Fourth of July

There is something special about the fourth of July... I don't know what it is, the warm weather, the celebrations, the fireworks, the family gatherings, barbecues, what it celebrates, or just cause it's a great day. But whatever it is I love it! I get so excited that I asked Matt to come home earlier than he would have liked from camping so we could celebrate it with our families. We had a small gathering at Candace's house, it was a little different not having Connie and Ty, Staci, Jon or Katie there to celebrate with, it was really weird. We had a wonderful time swimming, eating and chatting at Candace's pool!!

This is Saige's classic swimsuit. I dont know what it is even without the life jacket this girl tends to get swimsuits to be so uncomfortable looking but she never seems to care! Oh I love this girl.

And we cant have a post without a picture of our favorite Josie!! Isnt she a doll? She is growing so fast, and is looking less like Candace and more like Grant! We love having her around!!

That night we headed up to North Salt Lake to watch the fireworks with the Smith's. I of course forgot my camera, but we had such a great time eating cotton candy and popcorn, teasing family and of course the fireworks. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Smith for hosting our large crowd again, we look forward to it every year and have so much fun! Happy Fourth of July!!

Camping #1

I have never been a camper. Growing up, for some reason I had this strong hate for it. My Dad LOVES to camp, but living with all girls, we didn't get out and camp all that much. So when I married Matt, a man who loves everything about the outdoors, I knew camping would be in my future. I have really put it off, with work and school we really haven't camped all that much. So when Matt suggested that we take advantage of a few days off work and go camping I wasn't the first to pack-up and get all excited, but I decided I would have a much better attitude about it and try things out.

So we packed our little family up and headed up to a spot up in the Uintah's near Trout Creek. I thought it would be a little packed and we would hear the other TRUE Americans out celebrating Independence Day!! But it was quite different. We headed up where only those who had trucks could travel too. It was really fun to go on these steep bumpy roads and almost feel as if we were going far far away! Matt pulled up to this gorgeous spot with grass, lots of shade, a wonderful fire pit and NO ONE ELSE AROUND!! It was great!

We quickly pitched the tent, as you can tell I was a lot of help, but it's Mom's job to document the vacation right?, and then we set out for an adventure, of course Matt already had his gear out looking for the "animals". His love and interest in the wild has completely rubbed off onto our kids and they love it almost as much as he does. I wish I had gotten a picture of Milo holding his hands to his eyes like binoculars, it was so funny, and he really thought that it was working!!

Saige and I walked behind Matt and Milo almost as if we were on two completely different walks. Matt and Milo were walking completely silent and trying to spot deer, Saige was on this wonderland adventure and had the time of her life finding all the beautiful things that you can find in the mountains, flowers, leaves, trees, birds, butterflies, everything a little girl loves. I just followed behind her, wishing to myself that I could have just a little bit of her energy and love for life. It was a wonderful reminder to me to just take in the moment and relax, who knows when the next chance we have to have our family alone just spending time together! It was wonderful!! Had a couple learning experiences, Matt's knowledge of the outdoors amazes me, pointing out what all the plants were, which ones were good which were not, finding a bird's nest and teaching the kids with every chance he had!

We came back and teased Matt in the tent, I was a little surprised when Matt put the tent up, that we would all fit in but it was great!


It was getting late, and we cannot go camping without a campfire, that is my all time favorite thing about camping! The kids and I got the stuff to roast marshmallows, I really don't enjoy them but love to roast them, so we sat on the log and Matt came over with a little worried look on his face.... he pulled out the lighter and tried a few times to get a spark and looked over at me and asked, "How bad do you want a fire?" Apparently I said with a sad face, " Well it is my favorite part?" He said he would try everything, he pulled out some alcohol wipes trying to get a spark to catch, sprayed the propane from the fuel from the stove, nothing was working. Knowing Matt, I knew he could get something to work, but I wanted to keep the kids from driving him crazy and we walked around for a bit, and then climbed into the truck. Matt thought I climbed in to pout (POUT?!?!!? do i pout? I don't think so!!), but i was getting a little cold and so were the kids, so i wanted to keep them as quiet as possible. After a little effort Matt got a small spark to catch on the propane stove and we HAD FIRE!! It was wonderful, nothing better than sitting around the fire.

we tried those SUPER huge marshmallows, we roasted one and it was enough for our whole family to get our marshmallow fix. I could not believe how huge those things were, so if any one needs any marshmallows, please stop by we have a lifetime supply. While Saige was roasting hers, she continued to catch hers on fire, after a couple of burning off the stick she commented, " Gosh, i am the best at this arent I?" Matt and I both laughed, well at least we have taught her to have confidence and look for the positive! After a litte sugar rush, we headed to bed and all slept really well. We were close together but really well!

I think the trip was a huge success, I have a completely different outlook on camping, I really quite enjoyed myself. Now I know why my Dad tried so many times to take us camping, (sorry for my bad attitude Dad, let's try it again!!) it brought our family closer and gave us a chance to just talk with no computers or phones and just be together!!! I love my family!!

Easter 2010

(I apologized earlier for making some late posts, there are some great pictures from my family that I couldn't just keep hidden!)

This year was a different one! Staci was leaving the next week for Virginia, it was her birthday and Candace was about to have baby Josie. We had the traditional easter egg hunt, and a birthday party. Thanks family, we always have a fun time together!

The mysterious Matt

Matt doesn't let me take pictures of him. If I grab a couple its usually when he is doing things with the kids or I sneak it. After I downloaded the pictures on my camera I found some pictures that Matt had taken, I love them. They describe Matt so well and he might not be in them, but they remind me so much of him. Here is a small glimpse into Matt...I love the one on the bridge.
- H