Lake

What a great way to spend a scorching hot day! And believe me, the sun was beating down, especially on my back while I was trying to get just a "little" bit of color. I'm paying the price now.
The kids had so much fun playing in the sand and water. Brooklyn learned after dipping her face down in the sand twice that it isn't very tasty. And the murky water you see her playing in looks pretty gross and you're probably thinking, "What kind of mother lets her child play in nasty looking water like that?" Well, the truth is, yes the water looked cloudy and a little disgusting, but it was warm and just the right depth for her to play in close to us.
After getting dinner, and of course, the famous raspberry shake, we headed off to visit my best friend from high school. We hadn't seen each other in 13 years. We had A LOT to catch up on and the hour and a half that we spent together went by way too fast. I can't wait to chat some more in a couple of weeks when she stops by for a visit on her way home to Texas. Thanks Annie! I've missed you.

The Wedding

Last weekend we made the journey up to Boise for my sister, Sara's, wedding. Lexi had the all important job of flower girl. I envisioned her getting cold feet and being shy with all eyes on her as she walked down the aisle (Lexi that is!). But she surprised us and walked, quite quickly I might add, beaming with a grin from ear to ear, right to me. She did great. She doesn't look all that happy in the pictures but she did feel pretty important to be doing such a special job for Aunt Sara. It didn't hurt that we bribed her with a treat!
We also had fun spending time at Uncle Jeremy's playing Guitar Hero and making smores around the fire pit the two nights we were there. Thanks Jeremy and Desi for hosting.

4th of July Festivities

Could we have asked for better weather here on July 4th? I don't remember the last time I didn't sweat just sitting watching the parade. This year was beautiful. Our celebrations began with a trip to the Layton Parade. We had good seats, the kids were happy with seeing the fire trucks and horses, and of course, getting candy, and I was happy because the weather was perfect!
Then it was off to a pool party and barbecue at Kurt's sister's house. My kids are pretty happy about the new pool. Thanks Lindy and Chris! The dinner and company were great also. After dragging the kids out of the pool, which wasn't very easy, we headed home.
Sparklers, smores, and firework watching followed. We had the best seats! We could see the Clearfield and Layton fireworks displays from our back deck. If you don't want to fight the crowds next year, come on over. The more the merrier.
I do love the 4th of July. Not only the festivities and spending time with family, but it's a day to reflect on just how lucky and blessed we all are. I always get a little choked up when I see the military marching up with the flag and see the essential wave of people begin to stand out of respect for the flag and all that it represents. It used to bother me when I wouldn't see people stand but the events in our country over the past eight years have changed that. It's inspiring to see something good come of all of it and the renewed sense of pride that we all have to say that we're Americans.