Happy Father's Day Pops!

I have been blessed with one of the greatest dads in the world. He is always looking for ways to serve those around him and is generous in every way. My dad is slow to judge and quick to offer a helping hand.

I can blame him for me getting married at a "mature" age. He set the bar high- I thought all men were supposed to be willing to help cook, clean, provide for their families, serve in the church, assist neighbors, be a good father & husband and enjoy life. I'm glad there was one (HeRoos) left for me even with such high expectations set by my dad.



Our family reunion is on Father's Day every year. My dad does all the work for us. He cooks killer dutch oven food and makes the weekend something we look forward to.



He loves his grand kids and they adore him.

Hidden Surprises

Even more reasons why I love our new house. Look at all the surprises growing in our backyard.

Grapes


Peaches?

Strawberries

Cherries

And one happy little boy who loves fruit!

A Vacation After a Vacation

I absolutely love vacations but I also enjoy being home. We've been quite busy for the past couple weeks & I'm in need of some rest.

I did laundry and packed.

Then I went to Girl's Camp for a couple days and had a great time getting to know the girls & leaders better. The rainy weather didn't stop the girls from having fun and passing off their camp certification. Our camp leaders were awesome and put so much work into it. MB had fun with Grandma GoGo and Daddy. He didn't seem to mind or even notice that I was gone.

I unpacked and did laundry.

We packed and left for our trip to Yellowstone a couple days later. We had a great time.

We arrived home, unpacked & did laundry.

I had an appointment with an oral surgeon to get some weird things in mouth removed. My mouth was full of stitches as we packed once again and headed to Downey, Idaho (Downata Hot Springs) for our Family Reunion. We had a great time with our family. I love them tons and always enjoy our time together. Unfortunately, I was a slacker with the camera and didn't get pictures. The rain started POURING just as we got out of the pool today. It didn't let up as we ate our lunch under an awning or for our two hour drive home.

We're finally home again & I have yet to unpack and do laundry. I fell asleep on the couch (not my preferred place to nap) as HeRoos made a delicious dinner and took care of MB.

I laughed so hard at our dinner conversation that I thought the stitches in my mouth were going to tear.

Me: Thank you for making dinner.
HeRoos: Thanks for carrying the baby. We'll call it even.

Yea right- Good try!

HeRoos' Birthday Wish

My man is low maintenance. He rarely buys anything for himself and only had two birthday requests...Sizzler & Burnt Almond Fudge Ice Cream. He didn't even want a present.

We arrived in Idaho Falls and went directly to Sizzler only to find out that they closed five minutes before we arrived. HeRoos was very disappointed, especially since he knows it's only once a year that I'll go with him there (I'm not a fan).

We stayed in Idaho Falls with his grandparents. MB absolutely adores Great Grandma Sharon. He constantly wants to be picked up and loved on by her. Sharon made a cake for the birthday boy, HeRoos. She is so thoughtful.




We stopped in Ogden on our way home and HeRoos got his Birthday Wish a day late, all you can eat shrimp at Sizzler. I was pleasantly surprised with how well I liked the salad bar. MB was even happy as he gnawed on watermelon and strawberries.



Now I'm on the hunt for Burnt Almond Fudge Ice Cream. We've tried three different stores and they don't have it. Happy Birthday HeRoos!

Tetons

I'm always amazed with how beautiful the Tetons are. The rain made everything look extra vibrant and alive.

Buffalo Burgers

As we were on our way to Old Faithful, we hit a MAJOR traffic jam. It was nonstop traffic for miles. We waited and waited and waited and waited. HeRoos decided to jump out and see what was going on while I took over driving. As MB and I slowly headed up the road, my bladder got fuller with each passing moment and the baby seemed to get enjoyment out of this as she kicked as hard as she could.

An hour passed and there was no sign of HeRoos and no cell phone reception. I considered my options: a)pee my pants b)pee in one of MB's diapers if I could manuever it in my pants c)leave MB alone in the car & jump out and pee in front of all the stopped vehicles d)pray for a miracle.

Just when I didn't think I could handle another second, the traffic sped up and I FINALLY saw HeRoos on the side of the road. I pulled over, grabbed some tissue, and waddled my pregnant self down by the stream. HeRoos yelled for me to go further down out of sight but there was no time. RELIEF.

