Eden's big day...

On July 13th, Eden turned One year old.

To celebrate we invited our family and friends over for cake and ice cream in the backyard. The warm July weather was perfect.

Here's our little birthday girl.

Chloe wanted a picture with Edie and I don't think it could've turned out any cuter.

We are so lucky to be surrounded by such great family and friends. Aside from grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, Edie had 6 great-grandparents at her party. I am glad they are a part of her life, and that she is getting a chance to know them.

She was spoiled by absolutely everyone that attended. She made out like a bandit with a boat load of clothes and toys. This is the beautiful dress Alicia gave her. Thanks to everyone for all of the adorable gifts and for taking time to come party with us.

The spread.

The cake. Made with love by me. Okay. Made with love by the nice lady at Dick's bakery.

Attempting the candles. She needed a little assistance.

The traditional eating of the cake. Eden was apprehensive at first but then dug right in.

We let Indie in on the action. She just rubbed it all over herself.

I can't believe it was a year ago that Eden joined our family. The time has flown. She is such a sweet and funny little girl with a big personality. I have learned so much from her and I am amazed by how dang smart she is. She is a great example to her older sis and Indie is learning and growing so much just by being around her.

I love you Edie.

Kisses from Indie...

Usually Indie is pretty stingy when it comes to doling out kisses. However, on the fourth of July, for one reason or another, she was feeling rather generous.

I will just say there's not much better than getting to kiss those sweet, tiny pursed lips.

Eyes closed and all...

Going in for the kill...

Oops, missed...

By the time she was done I think she had kissed all but a few of the bar-b-que guests.

It was adorable.

God bless the U.S.A...

I've said it more than once but I'll say it again, the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. This year it landed on a Sunday so we had a three day celebration.

Me and my sisters plus Edie and Cashy at the Kaysville Parade.

Chelsea, Lindsey, Cash, Alicia, Me, Eden, Lydia, Indie and Mom.

Munching on an apple before the big parade began.

Fourth of July cuties...

Handsome little devil.

This year the parade was super long and super hot. This was my favorite float because it was probably one of about 5 actual floats.

Cort and Rodgie were in the parade this year. It was fun to see them and they hooked us up!

Tony gave the girls a birds eye view...

For the past three years the Taco Time float has thrown out beads and every year we end up with a bunch. This year was no different.

How quickly this...

can turn to this...

My babies.

My love...

On to the rockin' Rigby bar-b-que where we all eat till we're sick and then gorge ourselves on homemade ice cream.

My sweet grandpa...

My flag cake.

Keeping with tradition, we went to Eaglewood Golf Course for a picnic and fireworks.

And of course we had to take our traditional photo...

Only this year we've added two little ones to the tradition.

Thank you to all the brave men and women who have defended this great country. I feel blessed to live in America and enjoy the freedoms that I have.

Days 7 and 8...

Day 7

We went to Pebble Beach and drove along 17 Mile Drive. We got out and took a picture right here. Hopefully one day Tony will be able to take another picture here while he is actually playing this really expensive course.

The famous "Lone Cyprus"

Spy Glass golf course is in the background. It was so beautiful.

We went back to fisherman's wharf and had lunch at Old Fisherman's Grotto. We ate probably the best clam chowder I've ever had...except for yours Annelee. We were stuffed.

That evening we went to make a bonfire on the beach but the tide came up so quickly we had to abort. We drove along the beach and watched the sun go down.

Almost every night we were there Brooke and Mike played games with us. I always thought Tony and I loved board games but these guys really love them. They own hundreds of games. It was so fun to finally get to play games with the real "gamers." They taught us a new game each night. My favorite was Agricola. It was really involved but really fun.

Day 8

Sadly, day 8 was our final day. We packed up early and headed for home. We were going to sleep in Reno again but we decided to just push through and we made it all the way home in one day. The girls did pretty well on the drive home.

So I wanted to say that Brooke is my eldest cousin. She is the oldest child of my mom's older sister Le Anne. Brooke and Mike got married when I was like 12 or 13 or something and Mike is in the Army so they have lived all over the U.S. and in Germany. We really didn't get to see them very often. In fact, in the 7 years we have been married Tony had only met Mike once. It was so much fun to spend time with them and get to them better. Tony and Mike really hit it off and I, of course, loved spending time with Brookie.

Brooke and Mike,

This trip was just what we needed. We seriously had so much fun. You live in one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Thank you for letting us stay with you so that we could witness it. We love you guys so much.

The End!