The Fourth Of July

It's probably been since I lived in Idaho that I've been to the square festivities in my home town so Gregg and I decided to take some time off and stay through the fourth. We started things off with fireworks the Saturday before and had a great relaxing time playing on the farm until the holiday.

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Sage likes to sit in her new sister's car seat.  So funny.

How to entertain toddlers before the show.

Playing on the square.

She loves this girl.

Excited about the horses.

 She was so tired after the parade that she almost fell asleep on aunt Kashayla.  In the second picture she's giving me an annoyed look for bugging her.  You don't mess with Emme's sleep.

What summer is all about.

Pool Time!

Sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows.

She loves fireworks just like her momma.

Yuba 2012

Due to conflicting schedules we went to Yuba Lake a few months earlier this year.  The water was still too high to camp on the beach, but it meant water and electricity which is fine by me.  It was a little cold and pretty windy as Yuba usually is, but we were still in great company and had a great time.

We realized Emme has already outgrown all the swimsuits we had planned for her this summer. 

A little break for lunch.

I was super worried about Emme diving into the water, but soon realized Emme wanted nothing to do with it.  It was too cold for her.

Flying kites.

Walking back to our campsite. 

Lava Hot Springs

We had the opportunity to stay at my brother's cabin over Memorial Day weekend. We had an absolute blast even though it rained for two straight days. It was still nice to get away and enjoy the mountains while staying in a luxury cabin...of course. Despite the downpour we were able to fit in lots of four wheeling and a swim at the hot pools. Here's hoping we get invited lots more times....hint hint.





The scenery is gorgeous there. Do I look like a pro?


We took a stop to enjoy the view. It reminded me of the book How Green Was My Valley. Seriously breathtaking.


We even took Emme on a short ride. Yes, I was a worried mom the whole time. She was in heaven.


She fell asleep about 5 minutes into it and didn't wake up until we got back. She must have been pretty comfy snuggled between her mom and dad.

Spring Vacation

We got to take a trip with my parents to St. George recently. We also spent a day in Vegas.  After packing a million things we forgot our camera.  Thank goodness for phone cameras or we'd have no proof of this vacation at all. 

Gregg and Emme at the outlet mall in Vegas. 

Grandpa and Emme at the Ferrari dealership.  We paid for "VIP" access, but weren't allowed to take any pictures while inside.  We also went to the Shelby Museum at the race track and got to watch people drive expensive cars. 

Emme loves my dad and he was good enough to pack her around most of the day. 

Waiting for the fountains.

She loved when Vegas came alive at night.

Enjoying warm weather at the park.

It was sad when it was over and Emme cried when my parents left.  She kept asking for grandpa the rest of the week.

It's tradition

I don't think it was by any accident that Emme was born in Idaho so close to when the Eastern Idaho State Fair is. It has been a yearly event for my family and me since I can remember.  So it just makes sense that we are now able to take Emme with us and at the same time celebrate her birthday with not only my family, but her birth family as well.  The best part was we ran into Emme's birth grandpa (fittingly called Papa just like Gregg's dad) and birth aunt while we were at the fair.  Crazy to think a year ago we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of this special girl.

My aunt and uncle were in charge of this little car area.  Emme never wanted to leave.  I can't say I blamed her. 

I love taking her to see all the animals.  If you notice her poor eyes, it's not allergies.  I had her tested for cows and she is not allergic, but her poor tear ducts won't let her tears drain so any time spent outside is no good on her eyes.

Another tradition.  I couldn't count the number of these hats I've had in my life time.  We even have a  video of my sister wearing one of these while imitating their commercial.  "HEEEEYYYY CULLIGAN MAAAAN!!!"

I just can't get over this smile. 

Idaho Trip

When Gregg found out he had scout camp, I decided to take Emme to Idaho to see the fam. She got to experience her first county fair which is a big deal for us Idaho girls and play with her cousins.

Fair food is the best.

She loved the animals until...

A sheep baad in her face and freaked her out. She doesn't make this face very often so it was pretty cute.

 Entertaining Emme in the bounce house Addison got for her birthday.

This picture is hilarious.

These three girls are all bruisers so it's fun when they get together.

We got to go to lunch with the girls before heading out of town.  Emme was exhausted and kept laying her head on the table.

Yuba 2011

Our second camping trip was our annual Yuba trip. Because of all the water this year we had to camp at a different spot other than the beach we're normally on. It was still really fun, but I felt I missed out on the potential sand eating picture of Emme. Maybe next year right? I will have all of you know that when it came my turn to wake board I got up on the first try. Not that I stayed up long, but it was BIG progress from last year.  It would figure that we didn't have a camera to document it, but trust me, I was awesome.

Her first orange.  She was on cloud nine.

Mom, I'm so cool. 

She mimics everything we do now and when I showed her my tongue she showed hers right back.  She also starting saying "Tricia" on this trip.  Now she says it all the time. 

First boat ride!  Who doesn't like a life jacket shoved up their cheeks?

Swimming with the kiddos.  How could I resist?

Relaxing tubing.  Exactly my style.