Happy Birthday Stephanie!

Today is my beautiful niece's/best friend's 25th birthday! We have been so close since she was born and like a sister to me. Monday night B and I took her out to Benihana's for dinner. It was REALLY good food and a fun experience! I also found some old pics of us. Happy birthday Steph! Love you!

Singing happy birthday to her

Blowing out the budda candle

I think this was Steph's birthday up at Wickiup, I'm guessing maybe her 5th bday?

Us in Arizona

Wickiup

Baby birds

So the baby birds on our front porch hatched a few days ago. The weather has been so hot, I know they are just miserable. Last night, one of them was laying on the edge of the nest and I was so nervous that it would fall out. Well, this morning, I went outside and noticed one of them did fall out. The nest is pretty high up, but luckily it seemed okay. So I got some gloves on and put it back up there. I was afraid the adult birds wouldn't go near it after I did that, being that they watched and chirped madly at me while I picked it up, but they've been in the nest and feeding all day. It's really interesting to watch.

Love you

Zoooo

It's not often the three of us get to be together the entire day, so we decided to hit up the zoo this morning. It was perfect because it was pretty cool out. It's nice to not have to deal with a stroller anymore. And though Peyton feels like he has free reign, he's getting much better at staying with us. It was fun, and I cherish the time I get with both of my boys!

On the way there, Brandon elbowed me and told me look at Peyton. He was rocking out to Bob Marley and I snuck a little video of him:

Getting started by the black bears.

Walkin with Daddy

This is the highlight of the zoo for him. He's way more interested in all the construction going on than the animals.

Checking out the elephants

Riding the hippo.

Taking a coffee break with mama.

He loved the goats. He kept saying hi to them and "awww."

"Nice."

Hitchin a ride

We were trying to get Peyt to sit with daddy and the penguins, but this is what we got. :)

Watching the train go under the bridge.

Eating lunch before we leave.

Chowing down. They were hungry guys.

Loving it

We have a plum tree, pear tree, and blackberry bushes that give us lots of free, organic fruit in the summer and I LOVE it! The plum tree is LOADED as well as the blackberries. The pears still need a bit more time, they are usually ready by the end of summer. We also have an apple tree, but they are full of worms this year. Peyton loves to follow me around waiting for bites of berries. And Tootsie will eat them right off the bush-apparently the thorn pricks are worth it! Crazy dog. Here are some pictures.

Ripe Plum

Not quite ready plums

Pears

Today's pickins' (I got too hot and quit, there were plenty more!)

Today's plums

This weekend.

Friday night we went to a wedding, and unfortunately my battery died in my camera so I only got one picture:

Saturday we went to my brother Hugh's house and celebrated my niece Marissa's 12th birthday. It was so hot out and he kids had lots of fun in the pool. Happy Birthday Rissa!

Mama:

Peyton sitting with cousin Lexa while Marissa opens gifts:

Austin:

Drinking punch:

Handsome hub:

The kids had a blast in the pool

Lovers:

Had to do the cake in the garage because the wind kept blowing the candles out:

Peyton talking to Scotch:

Airborn:

Riding Marissa's bike with Uncle Brett:

My boys were so pooped as soon as we got home:

Sunday we went to my parent's for a BBQ and some cards.

Peyton loungin:

Peyton watching Toy Story 2 with Grandpa while some of us played cards:

Rummy Royal:

Steph and my brother-in-law John (probably trying to figure out if my mom cheated or not! ;)

And a side note of pics from this morning. Peyton weed wacking:

And washing his tractor (again):