Park City Day Trip

At my urging, we spent the day in Park City, UT enjoying the Alpine Slide, trampoline, chair lift...and food!

Can't Forget...

Great-Grandma Elsberry and Great-Aunt Sharon!!! Every time we're anywhere close to Idaho we always stop in for a visit with these two! The boys had such a good time listening to Grandma's stories, playing with her toys and books, and--of course--throwing the ball to Toby, their black, toy poodle. He's such a riot! When he drops the slobbery toy ball waiting for you to pick it up, he'll sometimes grab it from you before you can even throw it! This happens a few times until he finally decides that letting you throw it would be much more fun and then he'll wait patiently. What a tease! He's super spoiled, but quite adorable. We miss you Grandma!

A Quick Trip

While we were in Utah, we stole away for a few days to visit Grandpa Val and Nana in Rexburg, ID. They took us to one of their favorite places near their home where we ate Subway on the trail and visited a huge, MASSIVE waterfall. It was the most beautiful sight and the greenery was truly amazing. I hated to have to leave to go back to the dessert and cacti.

Mesa Falls

One of the most beautiful spots in Idaho. Thanks Grandpa Val and Nana!

Mom's Amazing Garden!

We spent some time at Mom's and, I have to say, was in heaven the whole time! She had grape vines covering her entire fence and a full-blown organic garden full of cherry tomatoes, lettuce, squash and raspberries! I tried to help her trim the garden, but ended up just eating most of what I picked! Yummy!

Grandparents too

Dad and Neva were kind enough to have us over for dinner and a visit. Dad read to the boys--which they loved. It was so good to see them again!

Girls' Night Out

I had the funnest time visiting with Mom, Renee and Lisa while in Utah. We got together for dinner, dessert and a movie at Thanksgiving Point. It was so nice to catch up and see them. Thanks Girls!

Just adorable!

I love that the boys still love taking baths together!!

Ending the Day at the Park

We stayed at Ryan and Sonja's home during this week and ended it all by taking a ride in Rye's 5th-wheel to a neighboring park. We all loved it and got to see the most beautiful sunset!

This Is The Place Heritage park

The kids and I accompanied Sonja's family to have some fun at This is the Place Heritage Park...near Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake (2601 E. Sunnyside Ave). Although it was really rainy, we still enjoyed riding around the park on the trolley (Ash's favorite part!), seeing historical homes and buildings, trying out pogo sticks, playing with wagon wheels, and posing by monuments.

An Old Friend

A visit to Utah wouldn't be complete without seeing my old high-school friend again. Kristen Cottrell is a sweetheart, 1st grade teacher in Provo that loves her work and her family. She lives in Sandy with her parents and travels extensively...most recently to Africa. We had such a fun time talking in Ryan's basement where I was staying...it was like we were back in high school again :*)

Another Photo Shoot...

I couldn't let Meg have all the fun and decided to do a little photo shoot for Nay with Nnamdi too. It was so much fun that Ash decided to join in! Nnamdi is the biggest bundle of joy you'll ever see and it was a joy to capture just a small piece of the enormous love Renee feels for him.

Welcome Baby Vera Lynn Reeves

I just have to say that my niece, Vera, is one of the most adorable creatures on the face of this Earth!! I'm trying super hard not to be too jealous of my youngest sis, Megan, for having the first baby girl amongst us Gardner sisters (AWGGGGHH!!!) When I showed up at her place with Mom (who I hid behind) Meg was quite shocked to see me standing there!

"What are you doing here?!" she asked me. "I came for the baby blessing!" I answered. She was speechless, and that made it all worth it :*) Of course, I wouldn't miss her first child's baby blessing for the world and was grateful to be there. Zeb said the most amazing things during her blessing...including health, happiness and finding someone worthy of her (not possible!). I know she'll have a most blessed life being raised by some of my favorite loved ones. Congratulations guys! She's amazing :*)

Annalise's 9th Birthday!

A Summer Break!

Me and the boys decided to take a break from 108 deg. temps and stop off in Utah. We ended up attending a BBQ at Rye's place in honor of Annalise's birthday. There was junk food galore, hot dogs, chips, a water slide and lots of friends. The boys had a blast and I got to visit--yeah!!

On our way to Utah

This is me venturing out to make the long trek to Utah with the boys. Jase wasn't able to come, but we made it just fine. It was so nice to get away from the heat for a minute!

Baby V

Vera Lynn Reeves, my newest niece, was a pleasure to visit and hold. She's so TINY! Congrats to Meg and Zeb on their first-born. She's truly adorable!