Hard Work

It's been almost 2 years since Nate had a pretty extensive shoulder surgery

and he's been working so hard to get back in shape. I'm always amazed at his dedication

and perseverance. It's definitely a gift. I'm so proud of how hard he has worked

to get where he is both physically and mentally.

He is not only content in life, but it's amazing to watch how content he is with work.

He just gets the big picture and realizes that you have to get up every morning and go to work.

It's not fun and it's not always enjoyable, but that's why they call it work.

He doesn't look for the next best thing ALL THE TIME. He's content to just do what he needs to every day and it pays off.

I love this trait about him and I've learned a lot from watching him. He's a great example not only to me, but to our girls as well.

Canadian Visitors

Nate's cousin Travis and his family came to visit.

They stayed at Scott and Valerie's house and we went up to visit and hang out.

Addy, being the motherly type and loving dolls and babies, immediately got attached to Charlotte.

They loved playing together and it was fun to watch.

Charlotte is the best baby. She is so chill and just hangs out with a big smile on her face.

I just wanted to squeeze her the entire time.

Summer Nights

4th of July weekend, we all went to Rachelle and Brett's house for a BBQ.

Their house is super fun because it has a fire pit to roast marshmallows!

While we were all hanging out, we decided to go for a walk by the river that runs along their neighborhood. Rachelle took us to this cool place that had a giant swing hanging from the trees. 

The kids LOVED it.. even Nate. :-)

Hailey and Avery had a blast walking up the river since it was SUPER low. It's the lowest I've ever seen it. They spent their time looking for fish to catch with their bare hands. They found a few, but didn't catch any.

I love summer nights in Utah. They are gorgeous, comfortable and the fresh mountain air just can't be beat.

4th of July

4th of July is such a fun day around here. Every year we wake up to tons of hot air balloons in the sky  outside our bedroom window. There is a ballon festival just down the street from our house and we get to see plenty of them without having to be there.  

Usually, in the early afternoon, we head up to Nate's parents house for some swimming and BBQ.

Everyone brings something and there is usually really yummy food to snack on all afternoon. Uncle Justin was kind enough to throw Hailey and Avery in the pool countless times. They loved trying new tricks in the air.

This year, we decided to try something a little different from the usual 'middle of the street firework lighthing'.  Instead, we went to a highschool where we heard they did a pretty good show every year. We got there early so we could have plenty of room for our huge family and we just hung out and the kids played while we waited for the show to begin.

The show was absolutely amazing. It really was such a great firework show. We were VERY impressed.  Addy, was not, however. She hid in a blanket in the fetal position in Nate's arms the entire time the show was going. The one thing that WAS really great for Addy was that she got her birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. They were on a cruise during her birthday so they brought her back a baby and mama moose stuffed animal that she is SO in love with.