Independence Day

On the 4th of July we get a chance to reflect on the blessings of freedom. I feel so blessed to live in this great country. I am acutely aware of the freedoms that we enjoy. I have seen first hand the effects of bad leaders/government. My family lived in Germany both before and after the wall came down. It was a night and day difference between East/West. As a people we are so blessed! I am grateful to my father and grandfathers for their military service. I am proud of my family military heritage. I know that the freedoms that I enjoy are due in a large part to those that have worked to uphold the values I hold sacred. I am grateful for those who have organized and faithfully cared for our county and freedoms over the years. I am glad to have some time to reflect on those blessings that I tend to take for granted in my day to day life.

Today we kept things low key. Jared worked and I spent the day having fun with the kids. It is amazing how quickly you get back into “real life” after a vacation. The kids were all decked out in adorable red, white and blue. We had a photo shoot just before our family BBQ. It is tradition to take family 4th of July pictures. We have done it ever since Jadyn’s first Independence Day 4 years ago. This year was Hyrum’s first 4th! I can’t believe how quickly these kids are growing! I have to thank Nana for the perfect outfits. Thank you for helping my kids all look adorable!

Happy 4th of July! May we all take a moment to express our gratitude for our freedom and all those who have worked to uphold our nation over the years.

Viva Mexico!

Last week Jared and I took a trip to Mexico. We were so blessed to be able to get away for our 7th anniversary without any children! This was more like a 2nd honeymoon and it was without incidents (like our first honeymoon). Oh the memories!!! We actually had some uninterrupted time together and we have needed that for awhile.



We stayed in a beautiful resort/condo right on the beach. The view from our 11th floor balcony was unbelievable. I could not get enough of that ocean view!

Our resort was fabulous. We loved being outside. We could swim in our choice of pools, float on the lazy river, or walk the 20 extra steps to the ocean. Tough choices… When we wanted to go back inside, the condo was a nice, cool 77 degrees with all of the amenities that we could want. (I have serious master bath envy…) Again, the view was spectacular – especially at sunset!

Jared and I were treated to a 5 Star dining experience and that was a blast. Lobster Quesedillas, Fresh Shrimp, Pecan-crusted fish, and the most delicious dessert we have had in forever… We love good food and everything that we tried was divine. Yum. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

We spent some time at the market and bought some little things for the kids. Jared served his mission in Mexico and got to use his Spanish everywhere we went. Although he swears that real Mexico is nothing like our resort vacation. After hearing so many of his stories, I am all about the resort vacation.

It was a perfect trip. Even though we were only gone for a few days, we missed our kids and kept talking about how much fun it would be to bring them down. It didn’t help that we ran into a family with 2 little girls Jadyn and Jenna’s age playing in the sand with their Daddy. The mom was holding her little baby and laughing at her family. I just about cried. It was so nice to get away with my hubby. I was surprised that I missed my kids so much!

All and all, it was a fabulous vacation. We had a blast! I am ready to go back again already. I have to thank my family for taking such good care of the kids and Jared’s friend for the use of his condo. Thank you a hundred times over! It was our best anniversary ever! Lucky #7!

It is nice that Rocky Point is only 4 hours away…maybe we’ll hit the beach again this summer!