a summer evening

Summer Camping

We went up to the canyon to spend a day at the Sanders family camping trip. It was nice to be up there enjoying some fresh air. We went for a long walk, smelled the flowers, and threw rocks and sticks in the river. Todd and Susan were in change of dinner that night and they made a delicious feast. Dutch oven ribs and au gratin potatoes. Yummy! The saying still stands, food always tastes better in the mountains, even if it is raining.... But the rain eventually stopped and Alli was able to spend some time playing and exploring with her cousins. We love the mountains! Maybe next year the kids will be old enough to camp over night. I hope.

This is my favorite picture EVER!

We had a fantastic 4th of July!

Allison went on lots of fun rides. She had double the fun riding rides with her friend Keira.

 The food was yummy and the band entertaining. We were having a great time dancing around!

 Benson loved it and was dancing right along. He is the world's most awesome baby boy!

Happy 4th of July!

Benson's 1st Birthday

Our sleeping baby, the last night before turning one.

Good morning cute boy.

We told Benson that today was his special day! It was his FIRST BIRTHDAY!

We had a fun little party that evening at a park. It was lots of fun!

Benson is the cake eating champion of the world, in case you didn't know. He ate his ENTIRE cake. He just kept eating and eating and eating. Love the last picture: what you're telling me it is gone, how. dare. you.

 Daddy helped our birthday boy open his presents.

They were all so great and fun, thank you!

 ...Benny's Birthday Crew...

We love you!!!!!

Tiny Dancer

Allison had her first dance recital today. She did great and looked ADORABLE! The theme was Beauty and the Beast. She did two dances. Her first dance was tap to the "Gaston" song and then her ballet dance was to "Beauty and the Beast". It was fun that Alli was able to take dance with her good friend Lauren this year. Those girls are too cute and always share a lot of laughs together. She also had a wonderful teacher (Miss Julie). Most of all we love that Allison is loving dance.

Good job Alli girl! We love you, tiny dancer!

We are going to miss this...

...Memory Grove...

the flowers,

the beautiful memorials,

the duck pond,

and scenes like this with my favorite people having fun,

the river,

saying hi to the horses,

seeing my favorite spot with three waterfalls,

hanging out on the grass,

smelling flowers,

the path along the river,

and then walking home to this beautiful building.

We can always come visit but it will be different than a quick stroll down the street after dinner.