4th of July

With the 4th falling on a Wednesday this year, we couldn't really make a long weekend out of the holiday.  I was initially bummed since Brad doesn't get too many holidays off work.  Instead we stayed close to home and had a relaxing family day... and it was definitely the better decision. 
We started off the morning by spending a few hours at the Herriman Reservoir.  We got there early, so it wasn't too crowded.  The water level was so low!  (A combination of an extremely dry winter/spring, and also helicopters using the water to help fight a fire we had the previous week.)  However, for our little toddler, it was actually perfect becuase he had a built in retaining wall that helped keep him close.  We ran into a couple from our ward who had brought a kayak and Owen & Brad enjoyed a few trips around in it.  I enjoyed the quiet, relaxing view from the shore. :)

After family naps (Ah!  Bliss!) we headed to Brad's parents for a BBQ with his extended family.  Owen, of course, had to do a little more swimming while the rest of us enjoyed some yummy food.

We rounded out the evening at Riverton City's fireworks show.  We enjoyed some walking, people watching, and shaved ice while we waited.  Once the fireworks finally started Owen wasn't sure what to think... they were so loud!  After we covered his ears for him, he was mesmerized and wide-eyed the whole time.



Overall a great day and I'm so grateful for those who serve so we can have memories like these!

Summer Fun

The last few weeks we've been busy visiting enjoying one our favorite things about summertime in Utah: the outdoors! 2 weeks ago we had FHE with all of Brad's family at Copperton Park.  I had never been before, but Brad remembers going there when he was little. It is on the west side of the valley, near the copper mine and has big trees (shade=a very good thing for this pregnant lady right now) and huge tires/slides/etc. for the little ones to enjoy.

 Nothing says summer picnic like some good ol' fried chicken!

 Owen taking a ride on Uncle Spenny's board... he also loved 'walking' Roxy around the park too.  Of course, his idea of a 'walk' was to just let go of the leash and watch it drag on the ground in front of him as Roxy ran free.  It was still worth it just to hear that laugh of his every time it happened. 

When it was time to go, Owen was more than ready to help. 

Later that week the three of us drove to the other side of the valley, to Big Cottonwood Canyon and walked around Silver Lake.  There is about a 1 mile flat trail surrounding the lake, perfect distance and intensity for our family.  Owen started out in the backpack, but ended up walking about half of the way.  It was such a beautiful night!  Unfortunately with all of the wildfires around the state right now, the skies haven't been this clear since.  Hopefully we can get some cooler weather to help with the firefighting and to bring back our beautiful summer nights! {It's raining today!  YAY!}

 Costco pizza, our family's favorite! 



 Attempted family shot-- don't have too many of these.  I'll take it.

 Love these 2 boys.  Excited for 1 more to join the mix in 2 months

Owen sure loves his daddy.   I enjoyed walking behind and watching as they picked up/threw rocks and examined all the bugs/trees/ducks/fish/etc.  Yes, this little guy is ALL boy!

Herriman Days

Last weekend was Herriman Days.  Friday night we headed over to the park to explore the Touch-A-Truck event and car show. 

Although Owen enjoyed looking at all the trucks, tractors, and cars... by far his favorite part of the night was sharing some cotton candy with Brad. 

The next morning we went to the parade, and despite a few runaway attempts by Owen... once he figured out the concept of the parade he stayed *relatively* closeby.  Okay, so Brad spent most of the parade walking with him up and down the sidewalk to keep him busy... but we still had fun!  Owen especially had fun dancing with Kaden to the music from one of the floats.

Nice moves boys!

Memorable Memorial

For Memorial Weekend this year Brad really wanted to go camping... I wasn't totally sold until we found a great deal on a cute cabin in Heber City.  A/C, heater, running water, kitchen, separate room for Owen... I was sold.  We headed up Friday afternoon and stayed until Sunday morning.  The weather was a little stormy Saturday, but it hit right during naptime so we were dry and all was well.  Friday night Brad did a little fishing and then we drove up to Cascade Springs (off of the Alpine Loop).  It was gorgeous!  We were close to dusk, so we couldn't stay long, another visit is in the future.

