Our 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! There is something so wonderful about this holiday. I love it so much. We celebrated the 4th on two different days, making it that much more special!

We went up to West Jordan on Wednesday. Originally we were going to celebrate it in Logan at the USU stadium but decided it would be too hot and too far of a drive. Instead we had a lot of fun playing outside in the backyard. Spencer's mom bought a really cool kiddy pool and Autumn had a blast.

The water was too cold at first so we put some hot water in it. Eventually she was brave enough to get in. Took about 10 minutes. As you can see her dad had fun too. 

The trifle dessert I made. We also had shish kebabs for dinner.

Our baby.

Don't think those cheeks could get much cuter!

Sparklers! Autumn kept trying to touch it. 

Around 9:00 we had our own $30 firework show in the front yard. The boys and I had a lot of fun lighting these off.

Autumn and her grandpa!

I love this picture it looks like it came straight from the 1950s.

 

Possessed by the lights!

At one point all the boys lit the fireworks in their hands and ran around the street like lady liberty holding the torch. It was hilarious! 

The next day Autumn and I hung out and played outside until dad got back from work. 

Love this cutie!! She likes fireworks and is initially amazed by them, but after about 5 minutes she starts to lose interest. She is starting to let me put her back in bows and will leave them on for more than a few minutes. Isn't her outfit so cute?

Autumn wrote that. Can you believe it?

As it got closer to dark, I got the car all packed with food and chairs for the fireworks. We went to the Marriott Center and watched the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire show. They were incredible! A nice couple next to us let Autumn use their glow bracelets. She was hilarious running up and down the sidewalk waving them around!

 

Bridal Veil Falls

There is not much to say here, other than I absolutely love going up Provo Canyon. It is so pretty in the summer. It's a very easy walk up to bridal veil falls from the car. Bubs loves to play in the water!

Monte Cristo and Battle Creek Falls

At the end of the school year and beginning of summer break, Spencer and I got a little "hiking happy." We went on a hike a day for like a week and a half. It was super awesome! Spencer had all mornings off and worked in the afternoon while I work NEVER and enjoyed my summers more than any teacher ever probably. PROBLY (Brian Regan). There is something so wonderful about being in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, or even just away from the normality of home life. When we are outdoors doing something productive and fun it just plain feels good inside! Exercise is a natural endorphin runner of course and being together as a family just makes it that much more enjoyable. Richard came along with us to Monte Cristo. We figured we would probably have to hike in because the snow was not melted all the way. We hiked in about a mile nearly straight up hill to get to the cabin. On the way up my shoes and socks got all wet and muddy so I had to dry them off with the propane heater. Richard carried Autumn in the baby carrier (which she is actually getting too big for now). While Spence and I enjoyed our hike. Hehe. He is a good sport! 

Panoramic view of the cabin and surrounding landscape.

Just wait until the wildflowers come up!

Autumn had a blast putting her hands in the snow!

The main cabin. A lot newer and nicer, but we don't ever stay in this one. It's pretty much claimed.

On the right, my muddy shoe getting somewhat dry

I like to take random pictures of myself. I don't know why.

We had some lunch, played on the tire swing, walked around a little, ate some more, and then started our journey back to the car. It was a lot easier going downhill. Spence carried Autumn this time.

These next pictures are from a short hike up to a waterfall in Pleasant Grove called "Battle Creek Falls." Easy hike to do with kids, a little steep at some spots, but very prettty.

More hiking adventures to follow!

Mother's Day and Father's Day!

“Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.” 

― Howard W. Hunter

We had a lot of fun celebrating this year. For Mother's Day we headed up to West Jordan (surprise surprise) and went to church there to hear Spencer's dad give a talk. He is always so sweet and includes his family members in his talk, including me. I sure love that man! After church we enjoyed a wonderful dinner of planked salmon (my favorite!) and all the fixings to go with it. We enjoyed dinner outside on the lawn in the backyard, and played a yard game called KUB. Pronounced "kewb". It was a wonderful day! I loved spending time with family and enjoyed getting served on hand and foot. Spencer did a great job getting all the food ready, along with his daddy. Michelle and I exchanged gifts. Christie was in Idaho. I made sure to call my momma and wish her a happy mother's day as well! And Kris too, my step mom. I sure love them and miss them! 

Here are some cute pictures of my baby girl on my 2nd Mother's Day!

I love the lilacs behind us!

What a little doll!

My wonderful mother, Connie Watson. This is a picture of she and I from my 8th birthday party almost 20 years ago! Cute right?

3.5 years ago. Mother of the bride. 

And some less flattering pictures, but these are some of us in the morning snuggling right after we woke up. Autumn enjoys an nice cold one in the mornings ;) 

Sure do love being a mother to this beautiful girl. I can't believe she is mine, that I actually have a baby girl. This is something I have dreamed of having my entire life and she has finally come. I thank Heavenly Father each and every day for my gift. I don't really remember my life having this much purpose before she came! 

Father's Day was also a blast! Spencer's dad was coming home from an Alaskan cruise that evening so we surprised him with a brisket dinner. Spencer was so excited to cook this. Anytime there is a grill and meat involved he starts salivating and dreaming about it. It's pretty funny to watch. He loves it. And I love eating it! We had to stay the night in West Jordan (again) because we needed the meat to cook for a long time to make sure it was nice and tender. Funny thing is, Spencer had to go back to Orem to teach his lesson to his young man (yep there is just ONE in our ward). So he was doing cooking, lesson planning, driving, teaching, more driving, more cooking, and finally relaxing and eating. I wouldn't say he had a restful father's day, but honestly he wouldn't have it any other way. We all pitched in and made rolls, salad, mashed potatoes, and dessert. It was a fabulous feast! 

Christie was there this time, so Autumn had a friend to play with. Hayden and Autumn loved playing in the water. They were so cute together and so funny to watch! Autumn would splash in the water and Hayden would spray her with the hose. They kept taking the lid on and off and dumping the water out. It was so great!

Spencer was the fun uncle and dad. Wheelbarrow ride anyone?

A picture I took on Mother's Day, but I just love this one of them. He is the BEST DAD! I love how much he cares for Autumn. I know they are going to have the best relationship as she grows up. He is so good with her, always making her laugh and playing with her. He takes amazing care of her and is always helping me out when I'm not up for it. I just love him!

See? Pure love! Now I know what my parents were talking about all those years. 

P.S. I did not forget my dad on Father's Day. He is constantly in my thoughts and memories. I loved celebrating with him even though he was not there in person. He truly has a tight hold on my heart as I feel him all around me constantly. Sometimes I worry I'm going to see his spirit, like I'll be freaked out or something. I know he is watching, listening, laughing, and enjoying watching us grow up from above. It wasn't too hard of a Father's Day for me. I really didn't think about the pain at all. Those days come and go, but Father's Day is more of a celebration and not a day for tears. I do love you daddy!

This is a photo from my old house in Modesto, California with my whole family before we were moved and split up. I treasure this time. See, I was a daddy's girl!

The rest of the day was spent eating ice cream and turtle pie and mostly just relaxing on the hammock. I love these summer nights! I hope everyone had a wonderful celebration of mother and fatherhood. It truly is the most important calling we have as humans. Thank you to all who make life worth living!