Our 4th of July

Typically part of my family joins us for the 4th but this year it was just us and we weren't sure what our plan was. So we did what we always do...things at our own pace and what sounds good at the time. We made it to the parade just in time for it to start...we still aren't early risers. 

My favorite part about the parade and the 4th of July overall is the patriotic aspect. It always makes me so emotional to think about the things people have done and continue to do for our freedoms.

After the parade we headed to the car but ran into some friends and spent a couple hours just visiting. 

That afternoon Chris and Krissy joined us for dinner and to hang out. It was so fun to get to meet Tripp since it was the first time in person for all of us. 

We enjoyed having them until it was bedtime. We were hoping they would be able to stay longer but totally get when kids need to go to bed.

Amy and Perry's road started putting on a parade last year and now have made it a tradition of sorts. They invited us to join them. The girls all rode and decorated their bikes. We thought Liam might want to ride the lawn mower but when it came down to it he decided to stay and catch candy.

Park City Fun

We went up to watch Rigs play baseball in Heber City while Matt was working. It was a beautiful day and so fun to watch Rigs do something he loves. The kids of coarse loved being with cousins and playing. 

Afterwards I decided we should make a trip of it since we had already driven that far. I called Matt and asked if he could come join us and we could do the Apline slide and grab dinner. He said he would head our direction so the kids and I went to a local dairy for some ice cream to kill some time. They rode the tiny merry go round probably 5 times and ate our ice cream.

Then we went to the outlets to look around until Matt got there. All of the kids bought something at bath and body even Liam thought it was cool to have a bag to match the girls.

Then Matt called and said he was waiting for us at the resort so we drove over to meet him. The line was longer than I thought it'd be but every so often when the line moved we got to be in the shade and that was awesome. We all loved riding the lift up and were excited about getting to come down the slide. Last time we came to do the slide we only had 2 kids and they were little enough they had to ride with us so this time was a whole new experience. 

Gracie was super nervous and worried she'd go to fast and crash. So she did the opposite and went super slow. Luckily she was behind all of us. I let Liam determine our pace and helped him with the stick. He always wanted to go faster. It was so fun but I always wish it was longer.

We decided to forgo the restaurants in Park City and eat at Taggart's grill in Enterprise. What we didn't know is that everyone else would have the same idea. We ended up waiting for over an hour and then we had to sit at two different tables since they didn't have one big enough for us. It was a little crazy but our food was yummy. The manager even gave us a discount for all the craziness.

I loved the spontaneity for today. It was so fun to just go at our own pace and schedule and try new things. I love introducing the kids to new things and watching them experience it is the best part.

Life As Of Late

 With covid everything is slower and harder to get than it usually is. So when we finally found patio furniture that we could get in a reasonable amount of time we bought it. I love the rug and what it adds to the space. We already spend a lot of time out there enjoying it. 

Although Joy has retired for the play officially some how she is always involved. We were happy to go and support her and the play Anne in Garland for Wheat and Beet days. After the play Joy gave the kids a tour of the sound booth.

Along with our patio furniture we ordered a propane firepit for the deck. We are planning on putting one in the yard but who knows when that will happen. We have been enjoying sitting out on the deck and roasting smores. 

Hallie won the snipe award at girls camp this year....she is pretty proud of that.

We also found hammocks for our stands and have been enjoying them. The kitties hang out around the hammocks and wait for someone to come along and love them.

I finally got around to decorating a little. I refinished the bookshelf and added the chair. At some point I will sew the fabric around the cushions but for now tucking it in will do.

More of Gracie's cooking class creations

I came home from work and usually I jump right in the shower and change my clothes so as not to bring germs from the hospital home with me. On this particular day Liam wasn't having it. He cuddle right in and fell asleep. I was a little concerned about getting him sick and if something was going on with him but he must have just been tired. After a short rest he was up and going like normal for him. I can't say I complain about cuddles ever.

Matt sent me this picture while I was at work. This kid is known to fall asleep late afternoon if you put him in the car and take a drive. 

Som eof the beginnings of our outdoor spaces. They are coming together nicely.

Liam loved helping test out the patio furniture as I built it. The kitties weren't there by choice Liam loves to find them and haul them around.

Trying to find a place for all the garbage when you no longer have a dumpster is rough business. After we took the playground off the palettes I wasn't sure what to do with them. They were heavy and awkward but we decided to break them down to haul them away. Lia, loved getting to use a hammer. 

Hallie Goes to Girls Camp

 Hallie had her 1st year at girls camp this year. I wasn't sure how I felt about it since the kids don't usually spend many nights away form the family but she was ready and so excited. Matt dropped her off at the church since I was at work. She called me on her way there and told me she had been up before her alarm because she couldn't wait. They were to a ranch outside of Heber city in the mountains where there is no cell service. They had a ton of activities and provided all of their meals...very different from the girls camp that I knew growing up.

Hallie called me after their first night and told me how terrible it had been because it was so cold. We had sent her with warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, and a blanket but her and most of the other girl hadn't slept much because they were so cold. I gather blankets out of our closet and started making a plan to get them to the girls. Shortly after I received a text from one of the leaders and they were arranging for someone to pick up warm clothes for all the girls. I took 16 blankets to the drop off and felt better that they would be taken care of. Hallie called me the next morning and thanked me for taking the time to get the girls the blankets. Other moms had dropped off warm clothes, sleeping bags, along with hats and gloves to help provide for the girls. I couldn't help but think about the pioneers and the people that went out to help them when they were struggling. I love our little community and how we all take care of each other.