We miss Daddy

Gabe having a nice chat with Daddy far away in Seattle. Gabe really is quite the little conversationalist for a barely-2-year-old! I'm so glad that we have cell phones to keep in touch. My parents were telling me about a time when my Dad had to move ahead of the family to start a new job in Colorado. He didn't even have a place to live yet. Mom was left home in Utah with 3 little kids. They were describing how difficult that time was - and they didn't even have phones to communicate! How awful. We are so blessed. At least I can call and text Eric whenever I want. We even send pictures and video clips to each other! Wow - technology sure makes times like this a little easier.

Only 3 more days to go until Eric comes home... and we all go back to Washington together!

Erin for a visit!

My little sister Erin and her little Ben and Eliza came to Utah for almost 2 weeks! She actually had plans to come in July but switched it around so that I would be here for her visit. I was so happy to be able to spend so much time with them. Erin lives in Detroit so we don't get to spend much time together! To make the most of it we packed these past weeks full of fun activities... here is a sampling of the good times:

Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point Why haven't I ever been here before?! It was a blast... and Gabe LOVED the pony ride (despite the pained expression in the picture)!

Family dinner for Mel's birthday We had a few big family dinners of course but this one was special since we got to celebrate Melanie! a rainy day at the Hogle Zoo The rain actually made the day more exciting! :) It was nice and cool and the animals were all prowling around too. It was a wonderful day!Tracy Aviary Eric and I used to come to Liberty Park all the time to rollerblade or play frisbee when we lived close by but for some crazy reason we never went to the aviary. We were definitely missing out - it is a great place! One of my favorite moments was when all of a sudden Wesley took off running full steam at a peacock with Amy running after him yelling "Wesley, stop! stop! stop! Is that real?! STOP!!" It was hilarious and so Wesley! Ben ended up taking Wesley and Gabe's hands as they followed the peacock at a safer distance - so cute!Obviously we weren't the only ones enjoying the exhibits (heehee) - that gorgeous peacock looked enthralled!

Gabe and Wesley were best buds, as usual. Amy and I loved watching them! (Gabe is going to miss Wesley and Cannon so much - it breaks my heart to separate them.)

so uplifting

I know it's strange to post pictures of flowers but I had to! I was at my parents the other day and I decided to cut myself a bouquet of roses from my mom's flower garden. I just can't get over how absolutely beautiful the flowers are... each blossom is just perfect. I love having them sit on my table at home so that I can enjoy them all day. It really makes me happy!Every time I go over to their house I love to walk around the yard and just soak up the beauty of it. My parents really complement each other in creating a gorgeous yard. Dad, as a landscape architect, has an uncanny gift in creating the overall plan: the size and shape of planters, patios and paths and the placement of trees, bushes, and flower beds. It is just amazing. And then there is Mom that brings it all to life with her green thumb and creative genius! She knows just what to put where and it all blends beautifully. The variety is what enchants me... it's like there is always something to discover. Together they transformed a complete dump (from 16 yrs ago when we moved here from Az.) into a beautiful, peaceful oasis. Look, I know I sound corny but I don't care... it's seriously how I feel. It calms and uplifts me just to be able to walk around and look at the amazing variety of plants and flowers, trees and shrubs. I love it.

I guess the reason I'm thinking so much about this is that my parents have sold their home and bought a new one in Highland so my days are numbered to enjoy it. It really makes me sad! I have so many incredible memories in that house and yard. Man, I'm really not good with change and there are just a few too many for me lately! It really breaks my heart to think that after I move, when I come home to visit, my 'home' will be gone. Of course their new house and lot is just gorgeous with lots of room for more gardening and even the horses! It will be wonderful to see them put their personal touch to it as well. I truly am excited for them - it's going to be great. I just hate to say goodbye to something I love....

fun times!

Gabe and Cannon got to have a sleep over... what fun! Those two are so adorable. First thing in the morning I found them exclaiming excitedly over the garbage truck!! Yay! Later we went up Payson canyon to Blackhawk campground where my family had gone camping the night before. There we got to ride horses, have a campfire and..... even play in the mud! Check out that muddy face on Wesley! Ha!! Those boys were filthy by the end of the day!
It is absolutely gorgeous up there. I love Payson Canyon and Blackhawk... the views are breathtaking!

good bye party!

Eric and I have loved playing on our softball team for the past 4 years. We have so many great memories of playing ball with our awesome, kick-butt team of close friends and family! :) After Eric's last game before leaving for Seattle, they threw a big bbq party to say goodbye... what a blast. Thanks guys - we are going to miss you

Eric's boys

Memorial Day weekend

Eric's family came over for dinner. I got a ton of great video but I forgot to take pics with my camera! Here is a pic Crystal sent me (I can't get it any bigger). She had Gabe laughing so hard with her "goose" impersonations!
Here we are at dinner at Mel and Brad's for Connor's birthday...the big 12!! (Can't believe he is 12 already - seems like yesterday I was toting my nephew around as a sweet little baby!) The girls congregated upstairs while the boys were all downstairs watching a ball game!Later that night at our house for fun and games... Who knew the Little Tikes Easy Shot would be such a hit with the big boys too?! :)

BBQ at Mindy and Griff's on Memorial Day. Their backyard is the perfect spot to hang out... with a river flowing by (Gabe and Wes were loving that), a sweet deck for bbq's, and even a firepit to roast marshmallows!

Ha ha - gotta love this pic! :) Little boys are so dang funny - good thing we have so many in our family!!

Wesley and Gabe made sure Denali was included in the fun times. As soon as Wesley got there he ran over and climbed aboard - then Gabe was saying "ride, ride, ride" so they both got on! Later she got covered in dirt and fed rocks but remained happy and sweet with her little buddies... what a good doggie! Check out this adorable video of the 3 of them...