Fourth of July

4th of July this year was another great long day up on the big mountain.  We were there almost the entire day and I loved every minute :)  I was extra thankful since my family was able to join us too, so I didn't have to drive all over with multiple places to visit!

Leana and Tyler were in Mexico celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary and the girls were staying with Kris and Loren that week.  Cambrie had a sleep over with them and was excited to spend more time with the girls.  Ryanne is such a good big cousin and always takes time to play with Cambrie (and Avery as well).

Landon remembered playing with Damon's old legos and asked for them again - he is such a happy kid!

The girls spent lots of time in the little pools playing games and being silly.

I checked on them in the playroom and they were putting diapers on stuffed animals :)

 Our only family photo that isn't terribly good - but it was all that we got! 

 

Loren made Landon's little life and took him for a ride on one of his tractors.  They picked up a big wooden pole and moved it around - he was so excited that he couldn't even talk :)

Not quite sure what is going on with the poses - but these cousins are just adorable.

All the littles lined up to start fireworks in the driveway :)

 

C just looking up to her Papa Loren :)

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any fireworks due to the fog.  Its such a bummer because it is awesome up there.  Maybe next year!

I really do like the 4th of July holiday - its such a festive time to celebrate so many things!

Chelsea Engagement Party

 I just received a text message from a dear friend asking if I had a secret blog that I was posting to since this was has been so silent.  Honestly, I miss blogging about our little life.  It gives me time to reflect on all the positive things when many of the trials during my day seem so negative (like the constant bartering that I need to do with C to keep her in line, or employees at work who steal things that really break my spirit, or just the overall weight of providing for our family and our future.)  

So, I really do love blogging because it mostly feels like bragging about this family that we have created and showing all the fun happy moments and life celebrations :)

With that being said, I will just hop right into a few pictures of Chelsea and Allie's engagement party from the beginning of the month.  Chelsea shared with me her plans to propose on Christmas morning at her dad's house - I loved that moment with my little cousin and was so excited for her.  But, I had to wait 6 months to really talk about it - so when we received the news that all went well in Hawaii I was all kinds of excited.  In fact, my family and I were walking through security on the way to the cruise when I saw the news on Facebook.  My mom, sister and I started cheering.  It was pretty awesome.  

My aunt hosted an engagement party for the two of them and it was a great evening!  Lots of yummy food with good people celebrating love.  It doesn't really get better than that!

The happy couple with a glimpse of the awesome sunset behind them...

My sweet Cambrie just loves Allie and Chelsea.  They are both very kind to her and I really appreciate that :)

Allie's step siblings came to the party and it was our first time meeting them.  They were also awesome with the girls and C loved hanging out with them.  In fact, on the way home she said that she wished they came with us on the cruise.  That is a pretty high honor :)

And one more of the happy couple because I am so proud of them!  We cannot wait to officially welcome Allie into the crazy Cambra clan :)