July 4th Without Fireworks
It’s the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of America! Usually it would be a big Hullabaloo of festivities, but this year is kind of low key. Many events have been canceled. Fireworks and open fires are banned amidst burning destruction all across the state and the driest season we’ve seen while living here the last 20 years.
We broke from tradition a little bit this year for Baby Henry, whose feeding routine still limits what we can do throughout the day (and determines how rested we are).
We are building up our stamina for how early / long we can travel with Baby Henry and his feeding pump, in the hopes that we can take a trip to Zion in the fall.
Maybe next year we can try to continue the Slate Canyon hike with our Dunns!
Four for the Fourth
Jer and I ran 4 miles this morning?! “4 for the 4th!” he proudly smiled. It’s the longest running workout we’ve done so far. We went really early before 6am, so basically woke up our teenager L enough to snuggle with Baby in our bed while we sneaked off. We took my favorite route to the canyon, and it’s now his favorite route as well!! What a great start to the day in the “purple mountain majesty”.
Harold & Enid
Today we were so excited to visit Jeremy’s grandparents who have moved closer! It’s my first time being to their new place, and Baby Henry’s first time with them outside of the hospital. Jer and the kids have visited them here before. He realized we were driving together “as a family” on the way there, and got so excited and teary eyed. I couldn’t believe it’s been so long since we’ve gone anywhere all together.
So many big embraces and love. The kids tickled and delighted them. They shared some fun stories about Jer’s father’s eyesight to the point he watched his sports games by sitting next to the TV, and how competitive their weekly bocce ball games are.
BBQ at Hobble Creek
We got to celebrate with the Dunns!!! We haven’t hung out with them for almost a year, which is a long time to be away from your best friends. Baby Henry got to meet them for the first time ever!
Jer set up the tent so Baby and I could be under the shade for breaks. It was great for diaper changes and a respite from the heat, but we didn’t really use it once everyone showed up. He preferred to be playing on a towel amongst everyone. Baby Henry did so well with his feedings with the pump hanging from his stroller.
We played catch, bocce ball, and a new trivia game from Victoria’s parents called Celebrate America. The kids climbed trees, swam in the watering hole, warmed themselves in the sun on their towels, and had chess matches using a Wizarding Chess board.
The Dads grilled up delicious bbq chicken wings and pork butt, which we had with Jer’s Dutch oven potatoes, cranberry salad, watermelon, chips, and lemonade in fancy color changing cups. The Moms shared tales of Girls Camp, new callings, PTA fundraisers, a new Mohan baby on the way, and being a teen in the Twiggy era. We finished the night with Victoria’s 4th of July “Muffin Top” cake (the absolute best! I love that woman and her baking).
It was hard to say goodbye to our friends when we miss them so and had such a wonderful time, but the Baby was a loud reminder that he wanted a bath and bedtime haha. There were still fireworks exploding in the sky seen in every city we passed on the freeway on our way home. What a blessing to be with so many loved ones this holiday and celebrate our incredible country!
