Back to School

Our summer of fun had to end and it is back to reality. I'll be honest, it was really hard and sad for me to know that when we woke up yesterday Matt would be starting school and back into a structured routine. This has easily been the best summer of my life. There have been some very stressful and difficult challenges we've had to face as a family but overall we have been extremely spoiled and blessed. Matt is a one of a kind husband and dad (and person) and we have been so lucky to have him to ourselves all summer long. As much as I wish I could keep Matt home forever, he is going to love this program and I think it will be some of his favorite years. Sure enough, he came home from his first day of orientation stoked and looking forward to the next couple of years and this opportunity he has to learn and grow. I am so grateful for everything that happened in the past year that helped us end up here. Neither Matt or myself were ready or wanting to move away from Texas but since we started looking into different options last October, everything has either come together or fallen apart perfectly to lead us to where we are now. The fact that Matt took his GMAT and applied to BYU so late in the process and was accepted so quickly only confirms to me how amazing and deserving my husband is but more importantly it is a testimony to me that we made the right decision and we are in fact where we are supposed to be at this time. I feel very blessed and watched over this past year. I am so grateful for the promptings and help that got us here and I am forever grateful to see Matt happy and thriving again and away from such a negative environment. We are all so anxious to see what the next two years bring.

My handsome man on his first day of school.

My mom is so funny and bought him this "Y" donut from the grocery store yesterday.

Tanner is so proud of his daddy and wanted to show his support. Stay tuned because in 3 weeks is someone else's first day of school.

Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo

The first week of August we took the kids up to Wyoming to visit Matt's grandma. While we were there we went to the local fair and rodeo where some of Matt's cousins were selling their livestock and performing on stage. We also spent a lot of time on the farm riding horses and learning how they milk and take care of their cows. Matt's grandpa owned a dairy farm that his uncle now runs and he was nice enough to let us loose on his farm. We had a great time as a family and the kids loved the fair with all the fun rides and food. We really have had the most amazing summer as a family and I will always remember how blessed we have been this year to be able to spend so much time together.

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Bridal Veil Falls & Squaw Peak

Matt and I decided to take the kids up to Bridal Veil Falls. It was perfect weather and the kids had so much fun playing in the freezing water. On the way home from the falls, we thought it would be fun to drive them to the top of Squaw Peak to see the valley. On the drive to the peak, we saw three deer in the middle of the road so we got the kids out of the car and they were able to watch the deer up close. Their favorite was the baby with white spots.

Daddy and his girls on the first bridge watching how fast the river was running. Sadie saw an 'alligator' but Sienna let her know that it was just a giant bumpy rock.

Picture in front of the fall.

Walking across the freezing water.

Tanner had fun kicking his feet in the water but only for a minute.

He decided it was more fun to play in the stroller with his toys.

Daddy and his girls at the top of Squaw Peak.

All the girls.

COUSINS!!

One of the very best things about moving back to Utah is being able to see our family so much. We have had so much fun all summer long seeing both of our families and taking several family trips together.

The girls love being able to play with their cousins every week. They are so cute together and have so much fun playing in the irrigation and garden.

They were all so proud of their vegetable collection.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SADIE-PIE!!

July 13th, 2011

Our little Sadie-Pie [finallyl turned three.

Our crazy-fun-beautiful birthday girl.

Playing on the waterslide.

Sadie was lucky enough to have so many of her favorite people come spend the day with her.

Even her best buddy, Drew came all the way up from Texas.

Sadie eating one of her three cakes that day.

Park City

Last month we were able to spend a weekend in Park City with the family (Shumway) and it was a blast. We shopped, ate lots of great food, spent time at the pool, played tennis and simply enjoyed being all together. It was a great trip, thanks again Dan and Andrea!

Hanging out with Tanner at the pool.

Our little fish.

Uncle Kyle and Sadie.

Our handsome little stud muffins.

Crew was nice enough to share his stroller with Tanner while we shopped. I didn't take near enough pictures on this trip but the three boys were hilarious together. It is so fun when we all get to play.