Happy Birthday America

I love the 4th of July. It's always a fun filled day with good food, fun & lots of sun. It's definantly different not living close to family and partaking in the normal family traditions with the backyard BBQ, fireworks and family fun, but we are starting to create our own traditions. This year we took decided to head to Seven Peaks and play with Enzo in all the different kiddie water areas. He had a blast and after 3 hours we were all tired and ready for a nap. On our way home we stopped by a Mexican mart and loaded up with all the goodies to make carne  asada tacos. That evening we enjoyed a fun family BBQ with just the three of us. We sat out on the deck that night and watched all the Fireworks go off on our side of the lake, as well as Provo and American Fork. Matt was sad because we didn't buy any fireworks this year since it has been so dry and I prefer my house does not burn down.  We missed bing with our families, but enjoyed the day the best we could. 

SLC Wedding/Dump Fire

This past weekend one of my cousins was married in the SLC Temple. My parents and siblings decided to attend the wedding and visit us. I was super excited as that would mean I would have someone to spend the weekend with since Matt was out of town camping with the YM. I was excited to show them the new City Creek Mall, tour the Utah Valley Parade of Homes with them and take them to a splash pad to play with Enzo as well as attend the wedding and reception. Sadly, my plans were stopped when a fire was started in the hills behind our home by a target shooter. So instead of enjoying a nice, relaxing weekend with us, my family helped me evacuate and find a place to stay for the night. Just what they wanted to do after a 10 + hour car drive. The fire was started Thursday morning and by Friday morning we were told we need to clear out because the fire was heading our way.  I am so thankful my parents were in town because without them I am not sure what I would have done with the dogs (I know several neighbors would have been more than happy to help and I am grateful to know that) as I just had our car and there was no way I would have fit 2 large dogs in the backseat with Enzo. We were able to go to the City Creek Mall, drive by some of the parade of Homes houses,  get snow cones and ice cream and play at the park and give Enzo his first hair cut even with all the evacuating and fire commotion. I just wish it had been more relaxing of a weekend for our visitors. We are grateful that we were able to return home Saturday morning and that the firefighters were able to keep our neighborhood safe from damage. Hopefully we won't be evacuating for fires anymore this summer. Sunday my parents and siblings headed back to California only to miss the most beautiful sunset we were treated with that evening. Although it was a crazy few days Enzo and I were so glad to spend time with Papa, Lola, Aunt Shelli & Uncle Steve. We missed Grandma Great, Uncle Joe and Aunt Lindsey, Allison & William. Hopefully we will see them sometime this summer. 

 Thursday, June 21, 2012

 Friday, June 22, 2012

 

A camping we shall go

Since we missed out on camping last year (I refused to go unless I had a trailer, cabin or something similar for Enzo) we have been twice already this year. The first weekend (memorial day) we went with our friends Cory & Jamie. We found a really fun spot up a gorgeous canyon and set up camp. We had planned on staying 3 days 2 nights until it started raining on the 2nd day, so we went on a quick hike, saw the entire valley and then packed up camp and came back to our house to finish out the weekend rain free.  Enzo was a muddy mess by the time we got home, but he was loving life & all the dirt and puddles. 

The next weekend we went up a different canyon with our friends, The Hobson's. We were lucky to find a double spot that we would all fit in. Enzo & his friend, Ruby, enjoyed looking at all the bugs, plants, pinecones, sticks and of course found the water & mud. Again Enzo was a muddy mess this time by the time we got camp set up. He is all boy & loves making messes. It was a nice relaxing 24 hours in the wilderness. I remember how much I really do enjoy the outdoors & am so grateful that I have a husband and son that love it too. I have a feeling we will be spending lots of time camping this summer. 

Happy 1st Birthday

Enzo turned ONE this past Monday. It is crazy how fast that year came and went. We can't believe a year ago we were just welcoming this fun little guy into our lives & so nervous as we had no idea what to expect as new parents.  We have made it through that first year which everyone said was the hardest, but we are starting to believe they lied to us now that Enzo is walking, climbing, biting & fearless. Anyways back to the celebration! We celebrated a week early with both of our families in California. Enzo had a blast spending time & playing with all his Cousins, Aunts, Uncles & Grandparents. We had a birthday bash for him in my parents backyard with lots of yummy food, an easter egg hunt, cake & lots of fun presents for the birthday boy. He loves all of his new toys & I can't wait to dress him in his new clothes.  We were so excited that we were able to celebrate with both of our families & that Enzo was able to see all of his family members that love him so dearly. We are so grateful for the loving and thoughtful families that we have & for the time we were able to spend with them while visiting in California. 

Grandpa Poll egg hunting with Afton

  David Egg Hunting

 Lacie's boots full of Eggs

 Stephen & Andrew

 Enzo egg hunting

 Birthday Boy didn't want to wear his hat

 The Egg Hunt

 Mom, Enzo & Dad

 Singing Happy Birthday. There is not one picture without his fingers in his mouth.

 Yummy cupcake. Sugar Rush!

 Opening presents

 Jake & David

 Grandma Poll, Great Grandma Holman & Great Grandpa Fawcett

 Tim & Kassie

Christmas 2011

We were able to enjoy Christmas in California with both Matt's Family as well as mine this year. It was great to see everyone & super neat to see how excited Enzo was to see all his cousins, aunts, uncles & grandparents. Even though Enzo was only 8.5 months old he loved Christmas or at least the wrapping paper. We ended up having 4 different Christmas' while in California & 1 in Utah (before we left).How about that Enzo was able to enjoy five 1st Christmas'. Each was unique & filled with lots of family and fun. 

Christmas #1 @ Home

Matt, Enzo & I exchanged gifts before we headed to California. I did not want to pack gifts,  just to open them on Christmas Day and then repack them. It was a good thing we did this too because we ended up renting a car (or a tin can) since our car was having some work done on it & we didn't want to spend a fortune in gas by driving the truck. Enzo loved helping us open presents.

Christmas #2 @ Poll's

We enjoyed a great night with Matt's Sister Tammy & her family as well as Sara & her family. We ate the best Mexican food, visited & exchanged gifts. 

Christmas #3 @ Grandpa Fawcett's

It's a Christmas tradition on my Dad's side for Christmas Eve to be spent at Grandpa Fawcett's house. The cousins exchange gifts and we are able to enjoy each others company. The group was small this year, but it was fun to see everyone that could make it & for Enzo to meet his Great Grandpa Fawcett.

Christmas #4 Fawcett's Christmas Morning

We got up super early on Christmas Morning, lined up from youngest to oldest in the hallway and made our way into the living room where santa left all sorts of goodies. Dad cooked us breakfast which was super yummy. Then we all rushed to get ready for 9am church where we enjoyed a very nice Christmas Program.  Enzo loved finding out what Great Grandma Holman had gotten him (the hippo). He could see the top of it all week and constantly would attack it.

Christmas #5 Poll Family Christmas Afternoon

After church we headed over to Matt's parents house to enjoy a wonderful Christmas Dinner. It was a lot of fun to see the rest of the family & for Enzo to get to see all of his cousins. Enzo enjoyed all the wrapping paper as we unwrapped more gifts. He loved the train that Grandpa & Grandma Poll got him.