Boise cousin sleepover

Every summer Clara and Lydia come to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a week. We love to spend time with them and try and get in one sleepover while they're here.

One of the days we spent at Grandma Sandy's playing with her amazing dress up collection. She has scarves and hats and headbands and glitter and wings and everything a girl could want.

Lydia is a natural born model. She loves posing for the camera while Clara was behind the scenes running the wardrobe changes. I even got a fun outfit for a while!

Another day we spent time outside. Two little pools were filled with water and the girls had fun splashing, playing, laughing and laying in the sun.

One night we decided to out on the town. Grandma Sandy gave each girl $5 and they decided to go to Justice. Afton walked in and found a purple feather pen immediately and that kept her pretty occupied while the girls shopped. Lydia decided on a bag of gummy candy (hot dogs, hamburgers, etc) and a feather for her hair and Clara (after much deliberation) decided on a bag of Pixie Sticks (I was keeping her for the night so I figured whatever) and some fake nails. Better than some of the alternatives like the training bra she wanted. I told her she'd better make that a  mommy daughter activity! :)

After Justice we went to Arctic Circle. We had corn dogs and mini cones and the girls played for a few minutes. Once we made it home the girls washed up, got on PJ's and we put in a Barbie movie and had some healthy snacks. Our little neighbor Yana came over as well. Her family was moving the next day and we were glad to have her.

Afton was so excited to have the girls sleep over and couldn't wait to sleep on the floor with them. They let her snuggle into the middle and she was all smiles.

The next day we took off on the trail. Grandma gave each girl a little water bottle with a special holder. We were going to color them but couldn't find markers but we took them anyway.

Once we got home we decided to meet Grandpa and Grandma at a new park. It isn't really new, just new to us. We drove for about 20 minutes and I didn't take a single picture because I spent the entire time trying to keep track of Afton. This park is made of wood and has tunnels and ladders and closed in areas which make it really hard to see your child if they're moving around. So between me and my mom and my dad we kept an eye on the 3 girls and they had a blast.

When we were done we said goodbye to the girls and they jumped in Grandma and Grandpa's car for the ride back to Boise.

Maya's blessing

This weekend we were able to bless Maya in our home. My dad gave the blessing and Richard, Morley, Judd, Brother Seale (his sweet wife came too), and Tim were here to stand in the circle. I'm sad so many others missed this day but grateful for those who were here to support us and of course we understand everyone has busy schedules.

It's been such a long journey. 10 years of marriage and thousands of dollars later we feel as though we're complete with these two amazing girls. I hope they are close and look out for each other and give each other advice over the years. I hope they confide in each other, don't judge each other and make each other better people. They are so different already and I can't wait to see how Maya grows and becomes a playmate for Afton.

The blessing was simple. Fruit, veggies, dessert and a few family members. The weather was beautiful, the kids played outside and I'm actually just glad it's done.

I was so grateful to have Tim here. He was here for Aftons' blessing and I knew with him traveling so much we'd be able to coordinate again. It's so fun to visit with him and with Keeley who is absolutely beautiful! Both the girls love her!

 We love having Grandpa Morley over and so glad he was able to hold Maya and stand in the circle.

 Typical shot of the kiddos.

My sister in law Krista and her beautiful, sweet baby Presley!

So grateful for my parents. They are available, supportive, and loving. My kids adore them and they are two people I admire the most!

So grateful for Brett's parents. They are so kind and loving and our kids are so lucky to have them nearby and willing to spend time with us.

 Russ and baby Presley. Brett and baby Maya. Judd and baby Max.

My sister in law Tiff and her adorable little guy Max. 

Capitol Reef

This year for our vacation we went with the Keetch's to Capitol Reef National Park. This is one of my favorite places so I was excited. As a child we spent many weekends and summers at my grandparents ranch in Bicknell and we would drive to Capitol Reef for hikes, lunch, and to play around. 

We rented a little cabin just outside of Bicknell and Afton was so excited. She had seen the pictures and couldn't wait to see it 'in real life'! I thought about taking pictures as we pulled in and as I watched her climb around inside but somehow it didn't happen. I didn't get any pictures at all, not one. It was really cute though and had a BUNK BED inside. Afton couldn't believe her eyes. She called the top bunk 'her room' and had her bag up there and all her things.

Our first stop was to the Visitor Center and then off to the Petroglyphs. There were caterpillars everywhere and the kids had fun stopping along the boardwalk to ooh and aah and watch them crawl.

(I borrowed a couple of pictures from Tiff, Monique and Karen) Thanks girls!

Here's Brett heading back to the car on our first hike. It was hot and Maya wasn't very excited! We weren't sure what to expect, this baby sleeps A LOT! I kept hiking while Brett let Maya sleep in her car seat. The next time we switched and I stayed at the car. I read a book in the sunshine with a cold drink. I didn't mind!

Karen was excited to find a CAIRN so she and Lauren had to pose!

I told everyone about the park with the 'Grandpa, Grandma' trees so we went there for lunch. I wish I would have taken a picture from far away to show how big they really are. Of course Brett had to climb around!

Hopefully Max and Maya are good friends like Afton and Harvey!

Monique did Afton's hair today. She wanted it just like Riley's! These girls have so much fun together and cute little Avery loves getting in there too!

Brett and I finally made it on the same hike and I didn't manage to get a family photo. Oh well...

Maya fell asleep in the carrier and it felt good to walk in the fresh air and sunshine!

Afton wanted an Easter Party with her cousins so I let her bring eggs to hide and cookies to decorate! The kids had fun and Afton was a good party planner.

The first night we got there we unloaded our gear and headed to Ray and Trena's. They have a beautiful new house in Bicknell and we loved visiting. Their family is busy and people were coming home at different times from various activities but we managed to see everyone and Ray made a delicious BBQ for us. I'd been having trouble with my stomach for a week and it was nice to eat good food!

The second we got there Afton and Shayla took off. Throughout the night they were up, down, outside, in Shayla's room and went through multiple outfit changes! It was fun to watch! I wish we could see them more often.