God Bless America, 2022

 

The Fourth of July has quickly become one of our very favorite holidays, and this year felt like one of our best.  The actual holiday fell on a Monday, but we started celebrating on Friday and had the best time at all of the festivities.

First up was the Colonial Days at Scera Park - we have not ever gone and couldn't believe all that we have been missing.  There were so many activities and historical reenactments.  Luke was in heaven with all of the history and guns, and Ruby was thrilled with all of the crafts and games.  I learned more about the Boston Massacre than I ever thought I needed to know, and I think we all gained a small appreciation for what life as a colonist must have been like.

Luke love drilling with the army.

I wish they were always this excited to do chores.

Weaving and candle making.  

The Stadium of Fire is always the highlight of the celebrations and this year we were especially excited to see Tim McGraw and Marie Osmond (ok, maybe only grandma was really excited about Marie).  The show did not disappoint and it turned out to be an incredible summer night to remember.

Ok, but really, the only thing that could make the Fourth of July any better, would be to celebrate it with cousins - even better this year because the Arizona kids were in town.  I bought everything red white and blue that they had at the dollar store, and the kids dove in and made great use of it all to create costumes and "floats".  Our parade this year was small, and almost an afterthought, but that's only because everyone had so much fun getting ready for it.  

Gosh I just really love all of these cuties.

After a weekend of partying, we finally made it to Monday and the big Provo parade.  I was content to stay home, but Tim was a trooper and got everyone out to enjoy the parade and the festival in the park.

Sparklers and home grown fireworks.

Living in Utah is the best because we celebrate the 4th, and then three weeks later, we celebrate the 24th, or Pioneer Day.  The big day included a parade, playing in the park, and our own little cul de sac of fire!!

June, 2022 - Summer of Sports

 Summertime and sports are probably one of my very favorite combinations.  During the month of June it seems like we spent most days at some type of practice or game, and I could not have loved it more.  It has been so fun to see Luke and ruby develop a love for play and competition.  Tim is a super mellow fan, and I'm trying to be - but sometimes it can be tough when my babies are on the field.

Luke was able to attend a BYU football camp, and he was pretty much in heaven the full three days.  Coach Sitake was there with plenty of hype and words of advice, and they were able to work with several other coaches and players. For their first day, they played at the stadium, and then moved to the indoor practice facility - Luke definitely felt like he was in the big leagues.  He loved all of the drills and just being around so many kids who loved BYU and football.  He is already talking about next year.

While Luke was at camp, Ruby explored the rest of BYU campus.

Ruby's softball season started up again in June and we were so excited for Ruby to be on a team with her coach, and a lot of the teammates from last year.  It took her a little bit to get back into the groove of playing.  She thought that she was scared of hitting off the machine, but after a trip to the batting cages, discovered that she could hit so much further that way.  Several of her hits were well into the grassy field and she loved being considered such a power hitter.  The team was full of such fun girls - they spent some time focused on the game, and plenty of time chanting, cheering, and dancing.  

After such a great year in 2021, Luke was hoping to stick with most of his teammates, however, we found out that he is old enough now, that the teams are picked by draft.  He headed out to his first practice with his new team, not sure of what to expect, and discovered yet another great coach, and a new team full of friends.  This was really a big breakout year for Luke.  He decided he wanted to pitch and to be honest, I was shocked when I saw him up on the mound, striking kids out, and perfectly poised.  As the season went on he just got better and better and I loved seeing his confidence grow.  When he wasn't on the mound, he was usually at 1st base where the coach put him because he almost never let a ball get past him.  This season Luke also really improved his hitting - with improved pitching on the other side, he was able to get some really good hits.  Watching him cruise across home plate was always the best because he usually had the biggest smile on his face after he scored.  After the first few games, we knew we had a special team, but wouldn't find out how special until the end of the season.

Grandpa and Grandma were able to come to a few of the games this year which was just so awesome.  Luke loved having extra fans, and it was always so fun to see my dad talk baseball with him after the game.  

Two of Luke's teammates left before the season was over, so we got an early team pic.

Luke and his bestie, Sonny, wanted to practice pitching, but they didn't have any real catching gear.  I died laughing at what they came up with for protection!

And sometimes, hanging out in the sunshine is the very best sport of all.

June, 2022 - Celebrations & Happenings

We had a lot of fun during the month of June,  I think might be my favorite month - there is always so much going on and the weather is usually perfect.  But the very best part about June is that we get to celebrate our anniversary.  It is crazy to think of all that we have experienced and accomplished together in the past 13 years.  We are really just so blessed with the family and the life we have created.  We celebrated with our favorite tacos and Garth Brooks and it could not have been a more perfect night.

This definitely wasn't a celebration, just the opposite.  After spending time in Utah, Erika headed back to Mexico.  We loved having her with us and were so sad to say goodbye.

Nothing better than coming home to this sweet boy.  When we agreed to get a dog I never imagined how he would work his way into our hearts.  We are all slightly obsessed with our very best pup.

We went with Grandma and the cousins to see High School Musical at the Scera.  The kids were too embarrassed to get a picture with the cast, but at least I convinced them to take one with the set.

Summer days spent at Lagoon with this crew will forever be one of my favorite memories.  This year Ruby has gotten braver and has ventured onto some of the scarier rides.  Luke is all in and will go on any ride offered as long as he has a partner.  We still spend a big part of our day in Pioneer Village exploring the museums and old buildings - I'm hope the kids never lose their love of history.

Celebrating Father's Day is always so joyful.  Tim is such and incredible dad, and the kids are completely obsessed with him.  This year they made stepping stones for the garden, and bought him a big supply of Hersheys - his favorite candy bar.  We all try to make sure he knows how much he is loved every day, but this guy definitely deserves a day where the world can revolve around him!.