Happy Birthday Todd!

Yes, I'm writing this late....but it will show posted on August 8th....so that's ok, right?

Todd has officially entered his last year of the 4th decade of his life! We were lucky enough to spend the whole day together and child-free! (many thanks to Sandra and our evening babysitter)

We spent the day relaxing in the hot tubs, playing in the mud, eating a tasty lunch, enjoying a vigorous massage under the shade of the oak trees, and lounging by the pool. Glen Ivy is really time well spent.

That night we had dinner, great conversation, and good times all around!

Happy Birthday my love! You are a wonderful man and I am one lucky girl!

Finally...a trip to the BEACH!

Why did it take this long to feel the sand between our toes? We've got reasons...but whatever. We finally made it!

Love this kid!

Andrew's 2nd Birthday

and our trip to Utah - part 3.

Andrew turned two. Wow did those years go fast!

We had dinner and with Denise's help, we made some decent cupcakes.

There were bubbles

and Pop Rocks

and presents, of course.

but I think his favorite was the pack of Skittles he couldn't wait to get his hands on.

My little peanut is growing up. This one won't be left behind. He jumps, runs and fights with the best of them. He is all boy and full of life and fun! What joy he adds to our home!

Trip to Utah - Part 2

We had to take the kids out to the canyon - it was gorgeous and green and the water was flowing!

Most of the time, this was my view of Andrew...

The kids discovered a new love of hiking!

Our Summer Trip to Utah - Part 1

We spent two whole weeks...So I hope these pictures capture just a bit of the fun we had!

This was the quietest part of the whole trip...well at least as soon as Andrew fell asleep!

First we visited some good friends and enjoyed their lake "beach".

Then it was Family Reunion Time and swimming, swimming and more swimming!And nap time...My uncle's backyard borders the Provo river which was pretty heavy with water for this time of year.We did actually see a large and impressive fireworks show but the kids enjoyed the "show" before the show.

End of Year One

Ava successfully completed her first year of preschool. She was fortunate enough to have quite a few really great friends there at Busy Bee Academy.

Following the graduation and awards ceremony, we all enjoyed an fun and adventurous lunch at Rainforest Cafe.

To round out the festivities of the week, we took a trip to our local Build-a-Bear and she picked out her very own Jack Russell Terrier.

(Just a side note: The Build-a-Bear trip was a reward for a very successful and cavity-free trip to the dentist. Hooray!)