Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is my next favorite holiday after Christmas! (Fourth of July in Utah anyway, that state REALLY knows how to celebrate!) We spent it this year in Orem with Richie's entire immediate family. It was so much fun! We had a barbecue and went to the Pleasant Grove fireworks, which were great! We did sparklers on the grass at the junior high where we sat to watch the fireworks. I love sparklers! I love fireworks! Have I mentioned that I LOVE the Fourth of July? Mylie was intrigued with the sparklers and fireworks too. I have a feeling that she will also love this holiday! Here are some snapshots of the family at the fireworks field!
Pics:
1. Mylie
2. Our Fam
3. Top: niece Jessica, Sis-in-law Pamela, Mommas (Eileen), Sis-in-law Patrice, niece Jeanette. Bottom: Sis-in-law Rachel with nephew Landon, me and Mylie, Sis-in-law Schuyler.
4. Nephews Brevyn and Aaron
5. Mylie with her cousin Joshua
6. Neices Amanda, Addy and Kamryn
7. Ryan and Schuyler
8. Jeanette, Michael, Pamela, Jessica
9. Matt and Camille (and Troy back there!)
10. Rachel and Landon
11. Troy

Utah

We had so much fun in Utah. We stayed with Great Grandma Wannie and Great Grandpa Pop Pop. The von Zastrow's and Davis' were visiting too--that was a special treat! We really miss living close to family and Utah itself. You can't beat those beautiful purple and green mountains!
Pictured in order:
1. Mylie with Pop Pop
2. Mylie with Wannie
3. My cousin Shalin, Aunt Jeanne and cousin Kate
4. Sister Lisa and Aunt Donna
5. Cousin Max, Uncle Dave, and friend Logan

Finishig Oklahoma

Here are some snapshots from the rest of our trip to Oklahoma.
Mylie with Graves side cousins--Kyler and Conner.

Aunt Cassie and Cousin Kyler.

Mylie with Daddy.

Mylie with Aunt Michelle.

Mylie with Grandma Jo.

Papa and Grandma Jo.

Kolby's Grave

We visited Kolby's grave one evening. It was sad, sweet, and special. I continue to ache for the loss but am also happy with the knowledge I have of the plan our Heavenly Father has for us, the beautiful Plan of Salvation.

Turner Falls

We got to go to Turner Falls with my dad and Michelle in Oklahoma. It was so pretty and a lot of fun! I would describe it as the smaller, not quite as amazing but still pretty cool version of Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. We definitely learned that next time we go we need to bring a cooler full of food, a few blankets and chairs to sit on, and lots of suncreen to spend the whole day there! Lovely! Michelle and I enjoyed this cool slide too!

Mylie LOVES Oklhahoma!

Mylie has been having a blast here in Oklahoma! She absolutely adores her Grandma Jo, Aunts Cassie, Michelle, and Lisa. She has a blast with her cousin Conner and likes looking at her baby cousin Jayden. She's waiting for Grandpa Kevin to get home from a business trip, and will see her Uncle James in December.

Mylie has really enjoyed being outside. She loves splashing in the fountain in the backyard, pushing the blue ball all over the place, playing in the hose, bouncing on the trampoline, going to the splash park, and eating the sand at Lisa's volleyball games. Not to mention, she also loves sucking on anyone's fingers who will offer them to her. Yum Lisa! Your finger is like candy!

Friends

We're here in Oklahoma visiting my family. A couple days ago I got to visit with 2 of my best friends! We had babies so close in age we had to get some pics. Lauren had Bryce 1 week before Mylie, and Robyn had Kenzie 1 month after Mylie. Aren't they cuties? I love my girlfriends!

Puppy Chowin'

Mylie thinks she is part puppy. You can see she really enjoys her 4 1/2 pearly white, picket fence teeth. Thanks Mylie for reminding us that those little teeth work really well!

