Blessed

The past little while I have been thinking about how incredibly blessed I am to be surrounded by family that is so loving and supportive. When Cody and I made the decision to start this adventure in North Dakota I didn't fully realize how much I would come to depend on them. They are my support system when he is gone. They are so understanding when I come over just to get out of the house, or when I just need someone over the age of 4 to chat with. They are so willing to sacrifice their time to watch the girls while I work. It is such a comfort to me to know that my little ladies are having a blast with their grandparents. It relieves some of the sadness of having to walk out the door when their little voices are asking me not to go.
Tonight was a excellent example of what I'm talking about. I'm unloading all our paraphernalia from the car as we arrived at Nana's before work and Mya started 'the' cry. You know that, 'I'm going to puke all over any second', cry. And sure enough right there in the driveway up it came. Within minutes they had rallied around me grabbing bags, consoling Mya, distracting Sadie, cleaning up the mess. I worried about leaving her because our Aunt is here visiting with her 3 children and here I am leaving this sweet little ball of germs with them. But they basically patted me on the head, told me to quit worrying and sent me on my way.
This is one small example of the outpouring of love that we receive on a regular basis. My sweet sisters and brothers are always there with a text just to say 'Hi' or 'I'm thinking about you'. Great Aunts and Uncles shower my little ladies with loves, tootsie rolls, and all the attention they could ask for. Cousin's young and old reach out to us, building relationships with my little and I. All these relationships in turn give me the strength to support my own family and strive each day to be the best that I can be in return.
I know that I will never fully be able to express my gratitude for each of you. And I feel that my thanks is not quite enough to repay the kindness shown.  I pray that each one of you near and far know that you are special to us and your influence on us no matter how small is appreciated and needed.  I love you! Thank You!

Fourth = Fun!

 For the fourth we lucked out and got to take advantage of the Draper kids camping out for a great spot at the Provo Freedom Festival's parade route. They are ever so kind and let us join them. Mya instantly was friends with Samantha, she won her over with the magic of those firework classics, snaps.

 I worked the night before so Grams and Grandpa were kind enough to get the girls all ready so I could sleep just a little longer and get that magical 3 hours of sleep.  I realize that sounds silly but it's amazing how much better I feel when I get 3 versus 2 1/2.  Anyway, with some sleep and a diet coke I was good to go and I'm so glad I didn't miss this day with my little ladies, wonderful family and friends.

 Me and my dear friend Deni and her adorable little man Eli. He is probably one of the happiest little men I've met. Right up there with my nephew Finn. Maybe it's a boy thing but they always seem so happy!

 Suzy and darling Eli!

 Not sure if they were happier with the suckers than the parade but what can you do.

 This was Miss Sadie's preferred band viewing position. Safe with me or Grandpa with her fingers in her ears. If you notice her in the background of the picture below she's still plugged. This day in general was just a little too noisy for her liking.

 Miss Mya loving some Ty and Hallah time. After the parade we wandered through all the street vendors looking for some lunch. Hallah offered up the idea of going to Guru's.  The rest of us had never been and were all over the idea of a place to sit down with air conditioning. It was a delightful place! I think it will for sure make it onto the date night list.

 That afternoon we had a BBQ with the Goodman family and as always we had so much delicious food! We each bring a dish and it adds up to lots of yumminess! My Dad smoked a pork roast and it was melt in your mouth heavenly! I had a little nap and the girls did their favorite thing to do at Grams, water the flowers. 

 Since Grams and Grandpa had some pretty strict firework restrictions because of the abundance of wild fires, we headed over to share some sparklers and a few others with Papa, Kenzie and some neighbors. Mya was brave and did some sparklers....Sadie was terrified and clung to me and made me keep my hands pressed tightly over her ears.

Never mind that we were doing explosives next to a wooden trailer full of dry branches....Is that a problem?

Some Strawberries and Cream

We had a pretty low key Strawberry days this year. We all slept in that morning which was appreciated by all. But, I will admit, I was silly and got a little wound up about how we would be late to the parade. Really Aubry? It's a parade. A parade full of Karate and dance groups. I guess it's just the tradition of the whole thing. Thankfully Cody has lived with me long enough to know I'm a little crazy that way. It's good he loves me.