Apparently the Buffalo decided they wanted to hang out in the road. It took the Rangers quite a while to herd them off the road. HeRoos never quite made it in time to see the Buffalo but he walked four miles passing vehicles. The buffalo put us behind 2 hours and HeRoos said, "Those darn bison. We should have buffalo burgers for lunch."



We're waiting for Old Faithful to do her "thang."



MB clapped as she huffed and puffed.




The crowd left in a hurry and MB enjoyed walking with a monkey on his back.

Yellowstone National Park

Norris Geyser Basin







Lower Falls

It was pouring rain so we waited in our car for a few minutes. I'm glad we didn't let the rain stop us because it cleared up for the entire hike.

MB tried using his dad's ears and hair as reins. Not a good idea.



This is what he looked like when he didn't get his way. No sympathy from us.

Mini Van Club

After our trip to Yellowstone National Park, we have decided it's time to join the Club...the mini van club. I never thought I would own a mini van, especially with only two kids. I'm dreading a car payment but after looking at these pictures, you may see why I don't want to go on another road trip until we own one.

MB got a forward facing car seat just in time for the trip. It looks like he's about to be swallowed up by "things."



The trunk was stuffed full of camping supplies we didn't end up using thanks to Holiday Inn.



Books, toys, and Kids Sing Along Songs can only entertain for so long. It's time that we accept that we're living in the 21st century and get with it. A DVD player will provide a much needed distraction.



And last but not least, MB may appreciate being changed in private, away from hungry birds. :)



HeRoos is on his way to the dealership now (after hours) to scope things out. We DISLIKE dealing with salesman and don't want to feel any pressure. Wish us luck and if you see me starting to wear "Mom Jeans," speak up and save me before it's too late!

HAFB Air Show

For months we have been looking forward to the Air Show at Hill Air Force Base. It has been quite LOUD around our place with the planes practicing overhead. As the day approached, I must admit my excitement died down as I heard how many people were going to be there.

There was no talking HeRoos out of it though. He ran over anyone and anything in sight just to get there in time. I thought I was going to look down and see our unborn baby on the path behind us as we RAN across the military base. We made it just in time to see the Thunder birds. I must admit, it was an amazing site. It was also great to see so many military men & women walking around in their uniforms. The Patriotic music blaring on the speakers and planes flying above made my skin crawl with pride.


Look closely at the picture (above his head). MB and his dad obviously don't share the same excitement. MB would rather eat Goldfish crackers and play around instead of watch the planes.


HeRoos' dad on the other hand is a die hard. He was waiting at the gate at 6:30 AM to get in. He was the first to arrive and one of the last to leave.


We ran into our good friends & had fun visiting with them.

My Walking Boys

We met up with my parents for dinner at a great restaurant, Sonora Grill.

It took us a long time to make it back to the car- MB insisted on walking all by himself.

Angels on Duty

I had the scare of my lifetime yesterday. I'm going to share, not so you can see what a horrible mother I was but, so you won't make the same mistake.

MB and I were visiting my mom and I thought I would attempt to put him in the pack and play for a nap. He rarely falls asleep in it but it was worth a try. The pack and play was beside a bed and dresser. I noticed a few things on the bed (including an empty bag) so I moved them over and didn't think much of it. We could hear MB in the room playing and talking. When he got quiet my mom wanted to check on him but I told her not to because I didn't want him to start fussing if he wasn't asleep yet.

A while later, I opened the door to peek on him. He was on his stomach with green yarn wrapped all around his neck and arm. I screamed for my mom and picked him up. He woke up as I started unwinding the yarn from around his neck. My mom walked in and saw what happened and started screaming too. MB started crying since he was woken up to screams and his mom unwinding his yarn project. He was perfectly fine and there was no harm done but I was really shaken up over it. I got on my knees and thanked Heavenly Father for watching out for my baby. Every time I think about what could have happened if the Angels weren't looking out for him, I get teary eyed. I love this little guy so much and want him to grow up healthy and happy and live a good, long life.

I learned a lesson. He is taller and getting more curious by the day and I have to move things further from his reach. I also need to cherish every day that I have with those that I love.