July in Review│Busy Month

July was such a fun month.  I got to see some of my favorite people.  

My dear old roommate Ashley spent a couple of days with us. 

I loved every minute of her visit. 

Ashley and I have known each other since we were in our teens. 

We were roommates in college for a almost our whole college experience.

There is something special about a roommate and that friendship.

It is a wonderful thing. 

I love that I was able to share those years of my youth with such a wonderful person. 

Ashley was in Utah for a family reunion and was able to come spend a couple of days here before heading back home to her husband. I'm so grateful it worked out that way. 

Ashley took this one of Brooke and I. 

We had 2 days of talking and talking and talking and remembering the good ol' days of college. 

Thanks for coming to see me Ash. 

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The following photos depict what our summer days have been like around here:

Brielle and Braden have been in their pajama until noon, they ride their bikes and scooter all day and play with their little neighbor friends all day and night if I'd let them.   

They continue to love their baby sister...Brooke's favorite is still Brielle and the not so favorite is Braden. :)

Braden has completely mastered the skill of riding a bicycle.

We go out around the neighborhood sometimes...they have been loving life. 

I love our little neighborhood and Utah people have proven to be wonderful. 

I feel grateful. 

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This summer we have been eating so much watermelon.  

What is summertime without watermelon? 

Brooke has been going to town with the watermelon. 

Scott has been practicing his biking skills on Brielle's princess bike. 

ha ha!

We were glad to see some more friends.  The Gardner's came to see us one afternoon. It was so good to see them and their cute kids. The kids played in the sprinkler and we had a great time catching up! 

Thanks for stopping by Gardner's! 

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We have been lucky to spend some more time with the Heaton's before they moved to New Mexico. 

We love those guys and it's so fun to be around old friends that just get you and you get them and it's easy.

We had a blast riding these little mopeds. Daija's parents' house is so much fun. They have so many toys...you never get bored there. 

(and no Scott didn't ride with Brookie on his lap...he was just holding her for the picture.)

They boys had a blast playing horseshoe.  I think Jonners beat Scott...:)

Then we played some bocce ball. 

It was a wonderful day.

Thanks for being wonderful Jon and Daij.

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Daija's parents live a little ways from my mom, so we decided to make a stop in Provo to see her.

I love it that I can drive to see my mom.  

It is such a blessing. 

We went to the BYU Creamary. 

BEST ICE CREAM in the land! 

I am not exaggerating. 

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Pioneer Day is a big deal here in Utah. 

Jana invited us to join their family to the Pioneer Day Float Preview Party. 

Scott had a night-shift so the kids and I joined them. 

It was so much fun! 

It felt like a carnival...and the best part is that it was free! 

I LOVE free. 

This lady was an amazing face painter. 

I was so impressed by her talent...and she was the sweetest lady too. 

(I have noticed that people here in Utah seem happy, they smile, they greet you, they are just friendly, laid back kind of people...it has been an interesting and nice change.) 

Then there was the balloon guy. 

The kids were mesmerized. 

Can I just say how well these four children get along? 

They are such good little friends.

They like being together. 

It makes my heart happy.

The lego lady. 

Brielle's face says it all.

That would be the yummiest banana split...don't you think?

I have to make sure that you know that I was there too, so here goes a picture with me and the children.

Brooklyn and Brooke. 

They are going to be best pals too! 

They are not quite in the playmate stage, though, but soon. 

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We were again, so lucky to see some more of our favorite people. 

We met up with Holly and Ozzie and the Nelson's at the Blue Lemon by Temple Square. 

It was so good to see all of them. 

Cooper just couldn't resist Brooke.  

This was a PG kiss.  

There were some PG-13 kisses in some pictures...lip to lip contact...ha ha:)

But I'd like to keep this blog PG rated!:)  

It was so fun to see my dear Virginia friends. 

We talked and talked and talked...until it was time to say goodbye. 

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We had some more fun visitors on a Sunday afternoon. 

Some of my favorite people too! 

There are too many wonderful people to love and call friends! 

We got to meet Colt. Reese and Em's new addition. 

He is younger than Brooke and he is almost twice his size! ha ha!

The Shurtliff and Jensen offspring. 

I just LOVE this picture of Colt! 

What a cutie! 

I'm so glad they came to see us. 

It was definitely not long enough but at least we got to see each other! 

Emily and I were also roommates at BYU-Idaho.  I was so lucky to have such amazing rommates! 

Em ended up marrying Reese, who was in our ward.  He is awesome and the best part about the whole thing is that Reese and Scott get along so well. 

I love that it is that way. 

I always forget how stinkin' short I am...I realize this fact of my life when I stand next to Emily!!!:) 

What were we laughing about Em? 

These pictures crack me up! 

The boys. 

We LOVED seeing you Shurtliff's! 

Can't wait to see you again! 

...and that was July for us.