Utah

We went to Utah for the 4th and it was a party. We saw lots of friends, ate at all the glorious restaurants Utah has to offer because Utah knows how to do food, and stayed up way too late visiting with family. It was over 100 degrees the whole time and sunny all week long. It was my paradise! We were so nervous about going to Utah this summer because we thought the heat would just melt our family. It in fact gave us a much needed recharge. It was so fun to be in a place that felt like summer. We were also laughing because last summer, coming from Arizona, Utah felt like a "cold snap" but this year coming from Seattle it felt like an oven.


Every time! The thing is, I think Hayes minded, but the power of screen time can not be bothered. QT cousin time am I right?!

 We played in an actual splash pad!! Not just a fountain that sprays mist but an actual fountain! Haven't seen those in a couple of months

 The 4th was done as only Utah can do the 4th. It lasted for a few days over all the cities and counties and every party was chuck full of fun. Ethan and I went to the CVille fireworks as a date on the night of the 3rd and on the morning of the 4th we went to the CVille parade with the fam. We tried to run the Freedom run but slept through our alarms. In the afternoon we visited with the McFarlands which was WONDERFUL!! We haven't seen them in two years and we just love them to pieces. Evan and Ethan were meant for each other. That evening we had a picnic with the Nellys, swam in their pool, and went to a park where we could see multiple shows going off at once. It was just so much fun. I got a little sick in the heat of the parade, but all in all it was just the best day! Hot and sunny and fun.

We tried...

 Swimming was so much fun! We pretty much had the pool to ourselves. And I was so proud of Kelsey. For a time, she took off her floaty and remembered how to swim!! I still don't totally trust her alone in a pool, but she could jump in, touch the bottom, come up for air, and swim to the side! It was so exciting.

Julie is the best in the whole world, and moved Hayes's entire birthday party up a week so that we could join!! I was almost in tears I was so excited!! You guys!! She throws the best parties. They are always so thought out, the theme is out of control cute, its executed perfectly, but so low key that you don't feel intense about anything. I don't know how she does it. How can it be all those things at once?! Its crazy, but I love that we get to go. This them was baseball and it was just so much fun.

 Cool "tornado" we saw in Idaho

 After two VERY long years, we got to see the Johnsons, which was a miracle in itself because they live in Chicago and are moving to Florida. The 4th in Utah is truly a magical time of year.

We thought it would be cute to get the two "babies" together in a photo. They did not like this idea

 We took a trip up to Pineview and took out the paddle board for the first time. I am so happy we made this purchase! So is everyone else I think!! no one can deny the joy of a paddle board

 I love that Diana is in the background. So so cute! Also, side note, Madison LOVES the "paddyboard" or "boat" she would not get off. She rocked at standing on it while I paddled and got really good about jumping off and climbing back on. Shes an all star. Kelsey did great too, but she was a little more interested in playing with Harper which is fair because Harper is awesome.

 

No reason. Just becasue it was warm. I didn't realize we had become such warm blooded people

 The Wings had a big family reunion which brought many visitors from out of town including Aunt Kay and the Robbins. It was great to see our Arizona family again.