Happy 4th...

What a beautiful way to celebrate our nation's independence.  I have lots of warm fuzzies about America and the sacrifices that so many have made so I can do what I do.  I remember listening to a radio program that highlighted Iraqi women who were not allowed to drive.  They protested by driving and were jailed for 2 years.  the things that I do every day that I take for granted are here because of the freedoms that were fought for.  A goal in my life is to teach my Mister the importance of patriotism.

We didn't really know how Independence Day would play out.  Just the day before, he had thrown up really badly at another family function.  Danger...

For the celebration part, we went up to my old neighborhood for a tradition that goes back further than I can remember - probably before I was born.  My old neighbors get together for a Bishop's breakfast early.  This year, Shiree played her bagpipes to help celebrate.

Aiden "helping" Shiree play her bagpipes! 

We skipped the city parade in exchange for a nap and watching Star Trek with Uncle Chris.  Then off to Rays for another 4th of July tradition - BBQ and swimming!!  Aiden looks like he was in agony after the slide, but he was just a little cold.  Poor bug.  Lisa's pool is usually the heat of a cool hot tub, so he warmed up quickly.  After he just couldn't take swimming any more, he went to the sandbox and loved every minute of it.  Then, we played pool!  

A few brave people in our family playing Chicken Wars.  The younger boys took turns mooning us as they were diving off the diving board.  

Stu helping him with the cue.  He was a maniac!!

Finally, the extended family decided to go to Morgan for the fireworks and a concert.  My little man had not been feeling well for a couple days anyway, so the thought of a tired, sick toddler sitting for 2 hours during a concert was just not going to happen.  So we went to the Layton castle to watch the fireworks in the valley.  Even that didn't last long.  We got in the car and headed home before they started... only to find that the best seat to see fireworks was in our front yard.  

He was asleep before we even pulled out of the parking lot of the castle.

OH!  and I made a pie.  Cute, eh?

Miracle of Life

Saturdays are my days with Mister.  I love those days because I get to do what I love most - be a Mom.  I was born for this lovely calling.  I love being with my man SO much.

Today we went down to Thanksgiving Point to the dino museum and the farm.  First, the museum.  He is now officially at the age where he can really start to interact with the exhibits.  He can point at the teeth, he understands a lot more, and he enjoys it.  We really enjoyed it today.

He is fascinated with dinosaur teeth.  Like these TRex teeth.

The traditional picture in front of the ancient shark thing.  He wasn't afraid of him at all.  I have mentioned this before, but Aiden is not afraid of things that most kids are.  He was so fascinated by the teeth.

Aiden found a lady friend to dig in the dirt with.  They flirted, they threw sand, they laughed.  It was all very wholesome.

After the dinosaur museum, we wandered down to the farm.  We didn't stay long because a) it was really hot  b) I forgot to put sunscreen on Aiden    c) it was hot and    d) it was hot.

But we did get to see two little goats being born.  We literally walked up and this farm worker was in the pen just looking at this goat who is freaking out and in pain.  She turned to me and told me to stick around for about 5 minutes and we would have babies.  She was right.  It was beautiful.  Two really healthy, perfect little goats.  Remember that these pictures were taken with my phone so they are terrible.  

Looking at the chickens

The goat is just born.  Just barely.  Like 3 minutes before this picture.

Tiny thing is already walking.  So cute.

As we were leaving, another worker told us to hang on because chicken eggs were hatching.  So we were able to see the miracle of life full on today at the farm.  2 goats and 3 chickens introduced into the world.

Happy Birthday!!

Yesterday was Aiden's 2nd Birthday.  We played all day.  Started with a waffle breakfast followed by cupcakes at Smeds (to celebrate that Aunt Kari's birthday was the same day!!).  Then we took a trip to meet the cousins up in Logan at the ice cream factory, then home to play with his new train table (for his Bday) and cake/Thomas playing.

Mom spent the better part of the evening reading stories and generally snuggling.  I almost lost my little man 2 years ago on 2 separate occasions.  I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Birthday Bash

We celebrated Aiden's birthday a little early.  Saturday, we had family and friends over for a luau and BBQ.  It was awesome.  Little Man spent the morning boating with Smeds while I went to Sam and Anna's wedding.  (see previous post).  Then we partied!  (I will post the boating pics as soon as I get them from Smeds.  Let's just say, there is a cute little man in Thomas trunks going tubing...)

My friends, Steph and Haili and Cayden, came for the party.  Aiden and Cayden had never met before, but they hit it off instantly.  

Michael.  Sigh.  I love the hairy armpits in the hula girl outfit.  Nasty.

Our luau feast was a big hit.

My handsome Birthday Boy!

Mike and Amanda brought new baby, Olivia.  She is such a honey.  5 weeks old and precious!!

Just some of the many friends who came to party!

Aiden and his cousin, Gracie.  (I know, I know... they are second cousins.  Semantics.)

Let the gift opening begin!!

Aiden wanted to keep playing with his new toy, a train named Henry.  Mom forced him to open more presents.  Mean mom.

He is not mawling Gracie.  He is, in fact, giving her a thank you hug.

While the rest of us played volleyball and ate, Aiden excused himself and found a quiet corner to play with Henry.  Party pooper.

His birthday cupcake.  Blowing out the candles!  2 candles.  2!!!  Mom is shocked that he is two already.

His cupcakes.  Wannahockaloogie cupcakes  (Pineapple upside down cupcakes with whipped cream and caramel.  Divine!)

Playing with Henry.  Still.  After the sun went down.  Still!!

Breanna got creative with the leis.  

Breanna also got adventurous with the whipped cream.

What an awesome party!!!  We love celebrating with our friends and family!!

Congratulations

Congratulations to Sam and Anna.  

Two of my best friends.  Married at long last.  It was a beautiful bride, a stunning groom, and beautiful vows.  

Sam and Anna (or as I call them...  Salmonanna) were married on Saturday on a beautiful June morning.  

Best of luck.  Love ya both!