Party Over Here

Last week we went down to Utah to visit Dallas' parents and they took us to a fun petting zoo at Thanksgiving Point.

After trying on the cowboy hats to prepare, Amaya was ready to ride.

At first she was a little tentative, but pretty soon she was riding solo and racing.  Pretty impressive for a girl who can't even walk yet.

"Don't worry Grandpa, I've got this."

But alas, all good things must come to an end.  Poor Amaya has seasonal allergies and being outside and around all the animals made her so sick.  It was sad because I'm sure she would have had tons more fun if she was feeling better. (This is probably my favorite picture of the bunch)

Dallas feeding the chickens

This poor animal was so pregnant she looked like she was about ready to pop, sitting in the 98 degree Utah weather.  I knew exactly how she felt. :)

Amaya and Dad feeding the goat.  Originally she tried to eat the corn, but after awhile she figured it out.

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Abrams for a fun trip!

Dallas leaves tonight for Boise and will be gone for his (Jul 20) and Amaya's birthdays (Jul 16), so we had a double birthday bash at our house on Friday.

We had lots of fun racing these little 50s until our neighbor called the cops on us!

Dallas' cupcakes

Amaya's

It didn't take Amaya long to figure out the cake eating . . .

I couldn't get her to smile because she was so focused on her cupcake. :)

Thanks everybody for a fun party!

Saturday we had a barbecue with some of our family and set off fireworks

(not our fireworks, although they were pretty impressive)

It was really cool to have the 4th of July on a Sunday this year, although I bawled through the opening and closing hymn in Sacrament meeting.  These lyrics seem a little more personal than they used to.

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

. . .

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

It was wonderful to be able to attend church as a family and remember the many people who have sacrificed so much for us.  We are so blessed to live in our country where we can worship our Heavenly Father and raise our families in peace.

 

Today is the 4th of July softball tournament that Dallas plays in every year. Last year I was HUGELY pregnant and roasting in the hot sun and, what do you know? I'm pregnant again this year! What a fun tradition. :) Amaya and I snuck home for her to take an afternoon nap, but we're heading back out later to catch the final games.  So far they've won both of their softball games! Way to go!

Dallas hit a great triple this morning, but it's taking FOREVER for videos to load, so I'll have to put it up here later.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!