Happy, happy, happy.

Can't believe how much this little one has grown up in the last three months.

It's been absolutely amazing having my family back together.

Last Wednesday I was in the park near our house chatting with some neighbors when I got a call from Jake. Next thing I know he's walking up to me. Shock. I was indeed in shock. No idea he was anywhere close to coming home. And for the next few hours I thought I was hallucinating, because earlier that day I was so exhausted and done with this deployment that such things could happen. But it's been a few days and he's still here so I think I'm sane. Gosh I can't believe my luck. Or his sneakiness.

In conclusion, I am on top of the world and there are SO many great things ahead. Birthdays, Disneyland, Parties and Halloween! Happy, happy, happy.

Photos taken by Cole Maxfield Photography, she's a dear friend and a fantastic photographer!

Rigby Lake

I'm slowly healing from a difficult and exhausting weekend.
We lost a member of our little family on Saturday.
I'm grateful for friends and family who have been so supportive.

Last week those friends and I went to Rigby Lake to soak up some rare sun.
It was one of the last things we did with Maizey. The kids loved watching her swim.
I'll write more about her later when things aren't quite so raw.
For now we'll reflect on the good moments we had with her.

This hasn't been the easy going summer I had pictured.
Each of us moms have had some big challenges.
Thankfully we have each other and Bachelor in Paradise.
Ice cream also helps :)

Sunflower Fields Forever

My baby sister McKell came to stay with us this week. It's been dreamy, really. I've been showing her the lovely place that is Northern California. We went and picked out delicious peaches, strawberries, cherries, and many other things at the local fruit stands. On our way home we pulled over and enjoyed one of many sunflower fields around town. Later that night we made my mom's fresh peach pie and watched Dan in Real Life. One of many great days we've had here! So grateful to have her in my life.

Summer Nights

Family. Fires. Summer. Watermelon. Homemade Hamburgers. Nutella.

It's what dreams are made of.

This night honestly seems surreal... especially now that I'm husband-less and family-less. Sigh...

So glad that we could snag a blissful, damp, Idaho Falls evening with my family. My heart aches for them.

Teton Village

If you ever want to take a ride up a snow capped mountain and eat a warm waffle at the top, go to Teton Village. What a cute place! They have a large tram that takes you to the top to take in some fantastic views of Jackson. The kids even got to throw a snow ball or two :)

Nine Months

My nine month old is...

still breastfeeding, but drinking from a bottle a lot more. He's not biting me as much which makes momma so happy...

growing lots of fluffy hair that mom is trying to tame in a flat gentlemen-like fashion

lengthening out, he's getting the Morrison, no butt, big gutt body.

teething, again! Molars this time... it's been rough, like pull your hair out rough.

loving his dad. Whenever he walks into the room, Graham smiles the biggest smile and makes some sort of funny remark like it's their inside joke.

crawling, although he's not a big fan. He'd rather hold on to something and walk around everywhere.

a big fan of water. Drinking it, splashing it... which is good, because it is so hot! We could sit outside by the water table all day.

sitting in his highchair like a big boy and eating big boy foods! Still working on picking up the pieces of food. Most of the time he grabs them and smashes them into his face with hopes that a little will get into his mouth.

waking up once a night, usually around 4-5 am, which is perfectly fine with me for the moment!

The Fourth

The Fourth has never been my favorite holiday. It's always been stressful and hot. This year was the perfect low key family fourth I've been needing.

After swimming, we had the traditional BBQ then took pictures out back. Jake's friend Travis from VanLadyLove was doing a show in Victor, Idaho down the street so we went and checked them out then did some fireworks in the driveway.

I love this country! Especially Idaho. I love Idaho.

To sneak a peek at last year's San Fran Fourth click HERE