Marin's 2nd Birthday and a cousin weekend....

It is so crazy to think that Marin has turned 2!!! This was a super special year for her because her Grandpa Matthew who she shares her birthday with was able to come and visit and celebrate this special day with her. Marin is all about Elmo so we decided to do Elmo cupcakes for her cake. They turned out a little funny looking, but she knew who it was, and that is all that mattered.

We spent most of the day hanging out and making her cupcakes and getting ready for her cousins and Grandpa to come visit, Marin loved making her cupcakes, she always talks about it. We had a great party when everyone arrived. Aubrey was so great to come up with her kids and Matthew. We sang Happy Birthday to Marin and then we had something fun planned for Grandpa Matthew....we were prepared with 60 candles for his cupcake!! It was a little dangerous and extremely hot, but super cool looking. Marin and Grandpa both opened presents and we had some Elmo cupcakes. Marin was so happy and excited for her birthday, I know she felt special.

There are so many times when I tell Marin how much I love her and I think about how surprised I was to find out we were going to be having her. I am so grateful for the gift of her from Heavenly Father, she has truly made our family complete....our little peanut. Love you the most Marin!!! We also had a super fun weekend with the Tyler cousins. The kids just had so much fun playing outside and of course we went to the lake!!

 

Summer= Lawn mowers and hot dogs....

It is official, Andy is the proud owner of a John Deer lawn tractor. I think this was a life long secret dream of his that has finally come true. It was so cute to see him pick out his model and actually bring it home, it was the same excitement level as being a kids on Christmas morning. I am so happy for Andy that he could get this awesome green machine!! When we finally brought it home the kids all wanted a ride. So we grilled up some hot dogs, had some issues with the ketchup, and gathered around to watch and enjoy Dad hard at work (if that's what to call it.....)

The Coombs....

When we lived in Maine we met some amazing people and were blessed with great friends. One of those families were the Coombs. Jaron and Christy were both just so nice, they loved to do fun things, and they had kids around the same ages as ours....it was a match made in heaven. We lived near their family for 3 years and finally moved our separate ways the last year of medical school. Christy and I were always so good at keeping in touch though. Their family was making the move to Alaska shortly after we had moved to Helena, and they decided to stop here and see us as they made the 3 day drive to Alaska from Utah. Christy's parents also came and it was so fun to have a "grandpa and grandma" here with the kiddos. It was so great to have them in Helena and to see where we live. We picked up right where we left off and the kids all got along so well. They were only here two days but it was just enough time to get to the lake and the carousel of course!!

Cookin' with Gramps....

Tessa has always my biggest helper in the kitchen and this day was just like all the others. I was making a salad for a party and Tessa was right there ready to help me measure things out. Gramps and Nana were over for a quick visit and Tessa was sure to make sure that Gramps was a helper too. Those two together are so funny!

A few of my Favorite Things.....

One of the coolest things I do with Andy's mom and sister's is Favorite Things. We get together once a year and give each other one of our favorite things from the year. It can be anything from a candle, lotion, make-up, a rug, jewelry, etc. This year we went to a restaurant in Layton and had dinner together and exchanged our favorite things. We always have so much fun laughing and talking. This was a super special time though because it is when La La officially announced that she was pregnant!! We were all sitting there crying and she told us the great news. I love these ladies and I am so grateful for them in my life. I always look forward to this day every year and appreciate so much the things that they choose as their favorite.

Super slipper slide....

Sometimes when we go to Utah, it is hard to see everyone that we want to.  We had a little extra time this visit to see friends.  The Starkey's hosted us at their house and the Hooton's and the Lauder's came also and we had a super fun party.  We ate some pizza and then we went to a giant hill by their house and Brian set up a 100 foot long slip n' slide!!  At first we were all a little scared, but after Andy went down and injured his tailbone....we knew it was safe!  The kids had so much fun, the laughing that was going on was great.  The first time I went down with Carlee and I didn't start at the top, we started from about halfway down.  It was so fun and fast!  The worst part was at the end when you would slide across the grass from going so fast.  

It was just such a great day to see some great friends, catch up, and just have fun!!  Andy and I have been so blessed over the years with some amazing friends.  

Grandma Faye....

While we were down in Utah we wanted to take the kids to visit Grandma Faye.  It is always hard to go to the nursing home, but it is always worth it.  The kids were great and Faye was so excited to all of us, but most of all the kids.  She is always extra excited to see Andy, she just cries whenever he is there.  We just sat and visited for a little bit and all of the kids had some time to sit in her lap.  Grandma looked great and seemed to be doing well.