Ruby Turns 8!

Ruby had her 8th birthday & I can hardly believe we've had 8 years with this amazing girl! She is so fun & sweet & silly & good. It's been such a joy watching Ruby grow & this is my favorite age with her so far. As always, she could hardly contain her excitement with all the birthday celebrations. She loves all of our birthday traditions so much & really appreciates & notices all the little details, which makes celebrating her really fun. Happy Birthday, Ruby - you truly are a little gem! We love you!!!

Such a Ruby face - what I would give for even a fraction of her energy. 

She requested an oreo ice cream cake this year. 

Birthday party at the American Girl store! This was the most darling party - they all brought their dolls & had their hair styled, played games, did crafts, ate cake, & had a blast. 

And a few things I want you to remember: 

1. Face your fears. My favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quote is, "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

2. Learn to cook & do it regularly. Good food is powerful - it brings people together, it provides fond memories, & cooking is a way of giving love to those around you. 

3. Be happy for other people's success. It's the remedy to jealousy & will serve you well throughout your life. 

Back to School

The kids started school last week - Ruby is in 2nd grade & Noah is now a kindergartner! Noah has been counting down the days until school starts - every day he would ask me, "How many more sleeps till I get to go?" & would be so disappointed that he couldn't go that day. Ruby was nervous but was super brave - I feel for her. New things always make me nervous too & I remember school definitely being one of them. But they both had great days & came home smiling & bubbling over with excitement. I feel like I get way more information out of them now because they're both competing to tell me first about the details of their day. I hope it lasts! I'm grateful these two have each other & get to run into each other throughout their days. They told me they always run up & hug each other which makes me smile just thinking about. 

And just like that, life seems to have completely changed in an instant. They're getting big & they're needing a little less of me & they're happy. And it turns out I'm really happy, too. Each season is a good one, & this one is no exception.

4th of July

The 4th of July at Aunt Debbie's is always a good time. Tyler's extended family has a really special bond & are so close with one another. It's been fun watching families grow & the second cousins love each other so much. They're in heaven when we're there & we hardly ever see them because they're so busy playing. The boys always put on an impressive firework show with illegal fireworks bought out of a shady basement...ahhh tradition! We're really grateful for this beautiful country & the freedom we enjoy. 

Utah!

We made a trip out to Utah over the 4th of July for Far Far's (Tyler's grandpa) 90th birthday. It was so great to see him again & celebrate such a big milestone in his life. The week was spent with family & friends & we had a great time. We couldn't get over the weather. We were actually cold! In summer! 

No trip to Utah is complete without a trip to Mrs. Backer's Bakery

We spent one night as a family remembering Mor Mor (Tyler's grandma) who passed away in December. We went out to put flowers on her grave & the kids all left a penny, heads up (she was big into good luck). 

Ruby's face in this one! She loved her Mor Mor

We also spent a night at the rodeo - this is Tyler's BFF cousin Adam. They're obsessed with each other & always pick right up wherever they left off. 

I hadn't been to a rodeo since I was a kid & this was Ruby & Noah's first time ever going. It turned out to be really fun. 

Far Far's birthday celebration. This was such a great party full of family & friends that love him so much. We all shared our favorite memories of him & he seemed to really love the whole night. 

And we met up with an old friend of mine from when I was in elementary school & our families finally met! We both just happened to be in Utah at the same time & hadn't seen each other since my wedding. It was so fun to catch up & have everyone meet each other. 

The Past Few Months in Pictures

Rockstar Noah - this boy loves music!

Best buds

Another soccer season!

Dirt, a magnifying glass, & a ziploc bag kept this kid busy "exploring" for a long time.

Always.

One of their favorite things to do with Grandpa.

A little ukulele session

Noah & Grandpa during Ruby's soccer game

I don't know what the kids are doing, but they love their Grandma!

Donuts w/ Dad at Ruby's school

Zoo field trip

These two!

Noah's letter to Ruby: "I am sorry. You're the best girl in town." How can I make that boy never leave me?!

???

Ruby started Activity Days & loves it. How is she old enough for this?!

"My new bed" - Noah went through a phase where he would sleep under his bed every night & kept this sign up until he decided that his bed was actually more comfortable. 

Little angel w/ the cutest freckles