My 30th Birthday

I can't believe it, but I'm 30! I came home from the gym to 2 boys that I love so much, beautiful flowers and an "IOU" a nice pair of glasses. I cried. BUT I had also just read a very nice birthday text from my mom that had already started the water works. We were off to a good start!

 I planned a birthday pool party and we had a great turnout. I love these girls and they made my day so fun!

That night, Conner took me to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. OH MY! It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. We had such a nice time and ate like we were like all the other hoity toity people there.

 And thanks to Packsize picking up the bill, we didn't have an ounce of regret!

 We were going to head over to the mall to get me those "nice glasses" I was promised, but instead, had a long conversation with my parents in Trinidad. It was the best connection we ever had and we didn't want it to end! I love them so much. I'm so glad they brought me into this world 30 years ago!

Camping Trip

Rob and Whitney Crockett invited us on our first-ever family camping trip. Despite the wet forecast, we headed up to Albion Basin for an over-nighter. We borrowed a spring bar from Craig and Jerrie and showed McCrae how to set up a tent. He was in Heaven.

A moose was practically in our camp-site!

Rob and Whitney arrived, we helped set up their tent, started a fire, ate a yummy dinner, and then the rain started...

When it slowed to a drizzle, we were determined to roast mallows over our smokey fire. Then it started pouring again and we called it a night.

We told a few ghost stories, sang some songs, and fell asleep...until the thunder woke us up! I seriously don't know how we weren't washed down the mountain. I have never experienced a thunderstorm like that in my entire life! McCrae, apparently, stayed cozy enough between the two of us and slept the whole night without a peep.

The next morning, the storm had passed and we were able to cook a yummy mountain man dutch oven breakfast. It was nice to have a warm meal, because it was COLD! We taught McCrae he could keep his hands in his pockets to stay warm. I don't think he ever took them out!

After breakfast we hiked to Cecret Lake.

We were able to get a quick pic then headed down before we were blown away.

Although the weather was rough, we made the most of it and enjoyed the adventure!

7th Anniversary

Happy 7 years to us! We celebrated a week early since we were going to be in Newport on July 18th. We ate a fancy dinner, then Conner humored me and we went to K-1 racing. I always say that I would love being a race car driver. It was fun! I love Conner so much-he takes such good care of McCrae and me. I can't wait for many more years to come!

Newport Beach

Another year at Newport Beach has come and gone. It was a great week, as always. The first day made us nervous as it drizzled all day, but it cleared up, and the rest of the week was fabulous!

Our activities on the beach have changed drastically since McCrae has joined us. I no longer lie in the sun and read a book, and Conner can't run out to catch waves any time he wants...but playing with McCrae is so much more entertaining! We just have to embrace the sand and he keeps us busy all day. He couldn't have been happier with all the dirt and water he could ever want!

Our ride to Huntington Tuesday afternoon took us to a yummy burger "joint" as Conner would call it. It was delicious. I was trying to get a cute picture of the boys and I caught this instead!

His happy place.

Balboa Pier

No trip is complete with a good bare bum shot. We sure are lucky to spend a week each year in our favorite place. Thanks to Grandma Carol and Craig and Jerrie for making it possible. Each year gets better and better!

4th of July

We started off the 4th of July weekend with a day trip up Ephraim Canyon. The Nielsens spend each 4th of July up on the mountain, so we decided to humor them and come up for a day. It was fun! We rode the side-by-side, attempted to fish, ate a yummy dinner, caught up with the extended family, then headed home.

The next morning, we took McCrae to the Granite parade. He loved watching the tractors, horses, and children on their decked-out bikes pass us by. He especially enjoyed the candy that was tossed his way.

We then headed to my parents for the annual pool party/BBQ. I decided it is a lot more work to host the party than I thought. No wonder my mom never got in the pool! It was fun to have everyone and it turned out pretty great. We had all the usual eats and treats-including hot dogs, pasta salad, Grammy's potato salad, Cam's baked beans, and April and Amy even made homemade ice cream. It was delicious!

That evening, since we weren't going to the Stadium of Fire, we met our friends, Rob and Whitney and their boys at the Sandy City Celebration. We were skeptical, since we thought there was no other way to celebrate the 4th than at the Stadium of Fire, but we had a LOT of fun. McCrae was nervous about the fireworks at first, but then started shouting out all of the colors he saw. What a fabulous day it was. We feel so lucky and incredibly blessed to live in such a wonderful country. God bless America!

Grandma's Birthday

Happy birthday to Grandma Egbert! She may not remember the details all of the time, but she sure has a witty sense of humor. We're glad she's around...here's to another great year!

I Will Go, I Will Do!

My parents were set apart by Elder Holland of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. We were all able to witness this special event. Elder Holland blessed my Dad that he would be so in tune with the Spirit while on his mission, that he would be able to wake up in the middle of the night and know that a particular missionary needed help. He blessed him to know that our family would be watched over while they were away, and said that due to the service that he and my mom are providing, our family would be "blessed 10 fold, 100 fold." It was amazing to be a part of a blessing given by an apostle. He delivered the blessing so smoothly, and without hesitation. Then all the men in the room were able to participate in my Mom's blessing while Elder Craig Christensen of the 70 gave the blessing. It was an incredibly spiritual experience. And lucky for me, I was the only one brave enough to ask Elder Holland for a picture...

The next Sunday was their farewell. They gave excellent talks and I think we all felt that it was time for them to finally get outta here...too many goodbyes already!

Off to the MTC!

Marissa and I took my parents to the airport and had one last teary goodbye and sent them on their way. They were ready, and we were too. They will be so fabulous, and I know the Lord will take good care of them!

McCrae's first letter to Trinidad-sent that very first day!

Fishing Trip

We were sure to fit in one last fishing trip before we sent my parents off for 3 years. Everyone came and we had a lot of fun. We started in Bear World where we rode carnival rides, went to the petting zoo, and even fed real bears from a big truck. McCrae was in Heaven.

Then it was off to Birch Creek. Somehow I forgot my waders, but found it is much easier to fish in an old pair of tennis shoes anyway. McCrae didn't love fishing, so we had to take turns entertaining him, but we still caught plenty of fish!

Marissa's Wedding

Marissa and Greg tied the knot on June 5th. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony. I couldn't help but feel a little twinge of jealousy that Greg gets her from now on...I feel like she has been my best friend for so long, and now I had to hand her over. I can't imagine what a parent feels when they marry off a child!

She really lucked out with the weather. Thunderstorms threatened, but held off (the next day rained like crazy).

 She asked me to make a cake-topper for her cake. I was honored.

This is how we spent most of the reception. Life really changes when a 2-year old is in charge! We are so happy for Marissa and Greg. And I'm especially glad that everything came together considering my parents are preparing to leave for Trinidad in just a few short weeks!