Summa' Time

We wake up slowly (usually piled on mom's bed).

 We play outside. (The splash pad by our house is a favorite.)

We hold hands on long drives.

We snuggle.

And are sometimes mellow...

but usually silly.

And we try not to be too cute.

But these guys usually fail at that last one. At least in this mama's humble opinion.

Shay & Casey

 Shay got married on June 30th. I always threatened her that she better not get married while I'm pregnant because this is my one shot at being the maid (or matron I guess) of honor. But, I guess when you meet the right person, blah blah blah. I joke. She did meet the right person and I think her husband is pretty awesome. Their day was beautiful and I'm really glad I got to be a part of it.

Here is the happy couple. They got married near my dad's cabin in Island Park. It was seriously beautiful.

 The bridesmaids.

 Quick family photo op. Sage slept terrible the night before and was at her wits end by this point of the day. Luckily she napped on the way home from Island Park and was ready to party that night at the reception.

Here is my personal hero of the day. I headed up to Island Park early on Saturday and left Nic to take care of the kids for the day. Without him there is no way I could have accomplished anything I needed to that day. This is him sitting with the kids right before he sent them down the isle.

 I love my kids.

 My dad and Brighton gave Shay away.

The ceremony was beautiful and afterward Penni had a beautiful set up with huckleberry ice cream and mini cupcakes. 

That evening we had a dinner reception at the country club in Idaho Falls. It was laid back and the perfect way to end the day.

 Casey's dad's band played out on the patio and we danced and had a lot of fun. We had to drag Mason and Sage away. My kids really love to dance and certainly don't hold back (wonder where they got that from). I wish I had gotten a picture of them. They could have danced all night.

 I love my sister dearly and it was so nice to see her find happiness with a great guy. She is beautiful in so many ways and I'm glad she is stuck with me as a sister.

4th of July

Idaho Falls is my absolute most favorite place to spend the 4th of July. I love the parade, and the Pierson family "Pinks Hotdogs", and the incredible fireworks display. I missed it when we lived back East. If there is anyone who loves it more than me its my kids. Holidays with kids are awesome.

 Here are some pictures from the parade. Nic's dad always sets out early and gets us a good spot. Thanks Lloyd!

 Yes I have a huge belly. Seriously.

We spent the afternoon being lazy at my moms.

Then that night we put Sage to bed and took Mason to the fireworks. We went with my dad, Nikol and her two kids, Beau and Penni. Luckily we met up with Shay and Casey and were able to sit with Casey's family during the show. Matt even rode his bike down and watched with us. Mason loved the fireworks this year almost as much as last year. He even got up again and started jumping up and down when they started. He seriously thinks they are awesome.

 Here he is his jumping for joy.

I look forward to the 4th every year, and ever since our family reunion a few years ago I have found new meaning with the holiday. Its a day to enjoy my family and be so grateful that I am part of them and they are part of me. I am also super grateful for my husband who drove to Idaho Falls for Shay's wedding, went back to Salt Lake for a day and a half, then came back to Idaho Falls (while sick) just to spend the 4th with us. He got up at 4:30 am on the 5th and headed back to work. He often sacrifices things like sleep in order to spend time with our family. He really is pretty awesome. Don't tell him I told you so.