{pirate treasure hunt}

We made it to Utah last week, and have been having a great time!! There is always so much to do, and we have been going non-stop since we arrived. Last weekend, we went to my parent's cabin in Star Valley--and my awesome sister, organized and put on the most incredible treasure hunt I have ever seen for my kids.

Have you ever seen such cool looking pirates?

She started off by reading all the kids "How I Became A Pirate" to set the mood.

Then she hid 4 clues around the cabin to have them figure out where to go next......

The clues eventually led to the treasure map.

I thought the map looked very authentic and pirate-y(thanks to Steve's handiwork.)

The four kiddos: Hunter, Tanner, Hayden, Brooklyn.

After following all of the landmarks on the map, it led them to the buried treasure hidden under the cabin.

They actually had to dig it up with shovels until they found the treasure chests.

All four of the kids got their very own treasure chest full of golden coins, diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

Sometimes pirates get a little thirsty......

The boys with grandma showing off their treasures.

My sister Erika with all of the kids after the hunt!

I think the adults had just as much fun watching the kids hunt for their treasure, as they did. I am so grateful for all of the time and efforts my sister and everyone else involved put into this treasure hunt. I know that this is something that my kids will remember, and will always have the memories to

treasure!

{HP7}

I knew the day would eventually come........

The final installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was released last week, and it was such a bitter sweet moment for me. Truthfully, I haven't been as deeply committed and involved as I know that some people have--over the past ten years, with each of the book releases and subsequent movies that have followed. But for me, J.K Rowling's masterpiece that is-- the Harry Potter books, will always remain in my opinion, the best series ever! Twilight doesn't even hold a candle to these books.

So there was no question, that I would be there with all the rest of the freaks and geeks to the midnight showing of Deathly Hallows. Wearing my new HP t-shirt, and wearing it proud!

A group of us, met up at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner-- before we got to sit in the theater for 4 hrs before the midnight showing.

It is always so entertaining to attend these midnight showings, and the audiences never disappoint.




I mean really, where else can grown men dress up as Voldemort (except maybe on Halloween) and everyone around thinks it is cool?? Only at a Harry Potter premiere. It was such a great movie, and I was so happy to enjoy it with a group of my really cool/nerdy friends!

{4th of July}

Happy 4th of July

After we got back from our little camping trip (see post below) the next day was the 4th, and the celebration continued. Last year over the 4th of July weekend, Steve oddly enough-- had a seizure that ended up landing him in the hospital over night, which subsequently cancelled any plans for parades or fireworks last year! Which, looking back at that time in our lives' I am so grateful that everything ended up being just fine, other than that whole Steve not driving for 6 months thing--that really sucked! All is well. So this year, we were both determined to make this 4th of July much more memorable, and it was!

We met up with some friends at the parade, and came home with way too much candy!

And all the kids had a great time.

My handsome little guys.



Later that evening, we went to the park to see the fireworks.

And had fun lighting Sparklers.

It was a great weekend, and I am again reminded at how blessed I am to live in this great country, and am so thankful for the many freedoms that I enjoy! I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July too.

{the great outdoors}

This 4th of July weekend, we decided to celebrate--by exploring the great outdoors. Growing up in Utah, I had been used to going camping in the mountains, so this was a little different--and yet it turned out to be just as enjoyable! Iowa has really started to grow on me over the years, and I have truly come to appreciate the beauty and sites that it has to offer.

This was Tanner's first time camping, and I am pretty sure he loved every minute of it. Watching Steve build the campfire, roasting hot dogs, and making s'mores was a lot of fun for the boys.

We actually let them sleep in a tent all by themselves. I wasn't quite sure how this would turn out-- but they both did awesome. Pillow pets, comfy blankets, a dvd to watch, and their very own flashlights in hand--and all was well! (plus we were literally 2 feet away in our own tent)

Then we woke up the next day and all went fishing!

Hunter was so proud of his catch!

It was pretty exciting for both of them, because it was also the first time that either of them had actually caught a fish before.

As you can see--it was also pretty exciting for Steve too!

{let freedom ring}

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Happy 4th of July weekend

I found these red and blue ring pops at Walmart today! It quickly reminded me, as I looked down at my hand--of the many freedoms and privileges that I have the opportunity to enjoy--while living in this great country. Let Freedom Ring has been on my mind today as I have been packing and getting ready to go camping this 4th of July with my family.

{Also, I am really loving my new table centerpiece -- subway art courtesy from the ladies' at eighteen25.}

God Bless America, land that I love!