Reinstated Summer Tradition

We have skipped our little Bear Lake trip a couple of summers for one reason or another. But this year, our family decided it really need to be a priority. So, we booked the cabin we like to stay in and made plans for a little 4 day, 3 night trip with the Hoopes Clan. The water was beautiful and the beach was fantastic, one of the two days we were there. Unfortunately our boat rental day got rained out. But, we did have a great time together and the cousins loved having each other around 24/7. There was lots of air hockey playing, Oreo eating, movie watching, and cabin exploring by everyone.

Addie and Paris

Beautiful Brooklyn 

Best Cousins

Look at those lashes! 

Happy girls!

All the cousins!

Happy!

Celebrating the 4th

This year's Fourth of July was packed with family, family and more family. Of course we started the morning bright and early with our annual breakfast at Grandma Nettie's. Of course her gardens were beautiful, the food was d-licious, and lots of great friends came. The kids, and a few of the guys, ended the festivities with a major water fight. It is always worth the effort. I love kicking off this holiday this way every year.

After cleaning up and heading home for a little nap, Scott, Watson and I headed to Little Cottonwood Canyon for a mini hike. Chandler opted to hang out with friends...teenagers. We had a great time playing in the water. Watson could spend absolute hours throwing rocks, anywhere. We got to see some of his sweet Ninja moves and just enjoy being together.

After our afternoon activities we got together for a little fireworks show in our circle with the family. Chandler attempted Evel Knevel moves with jumping fire on his bike. I wish I could have captured that.... The kids had fun with plenty of pyrotechnics to light. We wandered down to Jordan High School to watch Sandy City Fireworks and then called it a night. It was a great way to celebrate the amazing freedoms in this amazing country. I am so grateful.

The Big Kahuna--a.k.a. My 40th

This is a big one. 40. That is such a weird number. But, here I am, at it. It has been an interesting journey from 30 to 40. I've done a lot. Changed careers a couple of times, bought a house by myself, jumped out of an airplane, traveled to Costa Rica, got married, had an instant family, had a baby, had a miscarriage, got a dog, and probably lots of other stuff in between I don't remember. I'm grateful to be here. I feel good. I feel blessed every day. I know my Heavenly Father loves me. He knows me. He wants me to succeed and be happy. I want to live my life doing things he wants me to do. Luckily, I have lots of time to improve on that plan.

My birthday started out pretty quiet. Just a normal day around the house. I really didn't want a lot of fanfare and announcement I'd finally turned the big 4-0. My mom did treat me to lunch at Archibalds. It was good but the best part was taking home their carrot cake for breakfast the next day. Chandler was super sweet to offer to watch Watson while I went out. He assured me I could take as much time as I wanted...so cute. Scott was sweet with his birthday wishings and he brought me a beautiful bouquet.

Really yummy breakfast. Carrots are in it, so it's healthy?

Birthday flowers, I loved them.

Scott definitely kept things low key for me, or so I thought. Apparently he had been working for weeks to organize a Luau with my family and friends. Many years ago I had said I wanted to be in Hawaii to run a marathon to celebrate my 40th birthday. Since that probably isn't happening this year (fingers crossed we are pregnant in December) he brought Hawaii to me. It was incredibly sweet and an absolute surprise to me. My whole family was there, minus Tori, and some great friends. Scott put so much effort into making the day special and memorable for me. It meant a lot to me. Birthdays are a big deal. I want my loved ones to know how much I love and appreciate them and birthdays are a great opportunity to show that. I felt that from Scott and my family. It really was a sweet surprise.

My Favorite, Shave Ice!