Tea Party Birthday

I just came across these photos tonight from Eliza's birthday party two years ago. Although I've never really gotten in to throwing kids parties, this one was really fun. Eliza was turning four, so she had four little friends over for a tea party. I've always thought it was a good rule of thumb to invite as many guests as the child is old. That was you don't have 20 three year olds running in every direction. Aidan was so excited to help with the party too. So he got himself all dressed up and acted as the girls waiter. He was darling. We all had a great time. In fact, Eliza just asked me if she can have the same party this year.

Wrapping up our Adventure

Wednesday,  July 20th was the last day in Utah that I spent with my family. We took the kids to a pirate themed family entertainment center called, Pirate Island. As far as places like that go, it was pretty cool. It reminded me a little bit of the Rainforest Cafe, but with pirate themes. We got to each lunch in our own private room called, The Smugglers Cave. IT was like being in a real cave with hidden treasures all around. The kids loved it.

  

That evening we attended my uncle's 60th birthday party. It was great to see so many of my cousins, aunts, and uncles. The next morning we said goodbye to my grandma and my parents, who so graciously took care of our sleeping needs and breakfast every morning, among other things, while we were visiting. Then we headed up Provo Canyon to our Nobbs family reunion, in Timber Lakes.

    On the way to the reunion we stopped at Bridal Veil Falls to stretch our legs on snap a few photos.

The reunion was great. We got to see two of John's sisters and their families that we haven't seen for over 10 years. The kids love meeting their "new" cousins. Immediately they began playing together and having a good time. Friday we all hiked to Stewart Falls. It was beautiful! I enjoyed it, although a few of the kids didn't like the long hike too much. Then we went to Deer Creek Reservoir where the kids played in the water and went fishing. Saturday was especially nice for everyone. John's grandmother came to the reunion to see everyone for the day. The kids put on a talent show for her. They were so cute! We had lots of great food and fun together.

Sunday morning we got up early and headed back out on the open road.  Luckly, John was there to help with the driving (it's so much easier to make a long trip with 2 drivers!). Sunday we drove at total of 18 hours! The best thing that day was seeing a double rainbow stretched across the open sky. And the worst thing was that Eliza got car sick (no surprise there) and threw up in the back seat a couple of times...ughhh. Monday it was a simple 12 hour drive. We saw some crop dusters as we passed through Iowa. So that was pretty cool. But other than that the whole drive home was a bit dull, and long. We arrived back in Pittsburgh, late Monday night. All, in all, it was a great summer adventure. But we are all happy to be home at last!

Aloha Prehistoric Creatures!

We had a great family party Sunday night. Andrea made a lot of great food. She had fun decorations, a pinata, prizes, and gifts for all the kids. It was our Christmas in July Celebration. We all had a great time, thanks to all her hard work! Thanks, Andrea. 

Yesterday, Andrea treated everyone to Thanksgiving Point's Dinosaur Museum. We had never been there before. It's an awesome museum, with a lot of things for the kids to do. After visiting the dinosaurs, all the kids (and John and I) got to go dig in a quarry for fossils. It was pretty cool. There were plenty of trilobites for everyone. The kids loved it!

                            

Fun with the Family

I have been in Utah now, 4 days. I arrived Thursday morning at 2 am. Thursday afternoon, I visited my sister Allison's family. I got an amazing salad from Cafe Rio (a must on every trip to Utah). Visited my dad's sister, Maria. And bought some cool fingernail stuff for Eliza from her.

Friday, we took the kids to Trafalga, in Orem, for mini golf. Then went to Coneys for the best frozen custard, Cherry Amaretto  Cheesecake. Then, I dropped Liam off in Salt Lake with his Uncle Ethan for a couple of days. John and Little John flew in that night from Pittsburgh. It's good to have them finally here with us.

Yesterday, we had a girls day with my mom and sisters. We went to Paseano's for lunch, then did a little shopping. After, we went back to my sister's house for some water games and a BBQ. The kids all had a great time with their cousins. The best part was watching my mom go down the slip 'n slide! It was great!

Today we are having a Luau at a park to celebrate my sister's birthday. It should be a lot of fun.

I Miss Jess!!!!!

My Visit With Jess

I absolutely LOVE these cute dolls Jess designed. She said she'll be selling the pattern soon, so we can all have these fun, whimsical dolls.

Jess's sewing room is so cute!

Jess embroidered this cute little pillow using an old transfer design she bought at the antique store- SOOO darling! My favorite color palette!

Lizzy and Lexi's room. I love how she used the pillow case on the table. And the banner of course I love. This space is just perfect!

Big Sky Country (Road Trip Day 5 and 6)

It was so great to spend all day Tuesday and most of the day Wednesday with our friends in Montana. Jess and I took the kids to Lake Elmo to swim and play on the beach. Jake helped Liam shoot his bow. And the kids all had a great time playing together. I still can't believe Jess totally surprised me and cleaned out my car for me while I was in the shower (you can't even imagine what a mess it was after all our traveling)! She's the best! It was great to eat good food too, after so much junky road food. Wednesday, we went to Softees for ice cream, then the kids and I headed out for Utah at about 3 in the afternoon. We drove through Montana, Idaho, then finally arrived in Utah at 2 in the morning. That seems to be our favorite arrival time!

(I drove, while the kids ran all the way to Idaho.)

 

(Liam got tired, and tried to hitch a ride.)

Packing It All In (Road Trip Day 4)

Day four was a long day. 20 hours on the road but only 10 hours of it driving. We stopped and spent time in The Bad Lands, Wall Drug, Crazy Horse, and Mt. Rushmore. We all had a really great time. I wish we could have spent more time at each place but it was a lot to pack in to one day! We arrived at Jess's house in Billings, MT at 2:00 in the morning, exhausted, but excited to be there.