July 4th {2011}

Cooking breakfast in the canyons is one of my greatest childhood summer memories. My mom planned a breakfast with some of my cousins and it was not only so fun to see them, but to be up in the mountains.

A handful of my siblings and cousins...

{L: Cameron, Alan, Emily, Anglea, Brent, Jake}

{R: Nicki, me, Trace}

My grandpa

Weston had the time of his life playing with his cousins, digging in the dirt, climbing the hills, throwing rocks, finding sticks, eating pancakes, etc. etc.

{Lauren and Weston}

Later that night we had a bbq at my moms. Scott got back into town today so Weston was able to play with Luke... he was in heaven. He talks about Luke all the time back home.

Cameron's mom, Margaret, was nice enough to fly in to see Holden get blessed. She was with us on the 4th as well.

My mom decked the kids out in patriotic gear which they loved!

Holden was definitely not enjoying his time in front of the camera.

My mom trying to get a smile out of Holden.... still not working.

Scott and Millie

And onto the sparklers, pops, and fireworks. Livermore basically banned any July 4th fun this year so I was glad we were in Utah. All sorts of fireworks were happening and it was so fun to watch them. Weston loved the sparklers and was slightly entertained by the fireworks. He had more fun running up and down the hill... no big surprise there.

My mom, me, and Emily

Alan started this game with Weston where he would lift up his arm and then tickle his pits {such a strange word}. Weston seriously thought it was so funny and would crack up every time. It was such a fun 4th of July!

Holden's Blessing

We just got back from an awesome trip to Utah. We saw tons of family and friends, spent lots of time in the mountains, and we got to see fireworks. Yay for Utah fireworks and sparklers. What's with Livermore canceling the fireworks and not allowing sparklers?? A big reason for our trip was to bless Holden so we could have our family there. Cameron gave Holden a perfect blessing and the day was really special. We love our little Holden!! After the blessing we had a brunch at my moms house which turned out really great.... except for the 100 degree weather. Holy hot. It was such a great day and thanks to all of our family who was there!

Livermore Rodeo {2011}

I seriously love the rodeo and it's so fun that we can walk there every year. This year we tried out family fun night because we were sure Weston wouldn't last long. There are no shortage of families on family fun night, thats for sure!

He was happy walking around before the rodeo started

but not so happy in the stands.

We got Weston his first hot dog for a little peace and quiet. He might have thought it was the best thing in the entire world.

Holden missed out on all the cow roping' action and slept the entire time.

I think Cameron's favorite part of the night was climbing up and down the hill 50 times with Weston. Like I said... we didn't last long. Can't wait till next year!

Summer Nights

I'm lovin' these summer nights. Well, except for tonight because it's pouring. We've been bbq'ing a lot and Weston is obsessed. He calls it the "q" and his favorite thing is to grill corn and carry around the bbq tools.

Holden is taking notes so he can start grillin' with the boys soon.

Holden: 2 Months

Holden has seriously been the sweetest baby and I feel so lucky to have him. He started smiling about 2 weeks ago and he's a happy little guy. Today in the bath he just stared at Weston and smiled and smiled while Weston smiled back. Miracle. I'll hold that memory in my heart forever.

Weston's 2nd {Monster} Birthday Party

Weston was really into monsters around his birthday so a monster party was the only way to go. We had it at a park because we all know my back yard is the size of a postage stamp. I was hoping everything would turn out ok because I was still recovering from my c-section, transporting everything, the boys, etc. etc. but everything all worked out. Everything always does... I don't know why I waste time stressing out. We had 12 kiddos and their families there and it was such a fun day. Weston still talks about his party, friends, cake, and candles. Happy 2nd birthday Weston! 

We served breakfast and it turned out delish. We had a crepe bar {topped with berries, bananas, lemon curd, nutella, powdered sugar & lemons, and a cream cheese spread}, mini quiches, watermelon, monkey bread, yogurt, juices and milk.

 

 

 

The party was chill because most of our group were two year olds. I did have a few tables set up with simple activities: bubbles, monster coloring pages, and monster masks to glue together. 

{John}

{Evan and Weston}

And because we hadn't had enough sugar yet we topped it all off with vanilla cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting. I'm still disgusted with the amount of butter in buttercream frosting. Never again. 

{Weston with his buddy Tim} 

Everyone left with a monster beach ball. Thanks to everyone who helped Weston celebrate his second birthday. I'm totally bummed I didn't get many pictures of his friends but they all moved too fast for me that day. We missed our families but we have such great friends!