Solace was first to have a birthday party in the new house. We only had one friend come, but LOTS of cousins and aunts and uncles came. It was really nice to have everyone there to help make Solace feel special.
This is Solace's friend Jace.
Amy's family was gone on vacation, but she took a break from studying to come to the party. Sully is so lucky.
Good thing we have so many cousins here in Utah. It made for a really fun party.
Solace got everything he asked for, and more. Happy birthday to our favorite seven year old. You are so wonderful.
We went to Tibble Fork with Jolie, my dad, Alexandra and Bradley, and met up with some old friends, from Houston, the Newells. It was so fun to see them again and catch up.
Paul and my dad sat in the shade and chatted most of the day. They're both such good conversationalists.
Group pictures of everyone together, then just us and the Newells, then just us and my family. It was a fun filled day. Afterward, dad, Jolie and her kids took off, back to Colorado. The Newells continued their trip too and headed up to Idaho. We've had SO many visitors here already!
I didn't know it at the time, but this would be the last picture I took with my dad.
Back to Eagle Park for some fun on the rope swing.
We bought a pop-up tent trailer and have LOVED adventuring with it. Andy had to go get it with Paul because we still only owned the minivan.
We dog-sat for Koa for a few days and she fit right in with Swishy. She even taught him how to play fetch!
They switched beds. Swishy wasn't as happy about it as Koa was.
I made a friend. This is Heidi. She's super sweet and let me cry on her couch about how much I hate Utah. It's growing on me, but I still don't love it.
Some of the color in my rainbow hair started fading, so I added some extra color and loved it again.
Lullaby's hair is getting so long. I love that she still loves for me to do her hair.
We got EXTREMELY discounted tickets to a waterpark, since they had to limit numbers and not many people were going. The kids LOVED having the park nearly to themselves every time we went.
They ended the season with a big fireworks show. They love their fireworks here, I guess!
Paul took Hawken on a campout. They had to hike in and carry all their overnight gear. It was a hard hike, but they had a great time. They went with another 2 dads and some of their kids. Hawken got to show us Paul's pictures on the theater screen when they got home. So fun.
Sunday afternoon watching home movies, and Paul napping on the couch is a regular occurrence.
Matix started his dirt bike obsession. He is SET on saving up enough money to get a dirt bike. So we went and sized up a few to see what would work for him the best. These bikes are expensive, so he's been saving.
I hung up a mirror in the hallway to my room, and Swishy wanted to be in the picture.
More surprise visitors! Someone knocked on the door, Matix opened it, screamed, "Avia!" then shut it. I was confused and opened the door to see Izzy and Jill standing there! What a happy surprise! It was my birthday the next day!
Amy stopped by with cookies and flowers for my birthday. Thanks Amy!
Trying out earring Jill made. So fancy!
Izzy and Jill were both dripping in kids the whole time they were here.
Out to eat, and sending messages to Richard because he couldn't make the trip.
Lullaby's hair styles, again.
We took the Abbajays to Eagle Park to see the rope swings and the owls.
Then to another park to play some more.
Chik-fil-a picnic lunch and more playing.
Sully got hurt on the playground and called for Izzy.
Then to a splash pad and saying good-byes to them. Sad to see them go, as always, but such a nice and fun visit!
I feel so lucky to have them.
Out to eat with Amy twice in one week. This is a rarity because of her crazy nursing school schedule, so I'll take it when I can get it. We always go to the same place and usually sit in the same spot.
Hawken is pretty sure he NEEDS this giant stuffed bear. I disagree.
New car number 1. A white Prius, again. We weren't sure what winters here would be like for Paul to commute on his bike as he wanted to. So we got this as an extra car for that.
Hawken helping me put together our benches for fire pit area in the backyard. I'm happy to have an IKEA so close.
