Virginia

Jake was off work for two weeks for a mandatory unpaid furlough. So, instead of sitting home and staring at each other, we decided to head to his parents farm in Virginia.

We called up our super duper travel agent (Kirk, Jake's brother) and he got us two buddy passes. So, bright and early Thursday morning (3:30 a.m.) we headed down to the airport. We were lucky enough to score the last two seats on the plane. Same thing on our connecting flight in Houston. We arrived in DC with one tired little boy, but we were sporting huge grins. Traveling standby had never been so easy!

We had a great time in Virginia and saw snippets of DC, Maryland and West Virginia. After a fun-filled 10 days, we decided to make the long trek home. We figured we got lucky getting out to Virginia, surely it couldn't be that hard to get back right?

WRONG!

After spending 2 days in the airport trying to catch a flight, we finally ended up buying two HIGHLY OVERPRICED tickets and finally arrived in Utah Sunday evening.

Standby is fabulous when it works and absolutely miserable when it doesn't. Needless to say, we had a great time showing off Hayden and visiting family. Here are some pics from our trip.

Brandy and Hayden in the DC airport. Hayden's first airplane ride and he did great!

Hayden's first time in a high chair....he kept falling to the left and the right....he liked being on our level though.

Hayden "enjoying" the boat.

The beautiful scenery on Belmont Farm.

Me and my three favorite men. Grandpa Charlie is Jake's paternal grandfather. Charlie says he smooth like lemon meringue. I love that man!

Finally!

Our boat is currently out of commission and we have been dying to get out on the lake. When we heard that my Uncle Lane was taking his boat out today, we asked if we could tag a long. So, bright and early this morning, we headed to Pineview Reservoir for some cold morning skiing.

My cousin Brent had the first run.

Next up was Uncle Lane.

Then came Jake.

And last was me...I was waiting for the temperature to get warmer. ;)

We were able to talk Bostyn into getting out on the tube.

But not Bailee.

Even Hayden came along for the ride.

We all had a lot of fun, and as usual, Brent had us cracking up the whole time. Thanks again Uncle Lane!

The Big 3-0

After whining about it for months, I finally turned 30. I had a really nice day. Hayden slept in until 8:15 and then we all got up and got ready for church. After church, Jake made everyone breakfast. Later that afternoon, we headed to Layton for an early lunch. We ate at Red Robin and then went shopping for my birthday presents. After checking out the mall with no luck, we headed over to Kohl's. I ended up getting some sandals, a shirt and a cute necklace. Then we headed to my mom's for cake. To my surprise, my whole family was there. It was a lot of fun. What a great way to welcome the big 3-0.

Happy Anniversary

27 years ago today my mom and dad were married. Happy Anniversary mom and dad!

Hayden's Stats

Our little linebacker is growing like a weed. We had his 4 month check up yesterday and here are the stats:

Weight: 17 pounds (90th percentile)
Height: 26 inches (90th percentile)
Head: 42.5 cm (50th percentile)

So we have a huge baby with a small head! He sure is adorable though.

The BIG 2-1

My baby brother Kyle turned 21 on Sunday. I have to say, for a little brother, he is top notch. He has always had my back. When things were tough as a single mom, he was always there to give me a lift. Every move and every LARGE purchase, Kyle is right there helping me out. And car repair? Don't even get me started. Kyle is my only trusted mechanic. I truly could not ask for a better brother. He is one awesome dude.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLE!

Kyle and our Grandpa Fred (our mom's dad.)

I got the t-shirt......

Personally, I think MY shirt is funnier.

Jake was joking one day that he survived a year with me. He said that he should get a t-shirt or something. So, I had these made for our anniversary. We wore them last night to my brother's birthday party. Not sure why, but everyone laughed harder at Jake's. ??

Independence Day

We spent the Fourth of July in North Ogden. We got up early and headed down to the parade. It seemed like every person living in North Ogden was there.




After the parade, we went to the park for the carnival. They were doing free games and tattoos for the kids. I figured it was a good time to get Hayden's first tattoo. Sorry Grandma! :)




Hayden was in a great mood at the park. Luckily for the most part it was overcast and not too hot.


After a cookout and homemade strawberry ice cream at home, we bounced over to the high school for the firework show. Luckily we got there 2 hours early. The football field filled up fast!


Here is Bailee, being WAY too cool to sit with the family.



Finally a picture with me in it! I am usually the one BEHIND the camera.



What an absolute perfect day. I am so grateful for the soldiers that spend their lives serving and protecting us. We truly live in an amazing country. We are so blessed to enjoy the freedom that we have.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!