A Month in Pictures

Our month began with a trip to Utah for the 4th of July and a combined family birthday party for Grandpa Dabbs, Aunt Sarah, Andrew, and Charity. We were only there for a few days, but we absolutely loved it. It was the first vacation I've had in a long time where I felt like not a moment was wasted.

The first three pictures are of our combined birthday party we had on our first day there. The second day we went to the early morning hot air balloon races in Provo (Andrew was terrified of the Smokey the Bear balloon, but was loving the thermos full of instant breakfast). Later that day we went to the Freedom Festival in downtown Provo where Andrew got to see a real racecar and eat kettlecorn for the first time.

On the 4th of July we went to the parade in Provo. I've posted a picture of our favorite float, as well as a picture of Andrew's face when he saw that enormous Bob the Builder balloon coming down the street. After a nap Andrew spent about an hour on Grandma & Grandpa Dabbs' horse before we headed off to a bbq & fireworks with Uncle Steve & Aunt Kim. I absolutely love the shot of Andrew throwing a baseball in front of the big flag in the Dunaway's front yard. Then after an incredible dinner we played bocce in the yard until we absolutely had to stop (so we'd have time to set off some fireworks of our own before the 'real' show started). We were so lucky to have such a great view from the Dunaway's back porch - far enough away that Andrew wasn't scared by the noise, and without the headache of spending a couple hours getting out of Provo after the Stadium of Fire.

Our last day there we headed off to the petting zoo at Thanksgiving point where Andrew had a blast! It seemed like every animal he approached just couldn't wait to be touched by him - including the goat who climbed up on to the fence so he could get some Andrew-love. The funny part was that Andrew was so engrossed in that pig stamp on his hand that he missed half of the animals. And to finish the day, Andrew got to go on three pony rides, and then we got to listen to his excitement all the way home.

The last few pictures were taken on the morning of Andrew's actual birthday since we'd saved him some presents to open when we got back home. His favorites were undoubtedly the "wooden bat" he'd been waiting almost a year to call his own, his new super water gun, as well as his Lightning McQueen and The King cars.

To sum up, our trip was practically perfect. We made good time driving, the food was great (Cafe Rio anyone?) and Andrew had SO much fun with all his cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. The rest of the month seemed to slip away from us, what with working and trying to stay cool..... but I am happy to report that it's finally starting to cool down here (at least temporarily). I believe the high temperature today was only 95 degrees, and it's supposed to cool all the way down to 63 degrees tonight. Hallelujah!!!!!!