Conner in Cambodia: Sightseeing Weekend

 Conner got to go to HXP this year. He had an absolutely amazing experience. He said everyone should go to HXP. I was very impressed with his adventurous spirit, his dedicated service, and his connections with new friends.

Trey's Birthday

We got a couple of our boys back just in time to celebrate Trey's birthday.

Ruby had worked hard on a surprise art project for Trey's gift. So sweet.

We went to Reed and Cathy's for dinner and I brought a couple cakes. I felt pretty good about this almond sheet cake!

Elsie made a new best friend.

Since we hadn't had much time to do any traditional birthday things, we had Trey's dinner the next day. Clain and Simon were over playing and stayed for dinner. Then the missionaries showed up unannounced and we had a loaves and fishes birthday treat experience. 

We sang to Trey and cut everything in little pieces. I think it worked out fine.

Happy birthday! Love you Trey!

America 250!

I was so happy to celebrate the 4th of July this year. I absolutely love America. My patriotic streak goes all the way back to 3-year-old Rachelle singing "You're a Grand Old Flag" every time I saw an American flag as we were driving. I would restart the song with each new flag. Bless my patient mother.

The girls and I were still in the midst of our girl weekend. We made red white and blue breakfast, went swimming, and met up with the extended family for Stadium of Fire. Wow! What a day!

Happy birthday, America!

Hiking Cascade Springs

 I had been to Cascade Springs in the past, but I definitely hadn't fully appreciated it before. I loved seeing it again! What a beautiful place! We did have some hilarious shenanigans with cars and gas and miracles. I'm just grateful we all made it there and back home. And that I got to belt some radio tunes with Marissa; that's always a highlight of hike day. Cheers to happy hiking!