Summer fun

 Aerodynamic scooting

 Check out our awesome garden that Matt planted.

I am dead when someone discovers the sweet picture I just posted. Rocky started the look and made daddy follow:)

The Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah Pageant, and Niagra Falls

 My dear friend and I took our kids on a quick little road trip.  We hopped in her 15 passenger van and drove 5 hours to Palmyra, New York.  I am a Mormon, and some pretty significant events in the history of my church occurred there.  We visited The Sacred Grove.  I loved the feeling I had while we walked through the beautiful grove of trees.  It was humbling to think of what took place on this sacred spot.  I loved to tell my kids about the things that I KNOW happened in the very area in which we stood.  I loved to watch Rocky run around barefoot in Matt's Star Wars Lego t-shirt and know that I would always remember the feelings I felt in the Sacred Grove.

We also stopped by the beautiful Palmyra Temple, the Bindery, and the Hill Cumorah Pageant.  We hiked to the top of the hill, which I swear is the only significant increase in elevation that I have seen in New England.  That was quite a climb with Rocky on my shoulders.  I was reminded several times of other people who walked around on that hill.  I loved knowing that I was walking where Moroni and Joesph Smith walked. 

The Pageant was spectacular!  I don't use that word often, but it was!  The special effects were amazing.  I loved to see some of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon acted out.  I know that book is true, it has brought me so much happiness. 

After the pageant, one of my favorite nephews, Ben, let all of us crash at his house.  He even made us blueberry pancakes!

We drove 90  more minutes to Niagara Falls.  That place is amazing!  Ruby had a dream of throwing her loose tooth off the falls, her dream came true.  I wonder how many other people have done that.  It was crazy that we were looking across the river at Canada!  I love living in New England and being able do Niagara Falls at lunch time and be home for a birthday party that evening!

Bricnic

 My first lobster.  Rocky was traumatized seeing the innocent animal being torn apart and eaten!

This is a CAKE.  The little mini figures are fondant.

Lego Systems throws THE BEST company parties!  The company has been around for 80 years.  They really know how to party.  Hot air balloons, crafts, climbing walls, paint ball, pony rides, CRAZY amounts of food, caricatures, cotton candy, swimming, petting zoo, fireworks and a pie eating contest were some of our favorites.  My personal favorite was the pie eating contest where Ruby and I had a whipped cream fight.  I think I STILL have whipped cream in my ear:)

4th of July

Highlights from Salt Lake City

 Fry sauce, need I say more?

 Hanging out with family! 

 Sweet Tooth Fairy with Grandma Retta.

 Mountain biking up Millcreek Canyon with my bro.

 Spending time in the canyons with family and friends.

Driving my brothers sweet bike.  There are only 6 of these in the US!

20th Year reunion.

• Cafe Rio Salad
• Meeting my new niece Caroline
• Meeting my new great nephew Noah
• Enjoying the MASSIVE mountains
• Eating apricots right off the tree
• Sleep over with my Gamma Gals
• Going to my old ward
• Laughing until I cried
• Crying until I laughed
• Grandparents 75 wedding anniversary
• Hugs from family (my dad gives the best bear hugs ever, and my MIL is an ANGEL!!)
• Hand-me downs from my awesome sister in laws
• Running in the dry, smoky air at ~4500 feet above sea level 
• Bumping into old friends
• Picking up with family and friends right where we left off
• Reading an entire book on the plane
• Watching the fireworks from the plane
• Having my kids run up to me at the airport
• Remembering that Matt is amazing for doing his job AND mine.  Thank you!!

Coopers Baptism

Cooper was baptized on June 17, 2012 in the Springfield Ward by his daddy.  He was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by Bishop Adam Bird.  I was humbled by the amount of support we received from our ward family.  I am so proud of Cooper and his choice to be baptized.  He is such a good kid and really tries to choose the right.

Cooper requested a candy bar poster and homemade doughnuts to celebrate.