Catch-Up

It has been a crazy couple of months. We had a great Memorial Day. We got to camp at Brandon's moms trailer in Ogden Canyon. The kids had a great time, we sure love spending time at the trailer. On the way home, we visited several graves. It was nice to got to Logan and see the grave for our dear friend Paul Stockdale. We then stopped to visit Brandon's dads grave. We also went to several other family graves. I like to go to the graves so we can talk about and remember those that we love and miss. Brandon and I told the kids stories and had a really good time.

In June, we were lucky enough to go visit family again. We started our vacation in Minnesota, and spent lots of time with Brandon's extended family. Sarah, Brandon's cousin, got married and it was an amazing day. The wedding was beautiful and it was great to see all the family there. Kaitlyn and Ben had tons of fun dancing and playing. We also went to the Como Zoo in Minneapolis. The kids had fun going on rides. The cutest was when Ben freaked out on a Frog Drop Ride, it was a little to scary for him. We went to Mall of America again. It was to great to visit with the family and I am glad the kids loved the family. I know Paul misses Kim, Brandon's cousin, and all the attention she gave him.

On the way home from Minnesota, we went to Iowa to visit my sister Jayne. I LOVED seeing Jayne, Alexia, and Brian. Jayne and Alexia took us to Nauvoo, Illinois. That is such a beautiful and spiritual place. The temple is breathtaking. It was fun to explore Nauvoo and we got some really neat souvenirs. While in Iowa, we also went swimming. The kids were super cute at the pool, and of course, I got fried. I loved talking with Jayne and watching Ben play with Brian. I had such an awesome time. Nothing beats spending time with people you love. We also learned that Jayne and Brian are moving to Texas. I hope they can sell their house soon. Look out Texas, here comes Alexia!!!!!

For the 4th of July, we of course, were at the trailer. We did go to Huntsville to enjoy the fireworks. The funnest part of the fireworks were all the car alarms that kept going off. It was pretty amusing. We also found out that Paul absolutely loves fireworks. He gets all excited and starts kicking his legs like crazy. We did do some fireworks at the trailer. Ben had fun using the long stick to help Brandon light some of the smaller fireworks. He is also my little fire bug and loves to put wood on the fire. It freaks me out and I have to watch him like a hawk around the fire. I am so grateful for the country that we live in. While I worry about the current situation of our country, I am very PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!! I loved explaining to my kids what it means to me to celebrate the Independence of our nation.

I also celebrated my birthday in July. I went to the pool with some great friends. It was a nice relaxing afternoon. Than that evening, a wonderful friend watched the kids so Brandon could take me on a date. It was wonderful beyond description to get a night off. Brandon took me to see Eclipse. I liked it, and Brandon did too. I had to explain a couple things to him. We also went out to dinner and I ate it without having to share with anyone else, HEAVEN! Thanks Stephanie, you are a lifesaver.

Finally, some other exciting news, my baby sister Jasmine is engaged. YAH!! I am excited for her and happy to welcome Chris into our crazy family. It is a little weird thinking of my baby sister getting married. Just yesterday, she was an annoying little girl that pinched between my fingers. I love her tons and wish her the best.

Anyway, that is pretty much it for now. We are enjoying our summer, spending lots of time outside playing. We play in the pool, jump on the trampoline. the kids ride bikes, and I garden. We also love to go to story time at the library. Ahh, the life of a stay-at-home mom. I LOVE IT!!!!!

Minnesota

We had a wonderful vacation. It was great to visit with Brandon's extended family. I really love them all and appreciate how they have welcomed me into the family. We kept pretty busy for most of the vacation. To start, Kaitlyn LOVED the plane ride. We took a red eye flight on the way there and I thought she would sleep most of the time. She was so excited that she did not fall asleep until I forced her to in the Las Vegas Airport. (We went from SLC to Las Vegas to Minneapolis.) While the plane was taking off, Kaitlyn was sitting in her car seat looking out the window saying cute stuff like "WOW," "WEE," and "FUN." The pressure change did not even bother her. Brandon thinks she will be a pilot someday.

Brandon and I went to a Minnesota Twins game on Wednesday night with several of his family. It was lots of fun. The Twins won by a lot. Some of our other fun activities while in Minnesota were going to the Mall of America, visiting Brandon's uncles dairy farm, having lots of family dinners, and going to Kim's wedding (Brandon's cousin).

The mall was a adventure. Kaitlyn got to take her picture with Dora, which made her whole day. Kaitlyn also got to build a cute bunny at Build a Bear. She named her Princess and absolutely loves her. We also went to the underwater adventure at the mall. We got to see all kinds of cool animals, like sharks, turtles, and fish. At the end, we even got to touch a stingray and a little shark. They felt really weird.

We really enjoyed going to Ken and Jeanette's house and getting a tour of the farm. The dairy is interesting and so high tech. Who knew getting milk from a cow was so complicated. Kaitlyn was thrilled to see all the animals. She got to pet a baby cow, a deer, a horse, a dog, and several adorable kittens.

The wedding was beautiful. Kaitlyn and Ben did pretty good sitting through the ceremony at the church. Ben slept most of the time. Kaitlyn got a little restless, so Brandon took her into the children's room towards the end. Kaitlyn loved blowing bubbles on Kim and Ryan as they left the church. The reception was really neat. Brandon's aunt Sue put bells all over Kaitlyn so she jingled everywhere she went. She was absolutely adorable. She was the friendliest kid and had tons of fun dancing with whoever would dance with her. I think she was the cutest kid at the reception.

Overall, the trip was very enjoyable and we look forward to visiting again. Brandon's family were all very friendly and loving. We really appreciate their kindness, especially Sharon for letting us stay at her house again. I think it is really important for us to spend time with Brandon's extended family as much as we can. I will try to post some pictures as soon as I can, my computer is still acting very weird.

Vacation

We are really excited to be leaving for Minneapolis tomorrow. We all need a good vacation. Kaitlyn can not wait to ride on an airplane. She has been talking a lot about it the last couple of days. I will try to post pictures of Kaitlyn at the airport in a couple of days. It will be nice to visit Brandon's extended family. I am looking forward to going to his cousins wedding.

We have been doing great. I have been busy getting everything ready for our trip. Of course, Kaitlyn had to help me pack stuff. She got to pick out which clothes to take and put them in the bag. She also help me pick out some new toys and books for the airplane ride.

Ben is as cute as ever. He has started to smile all the time. On Saturday, Brandon even got him to laugh a little. It was the most adorable little cooing sound. He still has such a mellow disposition and is an easy baby.

Stupid insomnia, I better get to bed. Our plane leaves tomorrow night at 10pm.