My BF, Tiffany, flew out to watch the kids so Ben and I could go on a mid-week getaway. I was so torn between going on the vacation and staying home because I wanted to spend every second with her. She is my HERO! There is no other friend in the world who would do as much for me and love me as unconditionally as she does. She has seen me at my worst and still calls me her friend. We decided this trip that we are the perfect fit because I always need help and she is always there to give it. lol To continue on my cheesy rant…she is the best friend I always prayed for as a little girl when my friends sucked. 🙂 The Lord truly sent her to me. I will forever be grateful we were put as roommates in Kerr Hall that first year in windy Rexburg, Idaho. Tiff I love you! Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for me. (I know you read this-even though you never comment!)
A few of the qualities that I love about her.
*Selfless service constantly
*Does not judge anyone
*Forgives easily
*Laughs at my jokes
*Lets me borrow her awesome clothes
*Fearless attitude
*Confidence in singing
*Always supportive
*Humility
*Compassion

We took a couple hours break from construction on the new house to enjoy our wonderful neighbors 4th of July BBQ. Leaving our neighbors is the saddest part of moving. We love them!! I didn’t get a picture of all of us but I did get a picture of Hallie and London. They are the cutest friends. Whenever they see each other they yell each other’s names and run to each other like they have been apart for years!

I just noticed Ben in the background of all these pictures. So funny! He looks thrilled doesn’t he. Oh and Kyle was sleeping that is why he is MIA during the sparkler fun.

We have been keeping busy; here is the proof.

And last but certainly not least…

Summer is off to a great start!

So glad we got married here:

So this could last forever:

I didn’t think it was possible to love him more that I did June 22, 2007. But today June 22, 2011, I do oh I do!

Step 1: Mix

Step 2: Sample

Step 3: Bake in oven. Make sure you watch them closely so they don’t over cook.

Step 4: Share the “watching” responsibilities.

Step 5: Share the “licking of the bowl” responsibilities.

Step 6: Place mini cupcakes on cake stand.  (And act proud!)

Step 7: Taste

Step 8: Do the dishes.

We had tons of fun in the sun today while playing at the Montclair beach. Big thanks to Kelli and her mom Shirley for inviting us. Like I said before we LOVE LOVE LOVE the water. Oh summer never leave!

This little man is now 11 months old. I can not believe how fast he has grown up. 11 months really?!!

His appearance hasn’t changed much since he was 6 months old. In fact that was confirmed when we went to the doctor last week and they showed me his growth on a growth chart. His weight was practically the same. 19 lbs. 15 oz. He is in the 18th% for weight and 5% for height. Yes you read that right the 5th percentile! I really hope he inherits his dad’s confidence. Kyle still loves his sister despite her obsession with taking his toys. He has the routine down now though. Hallie walks close to him with that look on her face and he instantly screams and makes me aware of what she is about to do. lol He can crawl up the stairs but not down. He loves to walk along furniture and while holding hands. Ben even said he took a couple steps the other day but I missed it and he hasn’t repeated it. We still haven’t found a food he doesn’t love. He likes to share things and then wants them back automatically. His favorite thing to do is chase balls around the house. He will do it for hours, literally! He wants to be grown up and do what his sister does but that’s nothing new. Recently he has become quite attached to Ben. When Ben gets home in the evening Kyle will drop whatever he is doing and cruise to see his dad. Ben of course loves it. Most of all my Ky man is still the sweetest little guy I know.

Oh how this little guy has changed my life and completed our family!

I hope we spend lots of time at the pool this summer. We are all at our happiest when we are pool side. Our townhouse ‘community’ does not have a pool so we are at the mercy of others. Big thanks to Lindsey for inviting us to her pool today. We had a blast and I got some great pictures.

Gosh I love them. They are just so stinkin cute!

This past Saturday we went on a boat ride on the Occoquan River. We often go there to walk around the “historic” town and eat yummy homemade pie. This time we hopped on a boat and saw an hours worth of the river. It was a fun family adventure.

Hallie really enjoyed feeding the geese while we were waiting to get on the boat. She is still talking about the geese fighting over the food. haha

Once upon a time we had these amazing friends named the Hooper’s. They were our first friends when we moved out east. They loaned us their microwave for the first year we lived here and have given us several of their baby items for our kiddos to use. Our husbands get along great and talk like they are in the relief society. For heaven’s sake we even share a Costco membership! haha We were the best of friends and then…..they MOVED! ahhh I cried! Alas, such is life. The good news is that we have been able to see them 3 times since they moved 10 months ago. This last time they drove out to VA to see us. We were all giddy with excitement. (Even Ben who doesn’t get excited about much. lol) Here are some pictures of our fun.

With all that we did I can’t believe I didn’t take more pictures of us all together. I guess that just means we will have to get together again! Road trip! 🙂 Thanks Hooper’s we sure love ya!

p.s. Funniest part of our trip to Great Falls was when Hallie pretended that her imaginary friend Diego fell over the edge into the water. We had to throw him a pretend rope and pull him up. He then got a lecture about being careful by his two year old master. lol I love the things she comes up with.