Good times, good times...

This past week we traveled to Southeast Utah for a family camping trip. It was awesome. We spent some serious quality family time, enjoyed the amazing and unique landscape, did some hiking, lake swimming (and bathing), forest playing, tramp jumping, camp food eating, late night fire talking, and much, much more. We were also able to visit my father-in-laws' grave which made our trip extra special.

Our trip began with a visit to this little guy and his parents in St. George. My girls cannot get enough of their cousin, or his toys. Thank you Brady and Megan for letting us play and crash. We miss you already!

On our drive we past many amazing sites, one of which I had never seen before. Lake Powell is beautiful...I wanted to stay!

Monument Valley in the background. Really amazing.

Of course we took Harry with us! He had some serious outdoor fun, chasing squirrels and deer, hiking, eating leftovers, etc.... Pretty sure he's depressed now that we're home and he is once again stuck in the backyard.

At the Cabin...

Abbi and this little chica were pretty much joined at the hip. Best buddies for sure!

Olivia became quite the hiker on our trip. Although it was boiling hot and she really had to hang in there she made it through all our hikes. I was so proud of her!

Hanging out with her Auntie Juli in the hammock.

Grandad's gravesite...

A very small portion of his grandkids....

Dwight loved this part of the country so much. It is terribly hard not to miss him when you are there.

DuVall and his sister, Juli, standing in front of the rock formation, Mexican Hat.

Southeast Utah is filled with unique rock formations like this one. Something to marvel at for sure.

I love trips like this for so many reasons. My girls get to learn how to play in the dirt and build forts out of tree branches and make friends with their cousins and enjoy the beautiful world around them. They learn the difference between and "country road" and a "main road", as Abigail called them. They get to learn about their dad's roots and where his family came from. They learn to jump in lakes and sleep with bugs. And when we come home they recognized just how blessed they are. ("Mom, we have the best toy room ever", said Olivia.)

Now we are home, loving the memories we made, and really enjoying our running water and flushing toilets! Until next time familia!

Happy Independence Day....

I believe in America. It is a magnificent country. I believe in the principles this country was founded upon and I am grateful for the men and women who have pledged their lives to preserve it's freedoms. I am beyond grateful to be one of it's citizens and realize what a privilege it is to live here.

Happy Independence Day!

Lazy, crazy days of summer....

I've been so lazy about taking pictures lately! We've had a couple of great Sea World trips, beach trips, pool trips, park trips, forth parties.....But no pictures to show for it. MY BAD! I did get a couple of shots at a birthday party we went to at a place called PUMP IT UP. And we also had a moive night in our backyard, which was a total blast. DuVall built a wood frame to hang a sheet on, brought a projector home from work, invited some friends over and VOILA,

Movie Night!

Pump It Up!

Backyard Movie Night!

Oh, the places you will go....

Today Olivia had her last day of Kindergarten. Although embarrassing, I did cry. I cried yesterday at their end of the year performance as they sang about their ABC'c and numbers, being good friends and bringing harmony to the world. It was so sweet. And then I cried today when we said goodbye to her teacher and watched a slideshow of all the pictures I had taken of her class throughout the year. Silly, I know. But I couldn't help it. I didn't get this emotional when we finished preschool but this feels different. Kindergarten is SUCH A BIG DEAL, and now its over. We are excited for things to come but sad to see this school year end.

Olivia's First Day of Kindergarten

Olivia's Last Day of Kindergarten

Bring on the summer fun!

Sledding....summer style

Seriously sad they don't make these anymore!

One year older and wiser too...

This little girl turns six today.

I tried, really I did, to keep her little. I even asked her if it would be okay for her to stay little forever. She said no. So I guess I will have to watch her grow older and get bigger. And be happy about it. Because, after all, she is growing up to be such a wonderful girl. So sensitive, so caring, so obedient, so full of life and intensity, and so smart, she brings a smile to our face everyday.

Happy Birthday to my first born. A mother couldn't love you more!

Happy More Oreo Day!

Several months ago we were naming all the holidays we celebrate in America with Olivia. Going month by month, she could almost name them all by herself. When we got through half the year she said "Wait, what about....you know.....that one holiday.....the cookie one?" We were a little confused. I said, "the what, the cookie holiday?" She said, "ya, you know, the more-oreo day". Still a little confused. "You know, the more-oreo day". OH!!!!!! "You mean Memorial Day!" We laughed for quite a while with that one.

On a serious note, we send our sincerest appreciation and gratitude for those who have given their lives in service to this country and to those who continue to put their lives on the line each day to preserve the freedoms that we all take for granted. And a special thank you to the families of these service men and women. I cannot fathom where our country would be without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Happy Memorial Day!