utah

We were so glad we got a trip to Utah in this summer. It had been about 3 years since we last visited Andrew's parents! With a family reunion one summer, and moving and me being very pregnant last summer it didn't happen. We will probably never stay away for that long again!

Upon arrival, it did not take us long to hit up the ginormous dirt pile right outside grandma and papa's door. Pretty sure large dirt piles are my kids favorite thing.

We had a very pleasant Sunday stroll/truck ride around Grandma and Papa's neighborhood.

Our kids definitely love going to, This is the Place. They saw and learned how the pioneers lived, did some dancing, panned for gold, and stamped some leather. I believe it was over 100 degrees or pretty close to it that day. So we all got a nice little work out in!

Our next adventure was the aquarium! It was such a treat to go. Due to the nature of it being rather dark in aquariums, I was only able to snap a few photos. Pretty sure everyone's favorites were the penguins and the otters, but maybe those were just mine!

And finally, our 4th of July celebration. Who doesn't like fireworks?! The 'pops' were a hit for everyone, Bug loved the sparklers, Tank loved the tanks, Bitsy the pagoda, and pretty sure Mr was just glad he got put to bed halfway through. 

What is not pictured are the two times we went to the local pool for a swim. How did we fit all this in during our 3 day stay?! Thank you for a wonderful time!

tank's 6th

Tank turned 6! He is so excited to finally be 6 years old. This boy has a way of melting my heart! He can be so wiggly and silly but very sweet and kind. His favorite things are still cars, water and mud. I love it! His favorite foods are curly noodles (Top Romen) and daddy cheesy noodles. We're not too sure how he is going to eat lunch at school this upcoming year. He is a major baby lover and always has to be near Mr, holding Mr, touching Mr, or carting Mr around to play with him. We love this little boy and are so excited to see what the next year has in store for him!

father's day

We had a great time celebrating Father's Day this year. And since Father's Day and Tank's birthday were back to back we decided to get a picture of the two of them. We all adore Andrew! He is patience, kind, fun and dependable. We love you Andrew!

favorite

This deer shirt is by far, hands down Bitsy's favorite thing to wear. Runner ups would be her squirrel dress and her dogie dress. She's obviously a big animal lover. She's had her deer shirt for two years now. Last summer, I had to hide it when it just got to hot to wear. She was so pleased to 'rediscover' it in her drawer this past fall. Unfortunately, I don't think she'll fit it next year. So a picture will now have to suffice. And as of late, she also will not go anywhere without her 'kitty cat purse.'

these days

I blinked and suddenly my baby is just about 8 months. Sometimes I wish I could press pause and have these littles stay small forever. Tank, Bitsy, Mr. and I spend all of our days together while Andrew is at work and Bug is at school and other various activities. Tank has been quite the little helper this year and Bitsy is quickly catching up speed. Mr. is rolling all over the place, has been sleeping through the night since about week 6, has two bottom teeth that popped up a few weeks ago, is working on a bunch of top teeth, is really patient with all of his siblings 'care', is starting to realize he has a voice, loves food, and is still just as sweet as ever. We're all pretty smitten with him and I'm so grateful for all my little helpers I have around these days!