Things I Learned from the Heber Valley Railroad

1) "Historic Train Ride" really means historic. As in old train cars that have no air conditioning.
2) When on said, "Historic Train Ride" on a 100 degree day, it would be wise to wear capris and pull your hair up.
3) A train ride in the middle of the day (11-2) does not fit well into nap time routines for kids under 2.
4) The hour and a half ride would be better for kids under 2.
5) Do not ride in an enclosed car in the summer time...migrate to the back of the train to the open air car--you will be very thankful you did.
6) Enjoy the view!
7) Relax and enjoy spending time with family.
8) Be envious of all the people you see floating down the Provo River while you are dripping sweat.
9) In spite of what they say, sneak your own food on. Ok, so that might be dishonest, but $5 is waaaay too much for a plain sandwich on bread...and $1.50 is ridiculous for a teeny bag of chips.
10) Let Grandpa buy the kids T-shirts in the Gift Shop...the boys will love them!
11) Be thankful to your cousin, who took the time to drive your dad to Utah.
12) Be thankful that your husband--not you, changed the poopy diaper on the train.
13) Be amused when your husband chats with the conductor about trains...the different engines and what they were used for...
14) Recommend the rail road to your friends. Its just one of those things you have to go do!
15) Spending time together with Grandpa on the train was priceless. Really, in spite of it all, it was well worth it!

{My cousin, Boyd, with Mason.}

{Mason and I relaxing on the train}

{Jonas and Grandpa Butler hanging out}

{Jeff chatting with the Conductor about trains}

Sealing

Yesterday Jeff's little sister was married in the Bountiful temple. It was seriously one of the sweetest ceremonies I've been to. I came away from the experience feeling renewed and ready to refocus on what matters most. Today I feel a new determination to try harder to be better in all that I do.Isn't she such a beautiful bride? As for the groom, we are all pretty excited to have such an awesome new brother in law.

I feel an overwhelming gratitude for the temple and the sealing power. I'm thankful that {almost} six years ago Jeff and I were able to kneel across the altar and begin our eternal family. I am humbled that I get to walk through mortality and into eternity with these special guys.

The Storm Before the Storm

They say that there is a calm before the storm. I don't believe it. July is going to be a crazy month for our family and all this time leading up to the craziness has been...well, crazy. To get my To-do list done, I've been staying up until at least 1 AM every night, sometimes 2.

First off, I got this car seat cover made for my good friend Alisha. She is due any day with her first little girl...and that's after 3 boys! I had so much fun actually making something girly! I've also been busy making these cute polka dot ties (I heart polka dots!) for my boys and nephews. They are going to be wearing them at Alese and Shane's wedding this weekend.

So we have the wedding craziness starting tomorrow and going through Saturday. Then next Friday my Dad and cousin Boyd are coming into town and we will be heading up to Heber to go on a train ride. A few days after they leave, my Mom will be coming into town for a few days for Carson's birthday. Then there is Carson's birthday and all the party planning because he wants a birthday party with friends this year. When that all winds down, its our Anniversary on the 30th, and then focusing on getting ready for Carson to start school. Phew, I have a feeling this summer is going to fly by with so much to do!

Celebration

So, how was your 4th of July weekend? Ours was crazy busy, but so much fun!

We started out the weekend by camping out in the yard in the tent. The boys had SO MUCH fun and had a hard time settling down to sleep. We will certainly be doing that again sometime soon. Saturday morning Jeff decided to move a huge rock into my front planter bed. The man is a genius and used some odds and ends things we had around and made a skid to pull it in on. After moving the rock we headed up to South Jordan to go see Toy Story 3 with our cousins.

Then we went over to Kris and Alese's house and barbecued and played until it was time to go to the Sugarhouse fireworks show.

But is one firework show really enough? The next day everyone came out to our house after church for another bbq, water balloon fights, and more fireworks. Uncle Shane provided the fireworks for us and the boys sure loved it.

Overall, it was a pretty awesome 4th this year.