The girls were a little shy about the noise and Miss Sadie wanted to be held. Mya ventured out to get some of the candy being tossed her way but for the most part she was content to stay in the shade with Uncle Tyson.  It was a hot one and the shade was exactly where you wanted to be.  After some fantastically long naps by both girls we got ready to hit up the Rodeo.

I dug deep into our shoe bin and found these little cuties that Mya had worn and they were just the right size for Miss Sade. She was excited that they fit and it took a little negotiating to get the boots off to trade the shorts for jeans.

Not wanting to be left out of the boot club Mya insisted on wearing her purple boots.  I think she looked pretty cute even if they aren't classic western wear.  She found my hat and donned it for a photo op but left it home so we wouldn't have to keep track of it.

Nana, Papa and Kenzie joined us.  It was fun to have both our families with us.  It was also very nice to have lots of hands for wiggly little ladies. Notice the tootsie roll Mya has... that's her special Uncle Craig treat. He's always got a treat for little Miss.

I love my sweet girl! She is getting too big too fast.

Daddy loving some strawberries and cream!

If you wanna taste something come directly from heaven, these would be them!

Me and my cute Mama.

Little miss sass pants herself.  She was quite the lady that night. She went on walks with me, daddy, and a couple with grandpa. I'm sure we were the absolute favorite of the singles ward sitting in front of us. We got a few dirty looks, but ask me if I was super worried about it.

Off with Grandpa on one of their walks.

On one of our walks we went to see the bulls.  Seriously, there is no way you could get me near one of those, let alone convince me to get on top of one. Just the way they look at you through the fence is intimidating. One sneezed and Sadie said, "He spit out hees nose!"

It was a really great rodeo that night! There were some great scores and some fast times, it was so fun to watch.  The bulls seemed to go by so fast because not one of the cowboys made it to 8 seconds. I don't remember the last time I saw that happen.

Miss Mya's Nemo Party

 4 years old! How did that get here already? And now you are already talking about being 5. I know it is just because you are excited and want to have another birthday. But, mommy would sure appreciate it if you would just stay 4 for a very long time. 5, for some reason feels so very grown up and I'm not sure that I'm ready for that. 4 years old has brought some changes to your big personality my little Miss. You have become so much more loving and kind.  I love that you seek out hugs and kisses, and you are now more snugly and want to be held and near. I hear myself in you as you call Sadie, 'sweetie' or 'honey'. You still have that little tease and sass that makes you who you are but you are growing and adding to the already wonderful little lady that you are. I am so thankful for you and I love you more that I can express.  Happy Birthday my sweet Mya!  Mommy Loves You!

 You decided this year that you wanted to have a Finding Nemo birthday party. (You were very torn between Cars and Nemo) You chose a Nemo birthday cake that had Nemo and Dory on top, and you wanted to watch Nemo outside at Grams and Grandpa's house.  You sweet little girl, those are all requests we were happy to fulfill. 

 We were a little nervous that we would have to postpone your day. The evening before you just weren't acting quite right. You cried and cried that you had a headache and then the night brought high fever and a sick tummy.  The morning of your birthday you still weren't 100% and you crashed at about 2 O'clock and slept until right before it was time to go to grams for your party.  Thankfully after that long snooze you were feeling much better, fever free and ready for your big day.

 Auntie Kenzie helped you call and talk to Auntie Kim, Uncle Adam and Aunt Camarie.  You also got to talk to Uncle McKay the week before on his way to Sweden.  You are one loved little lady, I hope you always know that.

 Now I present the many facial expressions of Miss Mya...

 Oh, my little Miss! You make me smile! 

You were very excited about all your presents! They were exactly what you wanted.  You have been very excited about the new movie Brave that has a princess with red curly hair just like you, and she has a bow and arrow.  You also wanted Mickey's car wash and you lucky lady Grams heard your wish!

 Uncle Ty and Hallah

 Daddy was excited to show you how to shoot your bow.  You have been practicing and are getting pretty good.  You wanted to take it with you to see Brave a couple days later but we decided that the movie people might not want weapons in the theater.

Thank you to everyone who partied with us and for those of you who sent love across the miles; you were definitely remembered and your love was felt.  We are so thankful and blessed to have family that we love so much!