Cousins!

July was a fun month, after all, we Utahns get two big ol' holidays. It was especially fun for us this year because we got to spend time with lots of family and the kids adore hanging out with their cousins. The day after Steve's b-day, his brother and his family came to Logan as a surprise to see the old man. :) It was so much fun! Because life is so busy and schedules are so hectic, we, unfortunately, don't get to see them very often. (I realized too late that I didn't get a shot of the kids all together. Bummer.) We went to dinner together (buffet - YUM!), and then headed to the park. Logan did their 4th of July fireworks that night so the kids ran off some steam at the park, then we all went and watched the fireworks together.



Bailey warmed up to the girls really quickly and loved all the attention. I decided that they should move in with me so I always have someone to carry and entertain my baby.




The Cutie in this picture with Matthew is just a month older than he is.

We had a great time and are grateful for a fun surprise visit!


On the 24th of July, we met up with our Logan cousins and watched the parade. My kids love, love, love the Pioneer Day parade here in Logan. Truth be known, I do too! I love that we can show up 10 or 15 minutes before the parade and still find a super spot. I love that a good number of the participants in the parade are in trucks with butcher paper banners hanging on the sides. I love that every single year The Waver hops on his bike and joins the parade!

Here are some of the kiddos eagerly awaiting the parade -- and mentally preparing for the oodles of candy that they will soon be dashing off the curb to retrieve.

(Not really sure what little jig Steve is doing in the back... but it sure is nice...)

Rachel firmly believes that an event is not truly an event until there are princesses involved. So, we naturally do what any good and honest parents would do - we tell her that the royalty from all the little cities are princesses. Our boy cousins weren't quite as impressed with the "princesses" as Rachel, but they were good sports and helped Rachey wave at them. (Like the big green bags on their shoulders? It was all I could rummage from the trunk of the car to hold their loot. I usually remember little lunch bags or something. Oh well.)

To finish off our month of fun cousin visits, my oldest brother and his family came from California. We get to see them so seldom, that it's always very eagerly anticipated, and we love spending time with them. We got to spend some time with them in Ogden at my other brother's house - hiking, swimming, eating, and just hanging out. The last day of their stay in Utah, they came to Logan. We took them to the school park where, serendipitously, the sprinklers turned on to save them from the heat of the day. They played hard, got sopping wet, and then ate like horses. Good times.

We absolutely loved being with family this month. The only bad thing is that it makes us remember how much we miss those who are far away and those who we don't see enough. Thanks to everyone for making the trek up north to see us! We love you!