Arizona

Every year, Matt's dad and his nine siblings, along with all of their kids and their kids, hold a reunion down in Arizona.  For the past two years that we've attended, it's been in Eagar, a tiny town in Round Valley that I am really starting to love.

When most people think of Arizona (and this was totally me before I started dating Matt), they think of the scorching sun, cacti forests, sweltering heat, swimming pools, you see the picture.  I had no intention of ever liking the state because the one thing that makes me cranky faster than anything in the world is being hot.

BUT, luckily for me, Matt is from northeastern Arizona, Snowflake (I know, right?) to be exact.  And this area of Arizona is actually quite beautiful.  There are actual trees, cool nights, even snow during the winters, and don't even get me started on the gorgeous sunsets.

Anyway, I was really looking forward to this year's reunion, and it did not disappoint!

 Most of the festivities were held out on Ellis's property, like playing corn hole, shooting, the zip line (which has now been cut down after being the culprit to two broken arms), etc.  Many people camped here, but I snagged us a room at the house my in-laws own in Eagar.  I wasn't too keen on camping with Adam haha.

  

We ate delicious food-- biscuits and gravy was my personal favorite :)

 And check out those legs...

Getting in some good Grandpa time.  Actually, Adam was quite the celebrity.  I felt like I had 20 babysitters because everyone wanted a turn with him.  He loved it.

Monsoon season + an awesome truck = intense mudding.

And it's not a vacation without a nap, right?  And naps with babies are the best.

Adam was such a champ on the 9-turned 12+ hour drive down and back.  He would eat, play, sleep, and then start all over again for the entire ride!

 And we got to stop and see my grandparents on the way down, which is always a treat. 

I am so grateful for the families that I am apart of, and that we live close enough to see them fairly often!

Thank you Bloomfields and Arizona for a great reunion!

July 4th

Aside from Christmas, the 4th of July is my favorite holiday.  I love the warm weather, the barbecues (have I ever mentioned by totally disgusting love of hot dogs?), watermelon, and shaved ice.  I mean, July 4th, to me, is the epitome of summer.

But more than the food, I love what this holiday represents!  I think having a Marine dad and always living on or near a military base really helped instill in me a love for my country as I witnessed first hand the sacrifices that are made for us to enjoy the freedoms that we do.

Also, I grew up just outside our nation's capital, which happens to be one of my favorite places on the planet.  (Side note: if you're ever making plans to visit D.C., I've got some great suggestions as far as things to do!)  There is so much history there detailing the events that took place making our country the great nation that it is today.

I love seeing all of the flags displayed for this holiday and red, white, and blue everywhere! There is an overwhelming sense of togetherness and patriotism that is special to this day--like all of the differences in political opinions, social issues, etc. seem to melt away as we stand together with our hands over our hearts.

I am so grateful and proud to be an American.

Here is how we celebrated...

We stayed Friday night at my family and woke up early Saturday morning to go on a hike at Alta ski resort.  The ski resorts are so beautiful during the summer.

 

 We love the Utah mountains!

Then, we went to a bbq, and Adam went swimming for the first time!  He loved it!  Ok, I don't actually know if he loved it, but I'm interpreting the lack of tears as love.  And he looked adorable in his little swim suit.

We finished the night off by doing fireworks with some neighbors.  Adam lasted for longer than I thought!  But as the fireworks got louder and louder, he eventually gave into the fear, and I had to miss the last few to take him inside.

  

Of course...

Hope you all had a Happy 4th!

Life Lately

Here is a run down in pictures of what we've been up to lately!



We planted a garden in one of the empty plots in front of our apartment complex. We planted carrots, bell peppers, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, cantaloupe, jalapenos, spinach, Romaine lettuce, and flowers. Yeah, kind of ambitious for our first garden-- we'll see what actually comes up!

Lots of quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Sumner.




These two.



Teaching him early... Heaven help me.



This face = The best.





Trips to visit Matt at work.

First time to the zoo!

More nature.

Sleeping smiles.



Play time.


And a trip to Park City!



Adam is now three months old! He hates tummy time and loves bath time. He likes to suck on blankets and has started to drool a lot. He has the cutest smile and talks all the time, which is the cutest thing ever. He is growing and changing every day, and we just absolutely love him!