{First Summer Stop}

For our summer vacation we made our rounds to see my Grandparents and other family and friends.  Our first stop included a stop at my Grandpa and Grandma C.  We had fun visiting, playing games and just being together.  We were also able to go to the temple {which we considered our 10 year anniversary date!}. It was fun getting to spend time with them! We love grandma and grandpa!

 

 

 

 

{Teach A Man to Fish}

When Grandma and Grandpa D were here during spring break, Grandpa was teaching Bailey how to fish.  She thought that was pretty fun stuff.  Grandpa taught me how to fish when I was younger too.  In fact, when Grandpa got a fish finder for his birthday one year {the real one, not the cardboard one I remember making and sending to him in the mail}, I was the first one to catch a fish with it!  Fishing is definitely on of Grandpas many talents, whether in the living room with his great-granddaughter or in an actual boat on the lake.

{My Mom's Birthday}

My mom turned 60 this year and we knew we needed/wanted to do something special for her.  We knew that the traditional surprise party was not the answer.  In fact I am pretty sure she would have severed all ties with us, written us out of her will and ran away, had we thrown her a surprise party. {I hardly blame her. I despise surprises just as much!}  Then I remembered this idea I saw online {HERE}, the others liked it, so we went with it!

It is almost like a surprise party in a box, without the awkwardness of a room full of people staring at you!  We contacted everyone we could think of that knew my mom; people from all stages of her life.  Then we asked them to send us their favorite memory of her or just a fun birthday message.  I then compiled all 60 of them in envelopes and this awesome box.  We then presented her with the box of 60 Years worth of Memories of her.  I cried through every letter that was sent to me and she wasn't immune to the tears either.  I know it is hard for people to actually put into writing about how they feel about another person, so we sincerely appreciate everyone's willingness to participate in the gift. It was worth it.  She loved it! Because my dad and Bradley headed to Bagdad Christmas night, she opened the present before they left.  Then on her birthday us ladies went to eat at Olive Garden.   Fun girl time!  We are lucky to have mom.  She is a wonderful person and I hope that she now realizes how much we all love her!

I made a few scrapbook pages to go along with the stories.  A picture is worth a 1,000 words!

{Christmas Day}

The girls were so excited to wake up Christmas morning and see what Santa had brought them during the night. Mom and Dad just wanted to sleep!  However we got out of bed and headed to the living room!  The girls got lots of fun toys from Santa, Mom & Dad and other family members. 

After opening presents at home, we got ready for the day and headed back over to the Chadwicks.  We opened more presents and had a yummy breakfast and lunch.

We then headed over to Farar's when all the family started arriving.  Unfortunately I managed to take only 1 picture the whole time everyone was there and it didn't even turn out!  Apparently we were just having too much fun eating, playing games, having our gift exchange and just loving having everyone together!  It was a good, simple Christmas.  We enjoyed spending time with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

{Haws Family Reunion}

The last stop on our summer vacation was the Haws Family Reunion in Idaho and it was quite the reunion!  With over 100 people it was non-stop fun and chaos!  So many people worked so hard to get everything planned and put together.  Most of the families slept in tents right there on the farm.  {That's what Dean, Lauren and Kylee did}  I took Bailey and we slept at the local small and quaint Motel, that had beds and air conditioning and showers!  Although it was hot and there were a lot of mosquitoes, we had a blast.  The kids ran and ran and ran until they crashed!  There were games, a train ride, a carnival, food, family pictures, and tons of fun!  Eventually it all came to an end, families started parting ways and we headed home, planning the next reunion!

The best part of the whole thing? Every member of the Farar family was there and we got a picture to prove it!  It has been 5 years since the last time everyone was together. 

{Easter Weekend}

Easter weekend was calm and laid back.  We had dinner, an egg hunt, and visiting with local family and my grandparents.  On Saturday the kids dyed eggs at Grandma Beth's and had an egg hunt at Uncle D4's.  Sunday we finished off the weekend with 2 baby blessing of Dean's cousin's babies, church and dinner at the Chadwick's.  Nothing beats spending time with family we love!

{Day with Ashley}

A couple of weekends ago the Chadwicks all went to Phoenix to be with Ashley when she went to the Temple, which was a great experience. After the temple, we went to lunch at Red Robin.








Everyone had a good time; except for Miss Sassy Pants on the left, who was throwing a fit for some reason!

After lunch, we all headed to the Train Park in Scottsdale. The kids had a blast riding the carousel, trains and playing on the playground:

Except for poor Jason who hated the carousel {see above}!







Geez. These two can't go anywhere without texting!!!:
























It was a great day with the family and I am glad we were able to be with Ashley and have a fun day together!