Birthday Getaway

I can never say for one moment that my life with David Blackhurst is anything less than wonderful! He is a huge ray of sunshine in my little world. This year, he planned a night away without the kids. He made a little brochure, with pictures and details, and I cried when I opened it. Spoiled rotten. I know.

He reserved a King Suite in the Grand America Hotel. Why he reserved the suite? Well, he was “gonna just book the Little America Hotel. But then it was only a little bit more to stay at the Grand America. But then the regular rooms at the Grand were booked solid, so he had to go with a suite. And then why not pay a little more to get the room with the view?” Do you love his reasoning? I do. And it made for a super fun, special night so I’m glad he reasoned the way he did.

When we arrived there was a chocolate mousse birthday cake, a knife, and two little plates waiting in our room. We saved it for our midnight snack. From there, we got on Trax and rode over to the Miss Utah Prelim’s at Capitol Theater. Dave’s Assistant’s daughter (did you get that?) was competing so we went to support her and relish the rest of the pageantry.

The show was just fun; ranging from subpar talent numbers, ridiculous interview questions, funny formal walkers and cheesy dance numbers. I know. I’m terrible. But it was fun to enjoy it with Dave next to me.

After the show it was 10:30pm. We walked over to the Cheesecake Factory, which was just about the only restaurant still open. Instead of ordering our usual favorites, we ordered several appetizers and shared between the two of us. I loved it! What a party to stay up late and have a night out without our little people!

The next morning we got up, hit the gym (which, if I’m being honest, was not very productive), and then ate breakfast at the Grand’s buffet. It was all just dreamy and wonderful and such a fun little memory we made. By far, the best birthday to date! Thanks Love!

Dinosaur Park

Few things make it onto my summer bucket list that don’t get checked off. This place, however, has been stuck on my list for a few years now! Uncle Ryan had the weekend off while Dren was in New York, and thanks to him, we finally made it up to Ogden to see those darn dinos!

Before our Jurassic adventures, we stopped for lunch. While eating, there was an old man who stood up, stopped at our table and looked for a moment as if he contemplated saying something, and then walked on. I wondered only for a moment what he was thinking until I realized we looked like a married couple with 6 kids all under the age of 10 years old.

Onto the park: Admission was like 5 bucks a person, and included entrance to the museum and the grounds. The museum was not much to holler about, although it did have some animatronic dinosaurs that rivaled Disney and their imagineering! The grounds were gorgeous. Super green, and terrific weather! We got to walk the trails, see dino after dino, fill our our guide books, dig for bones, pan for gold, and play on the playgrounds. There was really a lot to see and do. I thought it’d be a fun little staycation destination.

We finished the afternoon with popsicle before making the trek home. Max may have cried the entire way home; but still, a most enjoyable day in all.

Blessing & Baptism Day

Kate and Max shared a special day. She got baptized and he had his blessing all in one service. AKA- Five weddings and a funeral. There really was some thought put into this. Max was born in January, in the height of winter and flu season. We’d wait till April to bless him. But wait! Kate’s birthday is in May! That’s just one month later. Why have two big events just one month apart? Do you see where I’m going with this? Some may call it lazy parenting; I call it genius. Either was you put it, the day turned out marvelously in the end.

Here’s Mr. Max’s announcement:

It’s actually his birth announcement AND his blessing announcement. Okay, so that may have been a little lazy on our part to combo those two things!

On the big day, he was tired and ready for a nap. He grumped the whole service! The mom was worried he’d cry and fuss the whole blesssing long! But when it came time for Dad’s blessing, Max was a little angel. Dave said Little Max just stared up at him, content as could be. Didn’t make a peep and showed the world what a perfect baby he is!

 

 

Sissy’s Announcement:

Kate has had no fears about this day. It is the one occasion she has looked forward to more than anything else! I knew she’d do great! I looked forward to it too! My only hang-up: the hair do!!!! I know that’s so silly, but I don’t do hair all that well! I wanted it to both hold and look pretty, and so what did that mean?!!! A BRAID!!!! Let me just say, the heavens opened on this day! I was able to do a beautiful braid across the back of her hair, and then a pin-curl bun on the side! That’s so beyond my abilities! She looked gorgeous and her hair stayed perfectly in place after going under the water! I mean it when I say, my prayers were answered!

Anyway, a few things to take note of (besides her hair):

1. There was a perfect little rainbow the morning of her baptism. It was a special little moment of a validation for Kate to see that rainbow and to sing her favorite “The Baptism Song.”

2. Another little mercy: the forecast showed rain and thunderstorms throughout the day, but the weather was sunny and beautiful all afternoon, which was a perfect miracle for the luncheon afterwards.

3. Kate got to be baptized with two of her friends, Jack Hollingshead and Maycee Markarian.

4. Uncle Brian spoke about baptism, and each of the mom’s of the children getting baptized got to spotlight their child. Each mom shared one Christlike trait we see in our child. Dave and I decided to mention Kate’s “Missionary” trait. She has always been a perfect little missionary: one who is sensitive to the spirit, enjoys rendering service to others, reminds our family to read scriptures, do family prayers, and do FHE, and follows the prophets and commandments. I was glad I got to have a part in the program. And the sweetest moment was looking down at her from the podium, seeing her smile, and both of us holding back tears.

5. Kate recalls the water being super warm. And unlike her friend Maycee who had to dunk 3 times, she only had to go under once.

6. This was the first baptism in our ward for the new bishop and bishopric, which includes Dave who is the second counselor. And to make note, Kate, you’re dad did terrific! You (and our family) are so fortunate to have him as your dad, and to have the priesthood in our home!

7. Last, what better way to finish your special day with Fireworks!!!????!!!! It just so happened to be the Cedar Hills Family Festival that night. So not only did you get a rainbow…you got fireworks too!

Special dad for sure!

Blue Crush

Another soccer season down! Of the few years we’ve played, this was the best! Our friends, Steve Monk and Mike Schneider, killed it as the coaches! They spent hours of time practicing and gaming with these girls, and they were actually a pretty tough team to beat (despite the size of the tiny players). The coaches got the Blue Crush girls medals for their last game. It made for a bittersweet end to the season.

T Ball Season

We got to experience the exciting world of T Ball! Nothing more fun than watching a bunch of 4 year old’s play ball (or not play ball)! Cole had fun playing with best friend, Trey, and several other kids from the neighborhood.

Good job, bud! You are the MVP in our book!