Heber

We were able to head to Heber after our trip to Mexico, and ended up staying 2.5 weeks! We originally planned the trip for one of my best friend's wedding. Fortunately, she got married close to the 24th of July, which is a holiday in Utah. Her wedding was gorgeous. The sealing was beautiful and I was so happy I could be there with her. And SHE was the most gorgeous bride ever. We've been besties since 4th grade and I'm so happy for her!

We planned a mini "Jones family reunion" since it was a holiday and we'd all be there. (Besides Gav of course.) We went on a video scavenger hunt. (The whole family. We took up three cars.) We all went to the Demolition Derby together, and of course had some yummy meals. One thing that was really fun and rewarding was we did a "progressive service breakfast" for my grandparents that live in Heber. We traveled to the three homes and did yard work for my grandma's and then ate a part of our breakfast. It was fun, and I know they really appreciated us.

The next week I stayed to help my mom for a week with Kellen's youngest, Berklee. Drew and Luke came home for a few days so Drew could go to school, AND buy us a van! So exciting. I'm in love with it. It has made my life so much easier with the automatic doors, bluetooth, GPS, DVD player, and music controls. Sounds dumb but I never knew how much those things would help! Haha!

Some other highlights from the trip included: a hike/picnic at Provo river falls (a family favorite spot), MANY trip to Dairy Keen, the Hogle Zoo with Leesh and the kids, the carnival (we were there during Wasatch County Fair Days), watching Jaylee sing in the talent show, visiting with LOTS of friends, and game nights with my siblings.

 Luke picked me some flowers :)

Poor buddy got stung by a wasp in my parents' back yard. :(

 Simpson's Clue 

 A week apart

I was so happy to get to spend so much time in Heber. It was a beautiful two weeks. Perfect weather, I got to see many friends and visit many of my favorite places, and most importantly make lots of memories. Luke has the best memory and remembers so many little details about "Hever." Luckily we get to go back this weekend for Labor Day. It wont be long, but I need a Heber fix every now and then. Especially after spending so long there and remembering just how beautiful it is there. I love my home town!

My big boy

Dear Luke,

You have grown up so much since we brought your baby sis home. It's like you went from toddler to boy at the snap of a finger. Your vocabulary has grown, you are able to go potty all by yourself, you eat a lot better, you are so much more independent. You have grown. We went through a rocky stage where I think you were trying to figure out your new place in our family. No longer the only child and now with a little baby to help us with. You finally adjusted though!

It makes me so sad that you have grown so much but excited at the same time. You are hilarious and you bring so much joy to our home. The things you say, and your tender heart just make me smile. You really love Ali and love to lay by her, give her kisses, sing to her, and talk to her in a "baby voice" like you hear mommy do.

You still love Mickey Mouse, all things Disney (that might be due to our season passes, you lucky duck!), super heroes, and playing outside. This summer we have been traveling so much and doing so many fun things that I'm afraid when our lives slow down a little you might be bored! We have been to Wet n' Wild (the local water park that is new) 6 times, Disneyland 3 times, Mexico for a week, and Heber for 2 weeks!
You have learned to LOVE traveling though and since we got a new van you are actually excited for long car rides. Hope that lasts a while. ;)

You love to play pretend and often bring me invisible objects to eat or wear. You love pretending to put on a show and dress up in your super hero costumes. You are quite the character and you think you're pretty cool ;) Your posing for pictures are hilarious, and you love taking pics of yourself.

You start preschool in 2 weeks and I am so excited for you, but also so sad for me. Just thinking about dropping you off brings tears to my eyes. My little baby grew up right before my eyes and will be attending PRE SCHOOL two days a week. So crazy.

You absolutely love nursery and are slowly learning more about the gospel. Your prayers are the sweetest most sincere little conversations with Heavenly Father, and I'm thankful I get to hear them. Something I will always remember throughout your life and different stages.

We love you so much, buddy. You make us laugh, you surprise us with your memory and vocabulary. You are constantly worried about others' feelings and I know you will be a great friend because of your tender heart. I hope you always love me and daddy as much as you do right now. ;) I'm very thankful to have you in our family and feel very lucky to be your mom. You make our journey in this life a happy one.

Love you my little man.

Mom

Mexico!

For almost two years now, Drew's mom has been planning some kind of vacation for his side of the family. She and Drew finally found the BEST deal on a beach house in Mexico for a week! We have been looking forward to it since we booked it during Christmas and the time finally came the second week of July. Driving down into Mexico when we first crossed the boarder in to Tijuana was completely humbling. At first I was going to use the word sad but then decided humbling is more fitting because the people there are used to their lifestyle and surroundings. The thing is that is their life and they are HAPPY. They don't need all the luxuries we have in America because they appreciate the life they live. It made me realize how spoiled we are and we should recognize our blessings (of all kinds but especially material in this case) every day.

We drove past Tijuana, and through the next little city Rosarito. We got lost a few times but luckily my man speaks spanish and we were back on track in no time. :) We finally made it to the beach house just about 10 minutes past town in a gated community. Each of us basically had our own floor! It was amazing. My favorite part of the house was the top deck, where we spent a lot of our time. We read books up there, did each others' eyelashes, and played games every night.

We ate at lots of different places, a few good, a few not so good. Basically, our family ate lots of cheese quesadillas (since we don't eat meat.) But those were good! Haha. Drew's birthday we went to Thrifty ice cream, which is his favorite, and then did a pinata and opened presents! Fun way to spend his 28th, if I say so myself ;) We spent most of our time at the beach but a few other highlights of our trip are below.