4th of July weekend

I love everything about July. I love the sun, bbqing, sitting outside until 10pm, swimming, kool aid stands, fireworks, parades. I seriously love it all.

This year the Fourth was on a Monday so we celebrated ALL weekend long. Plus, in Utah, we can now buy and set off aerial fireworks.


On Friday night (July 1st) Josh and I went to our friend D.E.'s first show in 5+ years. Josh and D have been friends forever and it was fun to hang out and see him perform.

Jeremy, Josh and D

Saturday (July 2nd) the boys and I went to the Centerville carnival and police auction. I have been going to the Centerville festivities since I was little so I enjoy the tradition. We missed the parade this year which made me sad but we still had a good time.
Saturday night we went to our good friends Nick and Melissa's for a bbq. Nick is the bbq king and Josh always loves trying and learning new things. This year they had giant elk patties. Nick and Melissa don't have any kids of there own but are so kid friendly. Last time we went there with Zak was 3 or so years ago and they set up a giant slip n slide. They didn't want Zak to be disappointed so they went and bought one for him to play on. They also bought a big pool and although the water was FREEZING and no one else would get and stay in Zak and I played in it for a long time. Afterwards Nick set off his fireworks. His shows never disappoint.

Sunday (July 3) we had a family bbq. We celebrated my older sister Jacey's birthday, Will's going away party (we will be away for a month for work), the 4th of July and Zak's pool party (Zak planned a party without talking to me first and sent out email invites to the whole family. He told them when and what to bring and even that he would make dinner. Haha, he is so cute. He planned for Friday so I rescheduled for Sunday). We had a lot of fun and the weather was perfect. I love that my family is all so close and we are able to do fun things together. 

The crowd

My brothers deciding what to light next

The birthday girl

On Monday we didn't do too much. My little brother and his girlfriend came over to bbq some leftover food and we just sat out front and watched fireworks. It was the best year! I love the new law. We just sat out front and had big aerials all around us. It was a show for over an hour with no driving or huge crowds. What a great ending to a fun filled weekend.

BBQing

Today was a beautiful day. I seriously LOVE the sun!!

Bethany and Will had a bbq and invited the family. It is seriously so nice to be so close to my siblings and be able to hang out with them regularly (except Jenny, we miss you). They are some of our best friends. Will grilled up some ribs and chicken for the few meat eaters and some black bean burgers for the rest of us. Yummy! It was a long awaited hot day and makes me so excited for it to finally start acting like summer.

Friday was Zak's last day of school for the summer. Next year he will be a big 6th grader. I still don't know how he grew up so fast. I remember just bringing him to preschool and kindergarten. Where have the years gone? He is excited for summer. For the past few years I have been spoiled and had the summer off with him. This year I will be home but not as free. Somehow in the past few weeks I've started watching a full time baby girl and part time little guy (and Ash part time). I love it and am so grateful to be able to be home doing what I love and helping with the bills. I wasn't even looking to watch kids but was referred by two different people the same week. Crazy and what a blessing.


Well I will try to keep up on our summer adventures. I am so excited to have my little man home everyday with me. He is so much fun to have around and so helpful.

3 Ball

Every year Zak's school does a 3-ball tournament. The students pick their own partners (3 per team) and practice on their own time. The top two girl teams and boy teams of each grade level then compete at an assembly in front of the whole school and the winning team gets prizes. Zak's team went to the assembly 2 years ago but didn't win. His team made it again this year and he is so excited. It's fun to see him be involved and enjoy these extra curricular activities.

Colonial Days

Every year the 5th graders at Zak's school do a Colonial Day where they make candles, learn colonial games, make soap and things like that. I volunteered to help and was put in charge of games. Bethany came with me and it was fun to spend the day with her and Zak at his school. We taught the kids how to spin the hula hoop with a stick, marbles, grace and hop scotch. I love when I am able to volunteer and help Zak's class.

State Fair

Zak picked New York for his 5th grade State Report. He has had this crazy fascination with New York for a few years now and wants to go there so bad. When I was younger (and now even) I dreamed of beaches and warmth. Zak loves New York, he wants to see the Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Park, Niagra Falls and a New York Yankees game. He makes me laugh. He did a great job with his New York fact book and his float. Great job Zak!

Five years and counting...

Last week Josh and I celebrated 5 years together. We have come a far way in five years and I look forward to the next five and what adventures it has in store for us. I love that boy so much and although at times it is not always easy we definitely strengthen each other and learn a lot from one another. I am truly happy and I think that is what it is all about. I love you Josh!

Happy 11th Birthday Zak!

I can NOT believe my baby is 11! I honestly don't know where the years have gone. As usual we celebrated all weekend long, what other way is there to celebrate? On Friday night Zak had some friends over for a night game party. Just like last year it was a huge success. Everyone had a great time.

On Saturday we had my family over for a party. It was so nice having Jacey around now that she has moved back home.Zak got a big above ground pool, pool toys, a lovesac, money, gift cards, jerseys and a soccer ball.

We decided to celebrate Easter the same day since it was so late this year. John and Manda surprised everyone by planning an egg hunt with money eggs. It was a lot of fun and something I think we will continue each year. I love my family!