Fourth of July

We had a great Fourth of July! We were lucky enough that Brent got to take a break from the Texas heat and fly to Utah to be with us for the holiday weekend.

I didn't think Drew would like sparklers, so we decided to try pops. He loved them! Of course, it didn't help that Brent and my brother were throwing them at each others' feet -- always teaching the kids something bad. :) When it came time to do our own little fireworks show, Drew wasn't so happy. He wouldn't let Brent let go of him, and he kept begging to go inside. He doesn't like fireworks...

But the little pops were too much fun. I'm so glad Tyler and Lindsey got to come up and hang out with us. I have to add that the Fourth took on special meaning this year. Now I can really appreciate the sacrifice so many people are making to have their military loved ones away to protect us -- and my sacrifice was significantly less than most other military wives. I am glad that we can do some small part to support our troops with our service, and I'm so grateful for all those who are serving their country.

Quick baby update...

I have some belly pics to share, but until I can get them posted, I thought I ought to update everyone on the baby situation. I'm due Aug. 28, but Bryn is measuring a week ahead. We have a scheduled induction on Aug. 23 -- yeah, that's also the first day of school, but it's the earliest they'd take me. I have also shown signs of going early, so while I'm planning on the 23rd, I wouldn't be surprised if she showed up even earlier. We'll keep everyone posted!

Fun at Willard Bay...

Brent got to fly up to Utah to be with Drew and me for the Fourth of July weekend. On that Saturday, we got to go play with my parents' new toy: the waverunner. We had lots of fun! It was cooler, which was nice for me. I wasn't sure how Drew would react -- he loves water, but he's never been on a waverunner or boat or anything. He was so serious; we still weren't sure how he felt until after he went for a run with my brother, then he immediately asked, very seriously, "Again?"

He didn't smile a lot, but he kept wanting to go back out on the water. Brent tried to do some faster, fun things with Drew, and he just said, "Go slower, dad."

Uncle Tyler took Drew out for his first ride. I think he wanted to help steer; such a boy!

We got some smiles when he played on the beach. This kid loves water! Yes, his lifejacket is a little big, so it kept creeping up toward his ears. But this way, it will fit him longer. :)

Drew found a piece of driftwood higher on the beach. He came running to me and said, "Dinosaur!" So I just told him, "Cool! Did you find a dinosaur bone?" It was too cute...

The beach is, of course, a little dirty. And boys love to play in the dirt. So Drew got his hands all dirty, and that just tends to spread. I love that dirty little mug. :)

Why do I get so dirty? I don't know...

Marbles!

We were lucky enough to head to my parents' house in much-cooler-than-OK Utah while Brent was at officer training. We had lots of fun -- swimming with Aunt Sarah, soccer with Uncle Brennon, wave runners with Uncle Tyler and Aunt Lindsey, and plenty of spoiling from grandmas and grandpas.

But nobody spoils Drew like Grandma! He has almost as many toys and books at Grandma's house as he does at home. We also went to Grandma's school and raided her first-grade classroom for more toys. We brought home this marble works toy, and it kept him entertained for five hours!

Thanks, everyone in the fam, for hanging out with us and doing so much fun stuff -- especially with Drew, while I'm not able to do much. I'm so glad we got to see all of you while we were home, and for all the extra help with my munchin.

We had lots of fun, but Drew was definitely ready to come home, and we left right before the temperatures hit 100 degrees. :) But we got to do everything I wanted to -- barbecues and fireworks and eating cherries at Grandpa's house. It's always nice to go home...

Busy Brent...

Brent's spent the last six weeks in Texas completing officer training. We have missed him like crazy, but look at that handsome guy (on the right is our friend, Dave). It's been hard for all of us, but it was either do it now or after graduation. I'm glad he got to go with our friends instead of doing it by himself in two years -- and hey, now we've got it over with before the baby comes. I appreciate his sacrifice for us, as well as all the other guys who are not only providing for their families but serving their country. Thanks, Leanne, for sharing the pics. I hope my other Army wives have enjoyed their summer despite our hubbies being gone -- can't wait to see you all when you get back! :) (And Keri, of course! Not an Army wife but an awesome friend I haven't seen in six weeks, either...)

I've missed the mountains...

It's always nice to get to come back home for a while, and it was especially nice to have some extra help with Drew since I've been getting so pregnant. My first weekend out, we got to celebrate my grandparents' 50th anniversary in Duchesne.

Congratulations, Grandma and Grandpa! I'm so excited for you. I'm glad we were able to make it out for the celebration...

Here's a picture of my Duchesne family. On the left is my aunt and uncle with their family, and on the right is my brother, Tyler, with his wife, Lindsey.

Mom was taking pictures, so Drew thinks he needs to, too.

We didn't get to stay long (went out on Saturday and came back Sunday), but it was so nice to see our family. Drew is the only greatgrandchild on this side, so I'm glad everyone got to see him. I know he's growing so quickly...

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

My little man is really a little fish, too! He loves to swim, so I signed him up for swimming lessons this summer at the Will Rogers city pool. He was a little nervous learning to float on his back (as most kids are), but other than that, he loved every minute: Blowing bubbles, jumping off the side, going underwater, doing monster arms, hunting for toys and most of all -- the big slide!

Look at those awesome monster arms!

Drew with his teacher, Megan (haha, ironic, I know), learning to go under water. I used to be that tan...

Playing "London Bridge is falling down..."

Phew! Swimming is awesome!

I feel like such a mommy for taking him to swimming lessons, instead of teaching them. It's a little surreal. I also bought us a season pass, but we'll see how much we get to use it. I love to swim, too, but I'm getting sooooo pregnant... I'll have to do what I can for my little fish. :)