Utah, Fourth of July, Idaho.. A Whirlwind Trip!

Austin took his second board test at the end of June, and then it was off to Utah for us! We had been looking forward to getting out of Arizona for a few weeks but not so excited about the drive. Because of that, we left a day early so we could stop in St. George instead of driving the whole way. I'm so glad we decided to do that! My Aunt Jenny was so nice to open up her home for us to stay at.

Paxton's new favorite movie Baby Einstein's saved us for the parts of the trip that he was awake. 

One of the main reasons we went to Utah was for the blessing of our new niece Camrie! She is such a cutie, plus it was a great excuse to have all the family together.

Four generations

Austin sure missed these girls!

We were so sad that Debbie couldn't make it out with Wade, but we had lots of fun just hanging out in Logan. Austin got to help build some things with his dad and brother, even though it was 100 degrees that day I think he still enjoyed it haha Wade had to go back a few days before the fourth, but at least he was able to be around for a few hours on Austin's birthday!
I felt bad that we didn't really get to celebrate Austin's birthday, but he didn't seem to care. I think just being with family was a great birthday for him! That night we went out to eat with my family.

The next day Austin's mom, Steve and Grandma Nail came out! It had been so long since we were able to see them, I think they were surprised at how big Paxton was! Ashley also decided to buy a scooter while we were in town, so we took it for a spin around the block :)

Steve always knows how to get the kids to like him... just give them candy! haha 

After that it was time to celebrate the Fourth of July! I always love getting dressed up for this holiday. That morning we stopped by the Horrock's family breakfast to show off Paxton and see those people we haven't seen in a few years. 

We hung around SLC for the day, swimming and visiting Scheels to look at guns. That night we drove back to Logan, but made a dinner stop at Maddox in Brigham City. 

Austin's last day in Utah we spent chilling in Logan. I'm glad we got this picture of Diane & Grandma Nail with all the grandkids! 

Straight from Litchfield, the game washers haha 

Austin unfortunately had to drive back to Arizona by himself so that he could start up a new rotation. As he always says, we get to be on vacation all the time while someone works haha We did stay up in Idaho with my mom and sisters to help plan a wedding shower for Lexi! 

On one of the days my sister Lexi took her bridals in Pocatello. I can't spoil the surprise of her in her dress, but here are some pics I snapped of Paxton while we were in the field watching. 

We've got a Baby Gap model right there! 

The pictures were late at night, so we stayed in a hotel after. There were six of us, including Paxton, in this one hotel room. Of course Paxton could hear everyone through the night and wouldn't sleep in his crib. That meant five of us were in one king size bed, with my sister's fiance on the couch. No one slept well that night, and as we were getting ready the next morning Paxton crashed out for a nap. I have never seen him do this but I think the trip was starting to wear on him! 

He was also getting very tired of car rides haha 

The rest of the week was spent in Rexburg with my Grandma Wendy and Grandpa Drew. Paxton loved the big house and big back yard to play in. This pig instantly became his friend. Just his size! 

Naked boy on the loose! 

Well after spending that whole week planning and preparing, Saturday was the bridal shower. I think it turned out so cute! I think she liked it and we had lots of fun with everyone! I still can't believe she is getting married! It is so crazy seeing my younger sister go through all this. I feel like we just got married ourselves, but I guess it was three years ago... 

The pink zebra peanut butter cookies were a huge hit! 

Party planning is hard work! But having everyone help out really made it turn out cute! 

That night I let Paxton run around outside and enjoy the nice cool weather and grass, before it was back to Arizona. 

We really did have so much fun seeing everyone, but man was it a crazy trip! It was kind of nice coming back to Arizona with Austin and our own space : )