This is the Place

So Andrew wanted to go together to This is the Place park on my birthday but we just ran out of time. We decided to go two days later since he still hasn't started his other job. It was really hot this day. We enjoyed walking around and seeing all the sights. Easton enjoyed riding on the train and it was nice to have a little break and be in some shade. We were a little disappointed though. It costs quite a bit it get in and there didn't seem to be a lot to do. There were a few places closed and what not. After being to Nauvoo so many times it seemed as though it was trying to be Nauvoo and not quite making it. It was kind of sad but we still had a good time and got to spend the day together!

Here is a momentous occasion, both of them smiling AND looking at the camera!

While waiting for the train these nice people played some songs for us!

Ella got to make a fun necklace, for some reason they wouldn't give Easton one.

Playing on the boat!

Panning for Gold! They loved being able to play in the water and mud!

We were pretty bummed that the little train was not working that day, that is what they advertise on their commercials and so it was kind of annoying that it wasn't going.

It was really hot by this point and we were hungry!

Ice Cream cones and Root Beer floats for lunch is the best!

We finished the day off with the petting zoo. They also do pony rides. We really thought this would be a bust knowing our kids and the way they hate animals. Ella got right on and Easton cried for a minute but in the end they had so much fun and loved it and have asked to do it again a million times since! This ended up being the highlight of the day and I'm glad they would do it!

Birthday

I had a great birthday this year! We celebrated for days which is the best! I love my birthday! This year on Sunday my mom and grandma made me dinner. It was really yummy, we had a favorite of ours grilled garlic pork tenderloin and fresh veggies from the garden! My mom made an orange bundt cake and it has a yummy orange drizzle over the top of it. The next day was my actual birthday. We woke up and Andrew got us breakfast sandwiches from chick-fil-a. I opened my presents from him and the kids and then got ready. That afternoon I got to go with my mom to lunch at Zupas, just the two of us. It was nice we commented how that never happens, my sisters were down in Texas visiting my brother and his family. After lunch I came home and we ran some errands. Once we got home Andrew's sister Becky was nice and came to watch our kids bringing them happy meals and treats! They couldn't wait for us to leave! We went to dinner first at Cheesecake Factory. I got a favorite of mine, their spicy cashew chicken. We got the best seat in the whole restaurant with a big corner window. We shared a piece of White Chocolate Raspberry cheesecake at the end. After we left there we were deciding what to do, Andrew wanted to see a movie but I just wasn't up for it. We thought of a few other things we could do but decided that since we didn't have kids with us we would go and see some more parade of homes houses. We went and saw about 5 and then headed home. At home the kids, Andrew, and his sister sang and we ate cake! It was such a great day. I felt so loved with lots of calls, texts, and messages. I was spoiled! I got a new GHD flat iron, lids for my cookie sheets, a couple puzzles, clothes, new scentsy stuff, some money, and gift cards. Everyone was so nice and thoughtful!

Eating my cheesecake, it looks really good right now!

My cute kids helped Andrew mix up a cake and then frost it! They thought that was so cool!

Blowing out the candles at my Grandma's house!

Blowing out the candles on my birthday with the awesome cake they made for me!

Parade of homes

The first two weeks of August we were able to enjoy the parade of homes. It was fun to go this year because we could actually see things we liked and not dream but think maybe in the next year we can make it a reality! We took the kids the first day and met my sisters and mom. We were able to go to the rest without the kids thanks to Andrew's mom and sisters. We were able to see things we would want and things that we would never! 

This was a cool bench that was on the middle of the stairs to the upstairs of a house, really liked that idea!

Andrew took this picture, he thought it was such a cool idea for a game room!

The kids were so cute on this swing! I would love to have a porch swing like that someday!

Easton was so bored I think this was the last house that day!

Swimming

More swimming pictures :) We have really enjoyed it this summer! We probably won't live here next summer so we will miss it! Sadly didn't get to go the last few weeks because Easton and my nephew both got that nasty Crypto the last time we went and so we couldn't go back!

5k

The first Saturday in August I went and did a 5K in Orem. It was for Pound the Pavement for Parenthood. It was for my amazing friend Marissa! Her and her husband were selected to be one of the sponsored couples this year. It is a program where they do these 5K's and the money they raise go to help the couple pay for fertility treatments or adoption. I was so happy to be here to be able to participate and help them get one step closer to their goal! Andrew had to work so it was me and the kids so we walked it with my friend Bobbi. It was really hot that day and no clouds! We walked it in about 55 min, not the best but I was happy to completed it either way! 

I came prepared with lots of water and snacks for the kids, I should have had them push me! Pushing over 90 pounds that long in the heat was awesome :)!

We didn't get a picture before Bobbi left but we were able to get one with Marissa, she is in the middle and my friend Melissa in next to her, it was fun to see her I hadn't seen her since we moved to Memphis!

Pioneer Day

Yes Pioneer Day was in July, it is now September, I am that behind! We were excited to be back in Utah for this holiday! It is a great excuse for another day off here! We started the day nice and early and went downtown to the parade. We got there just after 7 and the parade starts at 9 so we had a lot of time to kill. The kids had fun playing and eating breakfast! After we went home for quick naps and then up to my Grandma's for a BBQ. It was really hot that day but we managed to stay cool and the kids played in the water to keep cool. The pictures are all out of order since I got some off my camera, Andrew's phone, and my sister. 

The little boys are obsessed with my cousin Will. The second they see him all is right in the world and they attack him. He is so nice to put up with Easton!

Easton really enjoyed his Popsicle a lot! He also has the best facial expressions and loves to bat his eyes at me, where he learned that I don't know, but he does it when he is in trouble usually and it is hard to get mad when he does!

They wanted a place to sit so they turned over the water table and sat down!

White shirt plus red Popsicle equals a disaster luckily grandma found a towel for us!

I love all these pics of them that's why I put so many up!

At the parade waiting for it to start and eating grandma Duzett's yummy orange rolls! Ella was non-cooperative, she isn't the best when she gets woke up early, she needs her beauty sleep until at least 9!

The kids were funny and moved up really close to the people in front of us so they could see, hopefully they didn't bug them to much :)!

The kids were so cute and did trains all around the yard! Easton was in heaven, anything train related and he is in!