Gemma Bean

Since Gemma is practically our kid, I decided it would be fun to throw her a little birthday party. She turned 2 this month. It was really fun to spoil her and to have family and friends come have fun with us. We went up the canyon a little ways to a place called 3 Peaks to eat. We brought hot dogs ... which we had some trouble cooking. It was really windy and a fire took a while to start. Then we forgot to bring skewers to cook them on. After scouring the area we finally found some sticks. It was really yummy and so much fun to have everyone and their dogs there. Thanks to everyone for coming and for the gifts ... Gemma loved them all!

My birthday

My birthday was so wonderful this year! My friend Shanae schemed with Brent the day before to get a birthday cake for me... it was very yummy. Thanks you guys. Its great to have such good friends!

Brent planned a surprise day for me... and trust me it was all a total surprise! Brent arranged for both me and him to have my birthday off. He woke me up at 5:45 AM and told me that I had 30 minutes to get ready. He then lead me to the car and told me to put a blindfold on. He drove us to McDonalds for breakfast, which we ate at the park, and then we continued on our journey. 2 hrs later (and a nice nap) I was told I could take off my blindfold. To my surprise Brent told me where we were going.... the Grand Canyon!! I couldn't believe it!! It was so amazing to see one of the world's greatest wonders. It was truly breathtaking! It was a perfect day with my wonderful hubby! Thanks for making it such a great birthday!

Gemma

We are absolutely loving our little Gemma. She is so fun! It is hilarious watching her run in circles when she is excited to see us home after we have been at work all day. The funniest things are when she can't decide what she wants to do... go outside or play with her toy. She usually runs back and forth between the two trying to decide, and then usually tries to take her toys outside with her. She loves blankets, her toys, Brent's holey sock (especially when we use it as a hand puppet!), and she especially loves giving us kisses! She never barks, but pouts when she is upset at us, and is such a cuddler! She was in heat a little while ago so she had been wearing diapers. She HATES them so much and she walks so funny while wearing them. We love having her in our family. She has fit into our family so well. It takes her a little while to warm up to new people, but she loved us right away. She has made our home a happier place and now we can't imagine life without her. She is so cute!

Camping with friends & Cedar Breaks

This past weekend to celebrate the 24th, we went camping with our friends up Parowan Canyon. We went to a place called Yankee Meadow. It was so gorgeous and so fun. I have missed camping so much! I love the smell of fire and sleeping in a tent. We were also able to watch a new movie that I just bought for Brent - "Bounty Hunter". Such a funny movie! It was fun to see Gemma with her first camping trip. She did so well! Our friends had a lot of crappy adventures while up there....crap being the key word. Lets just say they are so grateful for bringing not only one extra pair of underwear for each kid but two. On our way home we stopped by the side of the road to take pictures. It was so fun! We were able to get our first complete family pic.

On Sunday we all (+1) went up to Cedar Breaks. Shanae's mom came along. It was so amazing! It was cold but so worth going. Brent says it was the perfect temperature. The pictures do not do it justice! We then stopped off at a picnic site to eat lunch and to let the kids run loose. It was a wonderful day!

Kolob

Brent and I decided to take a little trip to Kolob Canyon today. It was so beautiful! I am so glad we have all this beautiful scenery close by that we can go to any day. We took a short hike up to a lookout, Brent had a lizard jump on him while trying to take a picture of it (so funny!!!), took a million pictures, and just enjoyed being outside! Hope you all enjoy the pics!

10 years - - - WOW!

Is it weird, or what, to know that Brent has been out of High School for 10 years now? I think so!

We stayed with my parents this weekend so that we could go to Brent's High School Reunion. We came up on Friday night and had fun playing and watching movies with the family. Saturday was the day of the reunion. Mom and Dad took us to see "Despicable Me". It was so cute! It got out a little early so we decided to take our time getting to the Reunion. Brent was so excited to be able to see some old friends and show me his old school. It was so fun being able to share that with him and see pictures and trophies and meet classmates. I even won a drawing and got a volleyball water bottle. lol. I really hope Brent had a fun time and that it brought back a lot of happy memories for him!

4th of July Weekend

In the year of 1776 That paper was decreed - They were tired of oppression And wanted to be freed They wrote a Declaration So the whole world would see - This was, "the home of the brave And the land of the free" And the Star-Spangled banner in triumph doth wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I am so proud to be called an American. I am so grateful for my freedom and for those who are serving us in the military to keep us free. For all those who gave their lives and all they have for us. We are truly blessed to have this great nation and everything we have. I am grateful for our government which I truly believe to be a perfect government (when run correctly and for the people) and inspired by God. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

This year we celebrated this wonderful holiday with my brother Cameron. Friday we saw a movie in the Park and had fun at the booths and with our glow-in-the-dark pink glasses. Saturday we went to Zions and saw the awe-inspiring "mountains majesty" and all the beautiful things it had to offer. We hiked all 3 Emerald Pools and the Weeping Rock. It was so fun sharing that with Cam. Monday we had fun at the pet store (which Cam is in love with). They have so many fun animals. We also watched fireworks and just had a fun day. Wednesday we went to the park for a renaissance fair. It was so fun seeing all the belly dancers, gypsy's, fire dancers, acrobats, and the camel. It was so neat watching all the talented dancers and meet a bunch of really interesting people. There was so much going on and lots of stuff to look at and buy. It was such a great week and we really loved having Cam here to celebrate with us!