Hurry! Before Utah Closes

We just got back from a wonderful little vacation. The Huber family reunion was being held out in Fairview, Utah this year and we decided to make an extended trip out of it. Before heading out to the reunion we wanted to stop by Arches National Park in Moab, UT. It ended up being around a 16 hour drive, but our girls were absolutely amazing during the drive. No complaining and only a couple are we there yets. The cutest thing was at our first stop for gas - - Allie asked if we were there and Derek said not yet, we still have a long way to go. Her response, " we have to hurry before Utah closes!!" It was so cute. She didn't want to miss out on seeing her cousins, grandma and grandpa and aunts and uncles.

I never really realized how gorgeous Utah was, but it is so beautiful there and the weather is amazing too!

we got to the park around 5am - just in time for the sunrise

[you can see the "Balanced Rock" to the left]

hiking to the "Delicate Arch". Took about 1 - 1.5 hours to hike up to it. I just about threw up (being out of shape and the change in altitude) but it was soooooo worth it!!

The Delicate Arch

soaking in the breathtaking view (literally - I was shaking b/c I'm afraid of heights!)

That's Derek and Allie down under the arch - eek! I was NOT thrilled about Derek taking her with him down there. But we're all safe and sound so I guess it's okay.

After seeing them down there I had to go down and take some close up pictures.

Sunset Arch

Fiery Furnace

Double Arch

Balanced Rock

The Three Gossips

The Two Double Headed Monsters ;)

Independence Day Festivities

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted something. We've been so busy.......I'm so exhausted. But it's been fun! Be sure to check back later (either today or tomorrow) for posts on our trip.

This 4th of July wasn't as action packed as it usually is. We definitely missed being with my family (the float trips, camping, fireworks, cornhole, the COMPANY). We kept ourselves busy though doing, you guessed it, organizing the house. It's still not all done. It seems like we have even more to do now that we just got home from a long trip and all of our stuff is everywhere! My parents are coming in a week so we have a lot to get done. We're all so excited to show off our new home though.

Derek had the Friday before off of work. We had planned on going to the lake but it was raining so we went and saw Toy Story 3 instead. Such a good movie! Derek and I were more excited to see it than the girls. This was Avery's first experience at a movie theater.....and really Allie's as well. We took her to see Cars when she was just a few months old. That was the last time Derek and I have been out to see a movie and I don't know if that really counts since it was at a base theater! Anyway, we were worried about taking Avery because she won't sit still at home to watch a movie. The popcorn and Icee kept her entertained for about the first 20-30 minutes or so and then we had to fight with her to keep her still and quiet. Derek ended up standing by the door with her for most of the movie.

When we left the house Friday for the movie we noticed some water standing in the garage. It looked like it was coming from the water softner but we weren't sure. Once we got home we looked into closer and the water was coming in right at the foundation. We shut our water off and called Old Republic, the company we had our home warranty through. They never sent anyone out or tried contacting us. They are such a scam! Anyway, we finally got a hold of them and they gave us permission to hire our own plumber and then they'd take care of the bill. Well, the water was coming straight from the pipe - where the builders had put a nail in it. It had finally just rusted enough to start leaking - and, of course, Old Republic said they wouldn't cover that. At least we got it taken care of before we left on our trip.

Sunday we drove over to Six Flags to watch the fireworks and some really nice Army vet bought ice cream for us to thank Derek for serving our country.

Monday we headed over to our church breakfast and then headed out to Utah right after!

Sea World

Well, I bought my 2 year pass to Sea World - - Allie has a Fun Pass (Avery is free). We had our first adventure yesterday. The girls, especially Allie, loved it. I enjoyed it as well, but it's hard to do anything with just one adult and two little ones. Because of that I didn't take that many pictures. My favorite part was actually this little show that we went to.....why? because I got to relax! The girls just sat there in awe...really enjoyed the looks on their faces. We went to the playground area first.......big mistake! It's hard to explain but its this net type tunnel that goes on forever. Allie wanted to do it. I watched her do the first section and she freaked out towards the end of it as some other boy was coming the wrong way. She calmed down and went on to the next section - meanwhile Avery and I walk back down so we can keep track of her - next thing I know Allie is crying hysterically. I was yelling up at her trying to calm her down and then some nice gentleman came to her rescue and helped her the rest of the way. I'm a worrier and so I was really worried about Allie and I was lugging Avery around so I was absolutely drenched in sweat at that point.
{off topic, but it seems like I'm the only person that sweats around here! Allie always makes comments about my face being wet. I look at other people and there isn't a drop of sweat on them!!}

Anyway, after that we went to the waterpark to cool off!!

I was just going through the pictures on my camera and came across a couple I thought I'd share.

This was taken before our very first trip to the pool

We got this little castle play thing for $15 @ Goodwill. We figure it's something for the girls to play on until we get them a nice play set (and we should be able to sell it pretty easily)

Allie trying to push Avery while riding her bike!

Allie trying out her photography skills

He was on the side of our house....we spot one of these anole lizards on a daily basis!!

Dressing Messy

Derek in his mess dress for the SNCO induction banquet. Filling in for the Colonel.

PAPA

These girls adore their papa.....for Father's Day we took these pics and they are just too cute not to post.

More of the House

Still not all neat and tidy and nothing on the walls yet.......but here are some more pics of the house.

Birthday Girl

Well, we definitely spoiled Allie this year on her birthday. First there was the circus and then her princess pool/pizza party........and then yesterday, on her birthday, I took her to a place called Dynamoze. When Daddy got home we went to Peter Piper Pizza. Both places, by the way, way over priced and we probably won't go there again. I told Allie exactly that about Dynamoze and, of course, she told Mony and Papa. They told her they would take her back when they come to visit. On top of all that, she has been spoiled by Grandparents, Great Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles with packages and cards in the mail!

Thank You Buddy & Kim!!

Thank You GG!!

Thank You Grandma & Grandpa H.!!

Thank You Mony & Papa!!

Thank You Johnston Family!!

Playing @ Dynamoze

Peter Piper Pizza - like Chuck E Cheese. We won a little over 1,000 tickets and still ended up with just a bunch of little, cheap trinkets

Princess Pool Party

Allie turns 4 Monday!! I really can't believe it. Time is flying by!

When I asked Allie what kind of a party she wanted she said, "PRINCESS!!"  So, a princess "themed" party it was.....again (she wanted princess last year too).  In all actuality, it was just a princess cake and pink plates. The place: the community pool. And, we had it to ourselves!! We were shocked that no one was there on a Saturday. A few people showed up here and there but, for the most part, it was just us and Allie's little friends. Allie had an absolute blast and loved having some kids to play with.