July

So, I have resorted to lumping months together in one post. Things have been busy and I haven't been blogging much.
For the 4th of July weekend we went to Young. We drove to Heber to watch fireworks as we have done for the past 3 years. I love doing this! It is nice and cool and we have a cookout at the Seminary building across from where they shoot off the fireworks. This year the show was great with 3 finales! The kids loved every second of it and especially loved being with their cousins. The next day we drove to Vernon for Jon's grandma's funeral. I wouldn't say it was a particularly sad day, as we got to spend time with some of Jon's family we don't see often. I know he enjoyed sharing memories and reminiscing with his cousins. It also gave us a chance to visit with Andrea and Blake before they made the big move to Alaska. After the luncheon we dropped Emma and Derrick off at the Young road to ride home with Grandpa where they spent the next 4 days. They had a blast! They went on a zip line, played baseball, swam in the creek and went crawdad fishing. They can't wait to go again next year. We were so happy that they were able to spend that time up in Young. I know they are making precious memories! While the kids were away Jon and I were trying to adjust to the fact that we didn't have any kids at home. It was very strange. This was the first time we have been at home without them. We have left them to go on vacations before but being at home was a whole new experience. I would walk by their rooms and feel like I had to check on them. Trying to fill our time, we went swimming and watched a movie with Ron and Sarah and another night we went to see a band with some guys from Jon's work play at a bar in Tempe. It was...interesting! The week was a nice little break from the kiddos though and I know they had a ton of fun!

Derrick going to the big rock with Uncle Sean

Emma on the big rock with dad

Emma wanted to take a picture of dad

Emma, Derrick and Maddie

July 31st was my 30th birthday! I never thought it would freak me out, but it kind of did! Jon had arranged with his mom and stepdad to have the kids spend the night at their house. We dropped them off on Friday morning and went to Wet and Wild water park for the day. It was a lot of fun! Although, there was a crazy flying ant infestation on one of the slides. That was pretty gross! That night we had Italian for dinner and some delicious gelato for dessert. We also saw Inception at the Cine Capri theater. It was fun! We stayed at a hotel in Scottsdale that was just ok. I was trying to cut corners, which I will not do again! Our hotel shared a parking lot with a bar/club so we got to hear the drunks all night long! It was a fun little getaway though. Almost a month later I am pretty much over the fact that I am 30. Life goes on!