This is how we do it.

Step 1: Get a trailer. Step 2: Get some pallets. Step 3: Get some shrink wrap. Step 4: Get a forklift. Step 5: Stack & move. I could not be more glad that we have completed step 5. We got the majority of our stuff moved in one weekend, got the house cleaned & closed last Wednesday. Whew! The past month has been a whirlwind of activity, since it was only about 6 or 7 weeks from the time we put it on the market to the time we closed. Which is a good thing-- It's a really good thing! Don't get me wrong-- I feel insanely blessed that we've had such good fortune & are on to our next adventure. However the thought of never going home to my little Terrace house again, never running across the street to swim or borrow an egg, never having neighbors show up with a delicious treat, never sitting on my front porch as the sun goes down, watching my offspring ride his big wheel with the many neighbor kids-- it all tugs at my heartstrings. We knew the time in our home there was temporary going into it, but I never could have known how 'at home' I would end up feeling there. I miss it a great deal already. I hope the cute couple taking our place feels the same happiness there that we did. And I hope our friends & neighbors don't forget us too quickly because I know I'll remember them always. Thanks for everything. I say a little prayer in my heart every day that we'll be as happy in our new home...

Independence Day.

We had a busy, fun-filled 4th of July that took us from Paradise all the way to Bountiful, & a few stops in between. We camped overnight in Paradise & had such fun with Gracie's family going to the fireworks at USU & the next morning I 'ran' the 15k Freedom Run up Blacksmith Fork Canyon with my parents & some friends, though it was more walking than running to be honest. I was not quite prepared for that one. I finished though, which was pretty much my goal.

From there we went to Plain City where Ty competed in an ATV polo tourney with our friend Rex, & I might add that such an event is entertainment at it's finest. Truth be told, it just might be the fact that said city holds such events that draws us to move there. One never knows.

We finished our night at Grandpa Noker's where we celebrated both, yes both of Ty's parents' birthdays with food, cake, homemade ice cream, fireworks & loads of fun! Happy 4th.

Best Question Ever.

So yesterday I was picking my darling sister-in-law Roxi up to head to Brianna's wedding & some of her cute little neighbor girls were playing in their front yard. I heard them yell something, but didn't realize they were talking to us until one little girl yelled "Hey!" grabbing my attention, before repeating her question. Ready for it??? "Are you a movie star?!" she asked. To which I graciously & promptly replied "Yes, I am!" I was laughing & grinning with a little pride when she asked what movies I was in. At the risk of losing my new found little fan club, I decided I must tell her the truth. That I am in fact, not a movie star. She hesitated only a moment before replying "Well you totally look like one!" Awww, shucks. I bet I was blushing. Kids in my neighborhood never ask me that.

Father's Day.

We celebrated Father's Day & my sister Brooke's Birthday by having a picnic up Logan Canyon (so gorgeous & green!) & sampling a smorgasbord of tasty desserts made by her neighbor, the pastry chef. Nice. I just gotta mention how much I love my sister. She's stunning, funny, brilliant & one of the best friends I have ever had. I hope she had a splendid birthday & that the year ahead treats her better than ever!

I'm also so grateful for the dads in my life. I have such an awesome dad, words cannot describe. He is beyond amazing in his generosity, his example & his knowledge. I really lucked out. I'm also so lucky that my son has such an incredible, hard working, smart, funny dad. He's so much fun, & lives to be a dad. I'm grateful for him every single day. (And might I add that he's handsome as the day is long.....)

And there are others... Brothers, uncles, grandpas... The list goes on... Happy Father's Day each & every one!!

Summertime & the livin's (sorta) easy!

We have had quite an eventful summer so far-- I'll try to recap without making this 6 years long. We were fortunate enough to sell our house in about 3 weeks so we're crazy busy with packing, moving & getting everything ready for the new construction to commence. However, this doesn't mean we haven't been having any fun. Oh we're having fun alright!! It'll just be more fun when the moving (1st move anyway) is done. We're set to close on the 22nd so cross your fingers for us that all goes well there.

Here's some evidence of the good times we've been having...

Many days at the park, playing on the huge inflatable slide at our neighbors, BBQ's, getting ready for the impending nuptials, visits to Paradise, the Treehouse, etc. etc. I love me some summer.

Breezy

I believe I previously mentioned that my little sis-in-law Brianna is getting married this week. Well, I've had the wonderful opportunity to do her pictures & we've had so much fun together. I wish them the best of luck this week & for the rest of their lives. Scared witless, but looking forward to doing their wedding pictures also. Wish me luck that all goes well- A friend of mine told me not to worry, that I would do great, that there was nothing to be scared about-- weddings only happen once in a liftime, right? Whew. What great advice for a first timer. I do appreciate their trust in letting me practice one them!!!