4th of July

It was nice to back in our hometown for the 4th of July this year. They really celebrate it in style. We went to the big parade first thing in the morning.
It was hot but my parents brought the big umbrella from their patio set so we had some shade.
Ryan took the two girls and walked down to parade route to visit his family.

Annie, my future sister-in-law, and Ellie.
Clara digging into the stash of parade treats.
After the parade we headed up to the Hill's for a pool party and BBQ. The 4th also happens to be Ryan's sister McKensie's birthday so it was also a joint celebration for her.


Ellie wanted me to take pictures of her poising on the rocks. She is such a girl.
Jackson & Ellie

Aunt Whitnie & Clara going for a swim.
Mandy, Clara, and McKensie, the birthday girl, enjoying the shade.


"YEE-HAW!"



Down in my families traditional spot to watch the fireworks. It is just across the street from where the fireworks are let off. It's the best place I've ever found, and I've been going there as long as I can remember.

And they begin. The fireworks were just a little loud but everyone loved them. Clara kept pointing to the sky and clapping. For being so exhausted, she sure had a good time.
Mrs. Mud and Little Mud, or Courtney and Ellie.

We had a great, exhausting holiday!

St. George

One of the perks of moving back is that we get to getaway to St. George. It's the perfect place for a long weekend and thanks to the Hudsons we had great company and a great place to stay.

On the drive down we finally got all of them asleep. Of course it was when we only had about 25 minutes of the drive left.

Bracken and Talia have a great place that has a clubhouse with private pool. It was wonderful to go swimming there because it was never crowded.

This was Clara's first time in a pool and she loved it.

Ellie, our little mermaid.

All she wanted to do was go swimming. I think once we went 3 times in one day.

McKay enjoying the water with his goggles.

The Hill girls.

Out to dinner.
Mom's crazy face.
Ellie's crazy face.
Dad's crazy face.
McKay just thought we were all crazy.


On our second day there we went to Jumping Jack's. An indoor bounce place that a friend of Ryan's from high school had opened. The little and big kids had a great time.


Ryan & Clara, Bracken & Skylar
Ready to go down the big slide.

She liked it.

We had a great weekend. It's always nice to get away. Thanks again to the Hudsons for having us down. Man, you guys are great friends to have around!

Progress

Clara is finally making progress when it comes to walking. She has still got a long way to go but she is working on it, when she WANTS to. The little stinker will be 17 months in two weeks. It's about time!

Anniversary Weekend

We had a great anniversary weekend thanks to a few people.

#1 Sherrie & Jeff: Thanks for watching the kids and enabling us to have a few free days.

#2 Bracken & Talia: Thanks for inviting us to Tim McGraw. It was a great start to a great weekend.

Bracken & Talia had 2 extra tickets to the Tim McGraw concert Friday night and they were nice enough to think of us. It was a wonderful anniversary present. I wonder what they will do next year?

I've been a little out of the music scene but, back in the day Tim was my main man. He even found his way into our wedding video.

We got the VIP treatment. Free parking, free dinner, and great seats.

Thanks again for the concert. We had a great time!
On Saturday we got to SLEEP IN, since the kids were with the Hills. Once we rolled out of bed we got ready and headed to Park City. We spent the day doing my 3 favorite things: shopping, eating, and watching movies. We ate at two of my favorite restaurants, Cafe Rio & California Pizza Kitchen. Went shopping at two great places, Park City Outlets & Gateway. We even got to go to 2 movies in the same day. I was in heaven! Not to mention, I was with the man that has been my love for the last 8 years. (plus 9 months before)
Dinner at CPK.
Back at home.

Sunday we got to sleep in again. We went to lunch and then spent the afternoon driving looking for a new home. We will keep you posted.

We had a great weekend!

What a great way to celebrate still being in love!

8 YEARS

We have been off celebrating 8 years of wedded bliss.

Still happy, still in love!

McKay's 6th Birthday

I know I am very, very late with this post. McKay's birthday was two months ago, but there are just a few past posts that I really want to get on here. McKay turning 6, definitely one of those.

For McKay's birthday breakfast he picked donuts. We had to put in the candles and sing.

From Mom and Dad McKay got a plasma car. He uses Grandma and Grandpa's all the time so we thought it was time to get one of his own.

Ready to test it out indoors. He couldn't go far but he did ride around the wood floors in the kitchen.

He was nice enough to let sister have a go at it.

After breakfast he took it outside to really test its speed.


That evening we had a birthday party at our house with all the family.
Kim, Angie, Hailey, and Courtney (Not family but we are keeping our fingers crossed.)
Great Grandpa Chynoweth
Great Grandpa Hill

Our kids are lucky enough to have around two sets of great grandparents.

Uncle Jackson giving us the thumbs up on the plasma car.
Mom and the birthday boy.
The men of the house.
McKay with Uncle Alex.
Opening presents.

McKay is obsessed with Mario. He was happy to receive this remote control Mario Kart. Thanks Angie and girls!



Ken, courtesy of the Great Hill Grandparents
His t-ball set up from Mom and Dad.
He has been on a team for the last month and is doing well. Pictures to come.

More Mario! Mario Party 8 from Grandma Sherrie and Grandpa Jeff. He also receive Mario Kart Wii from Grandma Judy and Grandpa David. I told you he loves Mario. He wanted a Mario themed party but I couldn't find the supplies. He settled on Transformers, which he likes too.

His Transformer cake.

Happy Birthday McKay!

It is crazy to me that I have a 6 year old. It makes me feel a little old but I wouldn't trade it for the joy of being this kids Mom. He is so loving and smart. He makes each day a joy. We love you McKay! Happy Birthday!