God Bless America

I was very excited for Collin to celebrate his first Fourth of July. It was also his first trip to Bishop and he did amazing on the long 5 hour car trip. We spent 10 days there. Daddy was recovering from Thyroid surgery so mommy drove and the three kids smooshed into the middle seat together. This was nice for Collin because Hannah could help entertain and feed him. Bishop is a fun place to be on the fourth and I know the kids will all have good memories of their time there. My favorite thing is just to sit back and watch them have fun, away from the crazy fast pace day to day we typically have. They love playing with their cousins and being around family. We fed the ducks at the park, visited the train station, went fishing, went on a hike, went to the farm, went swimming, did art projects and just enjoyed each other. Hannah's favorite activity was the farm. She loved how the two goats Barney and Elsa escaped from the gate. She also enjoyed playing 'My Country Tis of Thee' on the piano, doing sparklers, driving in the back of Gramps' truck, and of course playing Restaurant at the Z Bar with Zane, Weston and Jack. Jack says his favorite part of the trip was playing baseball with mom. You seemed to really enjoy swimming this year and spent a lot of time in the big pool with Uncle Larry, Nana, Gramps and Uncle Jeremy. You will also forever be quoted now with your infamous phrase "We're gunna cook it on the grill" in reference to the fish we caught (always with a shout out to Uncle Jeff/Uncle Jeremy and Great Uncle Larry who always so selflessly give up their catch so the kids can take turns reeling them in.). Collin I think you most enjoyed spending time with new faces particularly Nana, Gramps in the rocking chair and Auntie She She who Tim has officially deemed the baby whisperer. You also liked watching your siblings and big cousins play. I know you'll be running around with them in no time. I enjoyed our family hike even though our typical spot was flooded this year due to all the rain. I love seeing the beauty of the mountains and lake and how much fun the kids have just exploring nature. Hannah and Jack were covered in dirt, skipping rocks, and wading through water. We even witnessed a beautiful bald eagle fly overhead. I've never seen a bald eagle in nature and it was pretty cool. Collin, you are just shy of 4 months but did great on the hike in mommy's front pouch. And of course the 4th is always a highlight. We love watching the fireworks from the back of Gramps' truck while eating popcorn and m&ms. Hannah and Jack love driving back home in the bed of the truck with no seat belts. Collin you slept through both nights of fireworks. This year with a family of five, a baby who wakes 3 times per night and a recovering surgical patient Nana and Gramps gave us their bedroom which meant camp outs in the tent for Hannah and Jack with Zane, Weston, Nana and Gramps. Hannah and I left Bishop for 2 nights and drove to Las Vegas for Hannah's National Dance Competition. We had so much fun together on our own little vacation. I hope I get the chance to take Jack and Collin on their own get away someday as well. While I was gone, Nana took the night shift and Nana and Sherrie stepped up. I missed the boys like crazy, but must say two nights of sleep were glorious. When we returned, I was making up for lost time and giving Jack some extra attention. We were playing baseball together on the grass. He was having so much fun laughing and smiling that it makes me happy to think about, but unfortunately I had a freak accident. I was barefoot and while running, my toe must have gotten stuck in the grass. I knew instantly something was wrong. Uncle Jeremy carried me to the car since Daddy isn't supposed to lift over 15 lbs. and i was off to the emergency room. One xray and two shots later, I had not only dislocated, but also broken the toe. The whole time waiting at the hospital, I was the most sad that I had to leave the baseball game with Jack. Now I'm on crutches and can't carry Collin because I'm on one foot which has been less than convenient. But I'm choosing to look at the bright side and remember all the fun moments from a great trip.