108

I met a lady the other day at the Department of Economic Security. It was a hot day--in the 90's I believe, and in she walked with a beanie on her head, a sweat shirt, sweat pants, thick socks and shoes. Now I realize this is no excuse for dressing this way in what I consider to be pretty hot weather, but come to find out this lady was ONE HUNDRED EIGHT YEARS OLD! I've never met anyone that old!
Let's paint a better picture here. She was Vietnamese, about 4 feet tall, few if any teeth (I can't recall exactly), super knobby knuckles, and clouded eyeballs. She spoke Vietnamese, walked in on her own (no cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and interacted with Mylie but putting her hand or finger out for Mylie to touch or grab. She was actually with her daughter and granddaughter. They were all making a fuss about Mylie's cuteness (who wouldn't!?), then with great pride, her daughter offered to share her mother's age with us.
There's really no point to my story other than to say that I met a really really old person, born in 1901. Boy, she has seen A LOT. Have you ever met a REALLY old person?!

Mylie's Favorite Activities

Happy Birthday!

I have a new nephew! Kyler Jayden Weske was born May 21. He was 6 lbs 10 oz and 19 inches long. I love his cute little face and thick, dark hair! Congratulations Cassie and Bryon! Love you guys!

The Hearing

If you are interested in reading about the hearing for the young boy who attacked Max you can click HERE. Very interesting!

My Baby's Gettin' OLD!

Not Mylie! My other baby, Richie. Just want you to know that I love you! To even think that I ever doubted our relationship during our engagement just blows my mind now.
I couldn't ask for a better husband. You are the most loving, devoted, and unselfish person! I know that you would do anything for Mylie and me at the drop of a hat without a complaint or sour attitude.
You can make anyone smile and laugh at your witty humor.
I love everything about you. Even though I always say you're weird, and sometimes even roll my eyes, I still love the way you dance around the house in your underwear, make up crazy songs, and do annoying things just to get my attention.
I love how you are such a hard worker and claim that you only work this hard for your family so that you can support them (well someday anyway)!
I love your solid testimony and knowledge of the gospel. I love your amazing spirit. This, as you well know, is what originally attracted me to you and still does!
I love your adorable smile, your pretty, blue eyes, and your handsome face. I even love your incredibly manly hands and unique feet!
I am grateful to have a husband who truly cherishes religion, life, and family. And especially me. I recall a conversation we once had in which I asked, "Will you drag me into heaven with you?" To which you replied, "No, but I'll walk hand in hand with you." I'm so grateful for our marriage and that we are sealed as husband and wife to live together for all eternity, so that we CAN walk hand in hand together in the Celestial Kingdom. Happy Birthday Baby! I love you!

9 Months Down...WAY too Fast!

Mylie understands a few phrases now. It's really fun to tell her to do something and then she does it! Here are a few things she can do on command:

1. Clap your hands! (LOVE it!)
2. Dance! (Shakes her head no as fast as she possibly can, rattling her brain!)
3. Shake it! (Rattles, balls, head, whatever!)
4. Give ____ kisses! (Nice, wet, slobbery, tongue sticking out kisses)
5. Turn off the light! (I hold her next to the switch, and she flips it off)
5. Give me a hug! (She's not a cuddler so will only do hugs when she's in the mood)
6. If you're happy and you know it clap your hands (She loves this song, and the second she hears the first 3 words, she's already clapping!)
7. Wave to ____ (Just learning this one and getting it down)
8. Turn the page! (This one totally surprised me!)
9. How big is Mylie? (Throws her arms above her head)

She also understands the words and phrases:
1. Bunny
2. Eat
3. Daddy
4. Light
5. Fan
6. Outside
7. Come here
8. Ball
9. Baby
10. Mommy
11. Bath
12. Change your diaper
13. Look
14. Mylie
15. Phone
16. Winnie the Pooh
17. Drink of water
18. Read a book
19. Ducky
20. Doggy

It's so fun to watch her grow and develop!

Max

If you've been wondering about how Max is doing, you can read all about him on his mom, Jeanne's blog. Click here. Thanks for all your prayers and support!