A Fourth of July Whirlwind

We had a FANTASTIC Fourth of July.

It just happened to be busy  - but we loved it!

Brooke and Blaine came into town the Saturday before with their cute kiddos. We haven't seen them since our family vacay last August, so of course we were so excited they were coming!

My dad and Steven flew into town the Tuesday before the Fourth, and we haven't seen my dad since last October, and haven't seen Steven since May 2011 when we were in Florida, so of course we were excited to see them, too!

Quick side story: I had some girlfriends of mine (the original MG's, if you will) getting together the Friday night before the Fourth. I haven't seen most of them since our get together last December and for some it has even been longer than that! I went back and forth on going down, since we were going down just a couple of days later - but ultimately I decided too, and I'm glad I did! Who knows how long it will be before I see most of them again?! 

So, I drove down Friday morning. 

I met up with two of my other favorite ladies in Brigham City for lunch.

Me, Kristin, Michelle

They are from my "second" group of MG's, and I love them dearly. 

Then I drove down to Salt Lake, where I met up with Ish before she left on her New York trip and we got a quick shopping trip in at City Creek.

Then I drove down to Bonnie's house (where the MG party was), changed my clothes and freshened up, and everyone arrived. 

These ladies have been my best friends and rocks since August 2008. 5 years of friendship still going strong. I've done blog posts about them in the past, but I am really so lucky to have found them then. They are a great group of girls, and even though we are all so different we love and support each other.

Back row: me, Nikki, Leanna, Adrianne with baby Juliet, Lacey, Bonnie, Annika
Bottom row: Jenny, Sarah, Lindsay, Natali

We had some delicious homemade Cafe Rio, and just talked and talked.

Most left around 10 or 11. Natali and I were both staying at Nikki's and we didn't leave until about 1 am. 

The next morning we got up and said our goodbyes, and I went to meet my Hanson family at BYU. Blaine and Brooke were driving up from staying the night in St. George and I met up with them and Evan and Holly, and Nate and Mel and their kids.

Afterwards I snuck in a visit to Sarah. Then drove to Salt Lake for family dinner at Evan and Holly's. I left Sunday morning and made it home in time for church.

Side story end.

Now for the Fourth!

Kyle and I left Tuesday afternoon and made it in time for family dinner at Evan and Holly's.

Wednesday we met up with my dad at Steven and had lunch at In n Out and then wandered around Scheels. We went back to Evan and Holly's in time to help put finishing touches on the party for Luke and Logan. Yes, the twinners turned TWO and we had a full on family party with about 40 people. It was a blast! We got to see some cousins on Holly's side of the family, as well as some of Brooke's family.

Avery playing with one of the presents - a Woody hat!

Avery and I

The amazing cake Kyle's cousin Chantal made! It was obviously a Toy Story themed party :)

The birthday boys with Blaine, Brooke and Allie.

They weren't too sure about blowing out their candles.

Claire also enjoyed the Woody hat.

A funny picture of Logan opening presents.

K and I after the party had ended.

Thursday was the Fourth of July!

Kyle and Melanie went down and ran the Freedom Festival 5K.

We had a family BBQ for dinner (with my dad and Steven joining us), and then hung out and did fireworks at night. We had such a good time being with family - and I love watching how excited little kids are about fireworks!

Friday we all went to Temple Square and City Creek (we being K and I, Evan and Holly, Dad and Steven, Blaine and Brooke's family, Brooke's parents, Alan and Jess and Claire). We wandered and explored and ate lunch, and Dad and I got our shopping on :) Friday night was family pictures for the Hanson family at Wheeler farm. I'm excited to see how they turned out!

Favorite Temple, of course!

Avery-baby!

Whit and Avery :)

Me and Claire-Bear!

Saturday Blaine and Brooke returned home with their kiddos. We miss them already!

Allie and I!

K and I went down for lunch with my mom and Charity. We ate and relaxed together.

Then K and I met up with my dad and Steven. It was Steven's birthday! We took a drove up to Sundance, and went up the ski lift. We drove the Alpine loop and then went out to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory.

Sunday K and I said good bye to Evan and Holly, and met Dad and Steven at the Outlets in Lehi, for a little more shopping and to say goodbye. It was great seeing them, and we wish it could be more often!

Dad and I.

Then Kyle and I drove home.

It was a busy, busy week - but we were glad we could spend so much time with our family! Especially since on Monday we got some news that is going to change our lives.

.... Stay tuned for that announcement in the next blog post!!

(ps, it's not a baby)