July

So, I was just going to dump these pictures here on the blog with the hope that a picture speaks a thousand words, and then call it good.   After all, we like the pictures more than the words, right?   But, here I am sitting at the computer in sweat pants while a cool October breeze rattles the blinds and reminds me that July was a while ago.   And the summer, being the whirlwind that it was, seems like a blur.   It was busy and it was hard and sometimes I felt like I wished it away.   I kept thinking about the end of August, when Doug would be home from Vernal and everything would back to normal.   Now that things are back to normal, I’m sort of hoping I don’t forget the summer.   All the feelings and growth that took place, all the things I learned about myself and how I discovered what really mattered most when I had to work a little harder to create the intended outcome.

First, we took Daxton fishing.  Pretty sure he didn't get it, but we had fun anyway. 

I love father & son fishing pictures!

I’ve always loved the July holidays and the traditions that go along with them. I was excited this year because I felt like Daxton was just old enough to start to enjoy the traditions I always make a huge fuss over. This summer I wanted to do it all – the fireworks and parades, the BBQ’s, the family parties, everything. I knew it would be a challenge with Doug out of town, but I get so silly and sentimental about all those things and I was determined to make memories.

On the 4th we had a neighborhood BBQ and let the kids play together until it got dark. We live so close to the USU stadium that we had an awesome view of the fireworks from our house. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite 4th of July traditions.

We took a trip up to the cabin and spent the night with cousins then hiked up to Birch Creek.

The Hendersons got together for a family reunion at Bear Lake.  We slept in a tent and spent lots of time at the beach.  Daxton loved boating and playing in the sand.

My grandma is awesome!

Doug didn't get the day off for Pioneer Day, but I really wanted to take the kids to a parade.  I was a little nervous going alone, but we ended up having so much fun.  Daxton got excited before he even saw floats, caught any candy, or heard any sirens.  He just likes to watch cars and trucks drive by.  I love how excited he gets over the littlest things. 

June Picture Post

Ready for more pictures?  Good.  Here's June:

First, we went boating with my family.  The kids loved it!

 Daxton looked so confused when he picked up an empty cup...

Dixi and Jason came up for a visit and took Daxt on a little ride.

Daxton wasn't a huge fan of the helmet, but loved the motorcycle ride.  The very first thing he said the next morning was asking if he could go on another ride with Dixi.

We made a few trips up the canyon.  This time we made tinfoil dinners...

... And we burned Daxton's.  He wasn't too happy with us until he realized he got to have Oreos for dinner instead. 

The rest of the month was full of lots of bike riding and playing with kids outside and walking to the park and waiting for the weekend so we could hang out with Daddy.  

The kids on Father's Day.  I couldn't find the picture of them with Doug on Father's Day... but we're glad there's a specific holiday to celebrate what a good daddy Doug is every day!  We love him!

Searching for bugs with the neighbor kids.

I just noticed that these pictures were taken on totally different days, but Daxton has two McQueen cars in both pictures!