 Owen & I hanging out while Brad fished.

 The beginning of Cascade Springs

 Beautiful!

An attempted self-picture after I headed back to the car.

Saturday we did a little outlet shopping in Park City, and then hit up Main Street after naps. After some yummy pizza we headed back for a night of smores and movies. It was the perfect quick getaway with just our family.

 Park City Main Street

 Owen was being a little 'less-than-pleasant' until the food came.  This boy loves his pizza!   

We spent Monday with Brad's family up at a family friend's property in Spanish Fork. The men enjoyed the fishing, I enjoyed hanging by the water and eating way too many snacks, and Owen enjoyed was obsessed with throwing rocks in the water... I think he did it for 3+ hours. I don't know how, but they convinced me to do some fishing too, and I caught my first fish. Woohoo!? :/

I think they were already fishing less than 5 minutes after arriving...

What Owen did the-entire-time!

Success!

Owen was a little unsure about the fish... but he eventually touched it.  Followed immediately by a full-body shiver.  I completely understood!

Getting ready to catch my fish... I think Brad was a little more excited than I was

(22 week belly)

Success!  Now where is the hand sanitizer??!!

Overall a great weekend spent with my favorite people!  Very grateful for those that serve (and have served) our country to make memories like these possible!

Zoo Day

Last week my friend Marla invited Owen and me to the zoo with her, Kaden, and Wesley.  Owen loves to spend time with Kaden, so he was pretty excited to go.  We had a fun time seeing all the animals, riding the carousel & train, and maybe Owen's favorite part of the day-- NOT sitting in the stroller!  He and Kaden held hands for most of the morning.  Although we had a few melt downs and a few attempted runaways, I'd say it was a successful trip. 

 Excited to see the elephants

 Owen & his best bud Kaden

 Owen did a lot of pointing that day...trying to take it all in.  I'm not sure where we were at this point-maybe giraffes?

 Looking thrilled to ride the carousel, but I promise-- he loved it!

Thanks for the invite Marla!  We'd love to do it again.  Maybe next time with a leash in tow (don't judge me!)... this momma doesn't move very fast these days! 

St. George with the Hardcastles

A few weeks ago we ventured down to St. George with Brad's family.  We had a blast swimming in the pool, relaxing at the house, playing games, golfing, shopping, watching movies, painting nails, eating frozen custard, fishing/swimming at the reservoir, and perhaps the highlight of the trip-- seeing Brian Regan at Tuachan.  We packed a lot of fun into 3 days and no one was ready to head home come Sunday afternoon but real life called. 

Enjoying the sprinklers and the pool

 All the guys went golfing one morning.  The lades (+Owen) went outlet shopping and to Krumpets... if you've ever been to St. George and not stopped at Krumpets, you're missing out!

Tuacahn for Brian Regan.  So. Funny. 

(20 week belly)

 Ron doing some window shopping while we waited for the theatre to open...

Getting ready to laugh our heads off. 

(You may notice I am not in the picture... that's because I was talking/catching up with my Uncle & 4 cousins who were randomly 2 rows behind us.  They came from Vegas to watch the show... I hadn't seen them since my wedding.  Brian Regan: bringing families together!)

 "Hiking" to "beautiful" Leeds Creek... if you were there you know what I mean...

 Owen enjoying some lunch at the reservoir.  This boy ate well that weekend.  And by well I mean, not well at all... chips, hot dogs, candy.  It was a good weekend for Owen!

 Owen loved playing with his sand toys, until he saw all the rocks.  The rest of the time was spent throwing rocks into the water. 

 Ron trying to do some fishing... not too successful but really fun to watch!

All bundled up and ready for a nap!  I think we all were by that point.

Thanks for the fun trip everyone!