Happy Fourth of July!

We had a wonderful 4th this year. Much like years from my past, the fourth is always celebrated the same when I am here in Idaho...and this year wasn't any different. Parade, family BBQ and fireworks. I didn't actually attend the big firework show this year...I figured putting Noah to bed on time sounded a little better to me than roughing the crowds and having a crabby baby. But the parade and family BBQ were great...and I think Noah's first Fourth of July was a real special one!

I decided to make Noah a T-shirt...to send a little love his Daddy's way. This was the finished product, along with other pictures from the day. We love you Andy, and miss you lots!

We also took a little trip out to the Field of Flags here in Idaho Falls. Its an area where they dedicate flags to Veterans, Active Duty Military members and fallen soldiers. We had a flag dedicated to Andy.

As a side note, I also got to see a lot of good friends this weekend. My friend Laura was in town visiting her sister...it had been two years since we had seen each other and it was fantastic! I also got to meet up with Amy and Jon...can we just say Reed's Dairy? Yum!

We had a wonderful holiday, and are so grateful for the freedom we enjoy. Especially to those who defend our freedoms. May we appreciate it, and not take it for granted.

Portland

So just this last Wednesday, Noah and I returned from our two week trip to Portland. This was my first time every visiting the state of Oregon, and I have to say I was quite impressed. The weather was beautiful, the company was great and the adventures were memorable. I look forward to visiting Andy's family again soon. But for now, here are some great pictures of our time there. I have to thank Andy's sister Natalie for taking a lot of these! We ended up taking quite a few candids of Noah...so bear with me and all the random pictures!

While visiting, you can bet your money that I took the opportunity to get Noah a few new clothes. I owe that in part to MacKenzie and Natalie, for kindly pointing out all the cute outfits to me...but I just couldn't resist! I will mention though, that everything I bought him was on sale...so I don't feel too bad. Especially when I see how cute he looks. See Exhibit A:

Family Night. A family in the ward invited the Stockhoffs over for a fun game of soft ball. I opted not to play, for fear of public humiliation...but did snap some cute pictures of the little guy and I. I will say that Gary, Natalie and MacKenzie played a fine game of ball, and we loved watching the action!

The Oregon Coast. The girls and I (and Noah of course) took a day trip to the Oregon coast. It was such a beautiful place and I loved shopping at all the coastal shops. We even got ourselves a tasty cup of frozen yogurt and some jalapeno salt water taffy!

Roseburg, the heart of Oregon. Gary took the girls and I to visit Nanny in the heart of Roseburg. About a 3 hour drive south of Portland. We had so much fun, and even held our own initiation ceremony...where Noah proceeded to poop on Nanny. Needless to say Nanny is an official member of the 'Noah went to the bathroom On Me' Club. While in Roseburg we were sure to hit up Abby's Legendary Pizza...and make a stop at the Art Festival...where Noah played the part of Mona Lisa.

Anniversary. Of course there was our two year anniversary, which all of you have already heard about. Thanks to Nana, Gramps, Aunt Kenzie and Aunt Natalie for being such wonderful hosts!

We had such a great time there, and can't wait to visit again!